The Wall of Craftsman.

[mtwaterguy]

It's going for 350.



Having a problem posting the link but it was posted 20 days ago in Jacksonville Florida. The posting only had the one picture.

Looks like that's the later three drawer mid box. Ive been trying to match my two drawer.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Really like how you have the wall o Craftsman in the OP...

 

[taumac]

Right On! Wow.

Thanks man.

 

[taumac]

Looks like that's the later three drawer mid box. Ive been trying to match my two drawer.

I only see the 3 drawer and didn't see a 2 drawer to yours. I know nothing about the mid cause I never owned one. Does the number of drawers dictate the year?

 

[taumac]

Really like how you have the wall o Craftsman in the OP...

Thanks!!!

 

[mtwaterguy]

I only see the 3 drawer and didn't see a 2 drawer to yours. I know nothing about the mid cause I never owned one. Does the number of drawers dictate the year?

If you look back to my earlier post, #15, I think you can see that instead of the later silver color the box is closer to the one on the far right in your original post. I believe that's an earlier box.

 

[thesilverone]

love it

 

[6PTsocket]

I have a top and bottom unit from this series. They were made by Waterloo Industries. With a few cosmetic differences, the same boxes were made under many brand names. In fact, I have a solid red pair with a Dayton label and different handles and the drawers interchange. I had a similar Craftsman box at work. I am not as nearly attached to them as you are. To remove the drawers, there was a spring clip that you could could operate bare handed. Then they got cheap and made a simpler replacement clip that required a screw driver. In the latest version, the clip is gone and you bend sheet metal to remove the drawers. These were made in Waterloo, Iowa, USA but they are not great. The drawer slides have no bearings and the locking system can hang up. I recently bought a 41 inch wide top and bottom pair from HF that is FAR better quality. The metal is heavier, huge casters, easy release, ball bearing drawers and big rubber covered cast chrome end handles. They are made in China. This set has been written up many times as a great bargain. This doesn't speak well for the,future of our country but not everything old, that was made here, was that great.




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[NUTTSGT]

I believe that is the largest collection of red and gray boxes I have seen. My step-dad has one that has been sitting in the basement and has had since I can remember. I remember opening many times as a kid.

 

[jakemac]

I have a top and bottom unit from this series. They were made by Waterloo Industries. With a few cosmetic differences, the same boxes were made under many brand names. In fact, I have a solid red pair with a Dayton label and different handles and the drawers interchange. I had a similar Craftsman box at work. I am not as nearly attached to them as you are. To remove the drawers, there was a spring clip that you could could operate bare handed. Then they got cheap and made a simpler replacement clip that required a screw driver. In the latest version, the clip is gone and you bend sheet metal to remove the drawers. These were made in Waterloo, Iowa, USA but they are not great. The drawer slides have no bearings and the locking system can hang up. I recently bought a 41 inch wide top and bottom pair from HF that is FAR better quality. The metal is heavier, huge casters, easy release, ball bearing drawers and big rubber covered cast chrome end handles. They are made in China. This set has been written up many times as a great bargain. This doesn't speak well for the,future of our country but not everything old, that was made here, was that great.




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I think you might have missed the point of the OP endeavor. Its not about acquiring top quality. If that were the case we'd be reading about a wall of SnapOn. I too have a HF box, customized to my liking, but I also have boxes from Kennedy, Huot, and Craftsman/Waterloo. The vintage boxes may not compare in quality or features of more modern boxes, but at the time they were the best quality vs price that was available to the average homeowner or starting professional. Nor were they cheap, the buyer often had to save up to make their purchase. This was a time when the 26" box was king, even among professionals. Wider boxes just weren't normal, even in pro shops.

What the older boxes have that the new boxes don't have, is a sense of style, commitment to longevity (if properly cared for), and a sense of nostalgia that will take decades for today's boxes to achieve.

There may come a time when you no longer look at your old box and think about it in terms of quality, but in context of memories. My home shop isn't full of tools (yes it is), its full of memories.

 

[Rileysan]

I think you might have missed the point of the OP endeavor. Its not about acquiring top quality. If that were the case we'd be reading about a wall of SnapOn. I too have a HF box, customized to my liking, but I also have boxes from Kennedy, Huot, and Craftsman/Waterloo. The vintage boxes may not compare in quality or features of more modern boxes, but at the time they were the best quality vs price that was available to the average homeowner or starting professional. Nor were they cheap, the buyer often had to save up to make their purchase. This was a time when the 26" box was king, even among professionals. Wider boxes just weren't normal, even in pro shops.

What the older boxes have that the new boxes don't have, is a sense of style, commitment to longevity (if properly cared for), and a sense of nostalgia that will take decades for today's boxes to achieve.

There may come a time when you no longer look at your old box and think about it in terms of quality, but in context of memories. My home shop isn't full of tools (yes it is), its full of memories.

All of this and more ...

Frankly, why do people feel the need to criticize another person's choice of collectibles?!? I think they look wonderful and take me back to when I was a kid borrowing tools from my neighbor to work on bicycles. I have started my own collection of Craftsman from this era and it has nothing to do with being the highest quality.

The the OP, I salute you. Amazing collection of toolboxes!

Brian

 

[taumac]

love it

Thank you[emoji482]

 

[taumac]

I have a top and bottom unit from this series. They were made by Waterloo Industries. With a few cosmetic differences, the same boxes were made under many brand names. In fact, I have a solid red pair with a Dayton label and different handles and the drawers interchange. I had a similar Craftsman box at work. I am not as nearly attached to them as you are. To remove the drawers, there was a spring clip that you could could operate bare handed. Then they got cheap and made a simpler replacement clip that required a screw driver. In the latest version, the clip is gone and you bend sheet metal to remove the drawers. These were made in Waterloo, Iowa, USA but they are not great. The drawer slides have no bearings and the locking system can hang up. I recently bought a 41 inch wide top and bottom pair from HF that is FAR better quality. The metal is heavier, huge casters, easy release, ball bearing drawers and big rubber covered cast chrome end handles. They are made in China. This set has been written up many times as a great bargain. This doesn't speak well for the,future of our country but not everything old, that was made here, was that great.




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The main reason I started down this road is all stated in post 39. One toolbox that was given to me in good faith from a son to keep his father tools and legacy alive.

 

[taumac]

I believe that is the largest collection of red and gray boxes I have seen. My step-dad has one that has been sitting in the basement and has had since I can remember. I remember opening many times as a kid.

Thanks man, I believe Bluebolt has large collection also but don't believe we ever seen it. I don't believe I've seen someone turn one into a bench as I did.

 

[taumac]

I think you might have missed the point of the OP endeavor. Its not about acquiring top quality. If that were the case we'd be reading about a wall of SnapOn. I too have a HF box, customized to my liking, but I also have boxes from Kennedy, Huot, and Craftsman/Waterloo. The vintage boxes may not compare in quality or features of more modern boxes, but at the time they were the best quality vs price that was available to the average homeowner or starting professional. Nor were they cheap, the buyer often had to save up to make their purchase. This was a time when the 26" box was king, even among professionals. Wider boxes just weren't normal, even in pro shops.

What the older boxes have that the new boxes don't have, is a sense of style, commitment to longevity (if properly cared for), and a sense of nostalgia that will take decades for today's boxes to achieve.

There may come a time when you no longer look at your old box and think about it in terms of quality, but in context of memories. My home shop isn't full of tools (yes it is), its full of memories.

Thanks [emoji482]. I can agree. I have 2 HF44 and some other craftsman machinist chest.


Some might buy a tool box for value but many of mine have a story to go along with it. All of then bring memories when I thing back upon things. If fact if look at the bench there's a Chinese DP and vise. I have a Reed 204, a Prentiss 19, Columbian D44, Wilton Shop King, plus various others. I chose to use that 6 in Chinese vise cause of the memory behind it.

The vise came from a pick. There was a customer of mine that recently the husband passed away and daughter was trying to clean stuff up from her hoarder father. My friend of 30 plus years and I got to go into a detached garage that really nobody (other than husband ) was in in 10 years. I tell you it was first time I ever did that and it was a scene out of American Pickers. We climbing over stuff, moved walls of stuff to get to areas. We only had few hours to get stuff but one item I got was that vise. It not worth anything in value but tons in memories.

 

[taumac]

All of this and more ...



Frankly, why do people feel the need to criticize another person's choice of collectibles?!? I think they look wonderful and take me back to when I was a kid borrowing tools from my neighbor to work on bicycles. I have started my own collection of Craftsman from this era and it has nothing to do with being the highest quality.



The the OP, I salute you. Amazing collection of toolboxes!



Brian

Thank you sir. [emoji482]

 

[taumac]

The story of box 2 and 3.

6D chest 10/70
3D bottom 9/72

At this point in life I just found GJ. I am a very much a man loves symmetry. If I have one on the left I need a matching one on the right. This is why in my garage I have 2 and sometimes 3 of a item depending on the space. I have had the 3 drawer bottom for sometime now and was in search of another. I happen to find a small stack from another GJ member. I asked if he was willing to sell and he said he had no plans for them so he named his price and I agreed. I did sell my 1990's home owner stack


I was sad to sell them but unless I did full ball bearing slide replacement the drawers and slides couldn't hold the weight I was putting in them. So I sold them to buy these.


After few days I sold my set and brought home my new stack. Besides finding a matching bottom I found a local GJ member and good friend which is priceless in my book.


To be continued.....

 

[Tink]

Really like your set up. Looks good. I have a two drawer box that you can have if you want to pay postage. It's not in great shape but it's functional. No big dents or major rust. If you'd like pictures PM me your phone number and I can text/kik them to you.

 

[DuroChrome]

So cool! Love it!!

 

[taumac]

Really like your set up. Looks good. I have a two drawer box that you can have if you want to pay postage. It's not in great shape but it's functional. No big dents or major rust. If you'd like pictures PM me your phone number and I can text/kik them to you.

Thank you. PM sent.

 

[taumac]

So cool! Love it!!

Thanks man.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Bob Villa would be proud to have that for his garage!
But neverless I wonder if he agrees that Crapsman has gone down the drain?

Well said! I got a chuckle out of the Bob Villa mention!

Very cool collection OP!

 

[southalabama]

I love it.

To me the golden age of Craftsman reminds me of working with dad in the garage. At the time I did not appreciate the experience enough. I cherish at as I seem him age and unable to work like he used to.

Another thread here discusses the Craftsman screwdriver smell. To me is takes me back to my childhood and youth.

 

[-Brent-]

Someday I will get my Dad's red and grey set-up out here.





All of mine have a story, too. But I'll tell ya, I'd trade them for a set-up similar to yours.

Nice collection, for sure.

 

[taumac]

Well said! I got a chuckle out of the Bob Villa mention!

Very cool collection OP!

Thanks man, Does the Bob Vila joke go back to those craftsman tool commercials from years back?

 

[taumac]

I love it.

To me the golden age of Craftsman reminds me of working with dad in the garage. At the time I did not appreciate the experience enough. I cherish at as I seem him age and unable to work like he used to.

Another thread here discusses the Craftsman screwdriver smell. To me is takes me back to my childhood and youth.

Thanks man. I started buying tools when I turn 16 back in..... F@CK 1990. I didn't think to much back then about stuff but now I've learn to really appreciate these vintage boxes. IMO these are some of the coolest looking boxes out there. Only ones nicer would be the 50's Hertiage era boxes.

 

[jakemac]

I started buying tools when I turn 16 back in..... X@** 1990.

Child !
(I only have 10yrs on you)

 

[nine4gmc]

Freakin Sweet setup Taumac! Just saw your thread or I would have posted sooner and I only read the first page, I'm posting to find later and catch up.

 

[taumac]

Child !
(I only have 10yrs on you)

DAMN OLD FART! LOL all though I am a child in this GJ world especially the vintage part.

 

[taumac]

Someday I will get my Dad's red and grey set-up out here.











All of mine have a story, too. But I'll tell ya, I'd trade them for a set-up similar to yours.



Nice collection, for sure.

Thanks man, first time I saw pics of your set up I was jealous even though not the same era but same construction. You know I wish your thread on these didn't fade away. I was really learning and pin pointing the dates and when this or that changed. I really enjoyed it. I'm gonna find it and post this in it. Hopefully it will get things going again.

 

[taumac]

Freakin Sweet setup Taumac! Just saw your thread or I would have posted sooner and I only read the first page, I'm posting to find later and catch up.

Thanks Nine. Still got some more stories to tell ( think there's 6 more ) on my journey of this project.

 

[mtwaterguy]

Child !
(I only have 10yrs on you)

And I got you by 15+ young un.

 

[PelicanPines]

You youngins... when I was born... the earth was still flat.

 

[jakemac]

You youngins... when I was born... the earth was still flat.

Flat ? I thought it would still have been molten !

 

[WWShop]

Great story about box #1 and keeping a legacy alive.

 

[Jim C.]

Wow, what a great collection, and equally nice job presenting your vintage Craftsman boxes. The "Wall of Craftsman" you say? I think more like the "Shrine of Craftsman."

Jim C.

 

[gdocktor3]

That's awesome! I have three questions.
1. Are there tools in all those drawers?
2. What's with all the bench grinders?
3. What's in all the yellow boxes lined up on the top shelves?

 

[taumac]

Great story about box #1 and keeping a legacy alive.

Thank you! I was never fortunate to meet her husband/ his father but heard many many of story from Mrs Eve. Every time I go out there and see that red carpet in that toolbox use that vise or a tool from his collection it always brings back good memories.

 

[taumac]

Wow, what a great collection, and equally nice job presenting your vintage Craftsman boxes. The "Wall of Craftsman" you say? I think more like the "Shrine of Craftsman."



Jim C.

Thank you. When I receive a gift from someone I never sell or get rid of it especially under these conditions. When I got box #1 I really fell in love with the character these boxes have. After that I searched, found one then re rearrange the wall and repeated that until I found the last two pieces I wanted to complete the look I was going after with this wall. Over the years it's been an ever changing layout and has evolved over time.

 

[taumac]

That's awesome! I have three questions.

1. Are there tools in all those drawers?

2. What's with all the bench grinders?

3. What's in all the yellow boxes lined up on the top shelves?

Thanks,

1. You have to define tools. The majority of hand tools i.e. sockets ratchet pliers and screwdrivers automotive tools are in my HF44 bench.

Now they do have stuff in them.
The end stack is empty at moment. This is to 2 of the 3 pieces I picked up that weekend.


Here's two other boxes I have. I had 1 already and other I got same weekend as the stack. The rougher one is empty.


Once I get those boxes working I can reorganize what's going where. I really like using toolboxes for functional storage even if they're not storing tools in my garage.

3. Those are all parts bins. Nuts bolts screws this that the other. I store them on their edges to store as many in one place as possible.

2. I have four grinders. 2 block grinders, one's Dayton and one is a Black & Decker. All have different wheel for a different use. If you think 4 is a lot than apparently you haven't seen other members collections of bench grinders. My doesn't hold a candle to some on here.