Wood cabinets for tool, parts or nuts and bolts or even your socks. please show them

[drivesitfar]

Gerry: thanks for reviving an old thread that is still one of my favorites. nice looking boxes and tools too. it might not be a Gertsner, but I'd probably rather own yours than a Gertsner any day.

WELL DONE!!

also welcome to Garage Journal and check out the metal cabinet thread I started about the same time as this one in case you might have some good old European metal cabinets to show off please do.

cheers

ALL: I'm getting closer to making some shelving or cabinets for these old wood bins and anybody already do so that maybe want to show me yours?

 

[Lee Celtic]

These are my wooden cabinets for my tools.. there are six draw units now but I don't have a photo as the handles for the last two bays have not arrived yet so you only get to see 4 bays...

All made from reclaimed board and pallets.

https://scontent-lht6-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32148913_423878811371372_3406354136009015296_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=64250a6f3fb762c8df47b51387d9cd27&oe=5BBBE9A9


and proof they are for tools..

https://scontent-lht6-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33501348_430682114024375_7007171325890396160_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=34b524157b343342a4519109ce05da6a&oe=5BAE2BB5

 

[drivesitfar]

Lee: you sir have some serious SKILLS. WELL DONE!!

do you have the build in your thread or i'm betting a lot of us would like to see more pictures of it during the process.

 

[davewo]

Here's a metal/wood combo. I made this a few years ago to hold all my Durham small parts boxes.

View media item 46030

 

[humber2]

Very few older Gerstners in the West of Ireland and if there were, they would be prohibitively expensive. I keep hand tools in these two old Moore & Wright toolmaker's chests on my assembly bench. The upper one is c. 1950's/1960's I would guess and the lower, beat-up item is older, possibly pre-war - not sure. I like the historical feel to these things and the fact they are still in use. The smell is wonderful too! Also posting the wooden box for my largest vernier callipers.

Gerry

Both cabinets are those still listed in the M&W Catalog of November 1970

The bottom slot is usually used to slide in and store the removable lockable front.

The front is described as being designed for use as a sketch board.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here's a metal/wood combo. I made this a few years ago to hold all my Durham small parts boxes.

That's a great idea and a nice-looking result.

 

[jeffmoss26]

davewo, that is awesome!

 

[Gerry Clarke]

The 1007 Moore & Wright chest is listed in 1939 too.

Gerry

 

[fowldarr]

It seems like every time I find a cool wood tool box it is either rotten, broken, or prohibitively expensive.

 

[ed4banger]

A few Gerstner chests and a Craftsman/Union. The tall 3 and four column units are from the Patent Office, and used to house examiner search files.

 

[beatcad]

nice collection ed
i've also used 1x2s to stack Gerstners with handles

 

[Motochick]

This is my husbands Gerstner model 52. It was given to him by my uncle, who has been a machinist most of his life. I don't know anything about it, the age, material, etc. I do know it is HEAVY! I am making a cover for it as I type this. I would like to clean up the metal parts but I am afraid to take them off, for fear of them not going back on easily or if at all. Advice?

 

[ed4banger]

This is my husbands Gerstner model 52. It was given to him by my uncle, who has been a machinist most of his life. I don't know anything about it, the age, material, etc. I do know it is HEAVY! I am making a cover for it as I type this. I would like to clean up the metal parts but I am afraid to take them off, for fear of them not going back on easily or if at all. Advice?

I don't think you will run into any problems re-installing removed hardware. I have done it on a few boxes now. Just pull one at a time, clean, and reinstall same place same orientation. I doubt you will want to remove the riveted parts, just use painters tape on the adjacent portions of wood so you don't scratch it when you clean those pieces. You can also replace any and all hardware if you choose, as Gerstner still sells it all, but what you have iMO does not need replacement. Nice box, I have an old 052 I got from my father, also a machinist, and also filled with tools. Doesn't it have a wonderful smell? Good luck whatever you decide to do.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

...and a Craftsman/Union.

Whoa! Ed!! Beautiful chest, timely post, and you don't know how happy I am to see that!

I just found one at a flea market on Saturday. I started a GJ thread linked here. It's intact, badly in need of some TLC, and it's missing the drop-front panel, the lower half of the locking center clasp, and the mirror. I'm going to have a bunch of questions for you and I'm going to ask for some photos. If it's okay with you, I will PM you.

 

[ed4banger]

Whoa! Ed!! Beautiful chest, timely post, and you don't know how happy I am to see that!

I just found one at a flea market on Saturday. I started a GJ thread linked here. It's intact, badly in need of some TLC, and it's missing the drop-front panel, the lower half of the locking center clasp, and the mirror. I'm going to have a bunch of questions for you and I'm going to ask for some photos. If it's okay with you, I will PM you.

NOT A PROBLEM. I haven't started a restoration yet on this Craftsman box, but its on my list. Happy to help in any way.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I haven't started a restoration yet on this Craftsman box...

Restoration?! Ed, to each his own, but if my finished project ended up looking even half as good as that Craftsman box looks right now, I will be ecstatic. It's gorgeous!

And thanks. Let me catch my breath and organize a good list of questions and things (photos, dimensions, explanations) I think I need.

 

[beatcad]

This is my husbands Gerstner model 52. It was given to him by my uncle, who has been a machinist most of his life. I don't know anything about it, the age, material, etc. I do know it is HEAVY! I am making a cover for it as I type this. I would like to clean up the metal parts but I am afraid to take them off, for fear of them not going back on easily or if at all. Advice?

ok, i've been drinking, so i may be a bit off

by looking at those pix. i wanna say that is mid to late 70s.
i'm looking at the drawer configuration and the handle..
now that i think of it; it may be mid 70s.

IF you want a cover for it message me..
i've got one i dont need. you can have it for free...well maybe $16 to cover shipping...i dont know where ya live....

 

[Motochick]

Cool! Thanks for the info and I PM'd ya about the cover. Sometime in the 70's would work for when my uncle would have been working.

 

[bubinga]

This is my husbands Gerstner model 52. It was given to him by my uncle, who has been a machinist most of his life. I don't know anything about it, the age, material, etc. I do know it is HEAVY! I am making a cover for it as I type this. I would like to clean up the metal parts but I am afraid to take them off, for fear of them not going back on easily or if at all. Advice?

I don't think you will run into any problems re-installing removed hardware. I have done it on a few boxes now. Just pull one at a time, clean, and reinstall same place same orientation. I doubt you will want to remove the riveted parts, just use painters tape on the adjacent portions of wood so you don't scratch it when you clean those pieces. You can also replace any and all hardware if you choose, as Gerstner still sells it all, but what you have iMO does not need replacement. Nice box, I have an old 052 I got from my father, also a machinist, and also filled with tools. Doesn't it have a wonderful smell? Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Replacing the rivets is easy too.
But you will normally need to replace the felt when your done.

 

[Motochick]

The felt is in pretty good shape, I'd rather not if i don't have to. I will try Eds idea, seems easy enough and I would like to preserve the smell, LOL.

 

[alinc100]

picked up 2 boxes today via FB Marketplace. I think I did ok pricewise.
The first one I believe is a Star/National chest,the second a Crowntop Craftsman.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Beautiful cases, A!

 

[alinc100]

Cleaned up the Star a bit, washed it down and applied shellac to the drawer fronts. Got all the old felt out. Going to replace the felt and call it good.



The knobs are all clenched like rivets/nails which doesn't make it worthwhile to me,to remove them. If I did that I'd refinish and even out the tone a bit but for now, new felt call it a day.

 

[bubinga]

Easy, take a die grinder and a burr, grind away the rivet heads inside drawers, pull out knobs, refinish, jb weld studs back in re felt done.nice chests bty

 

[alinc100]

And after a day of shopping for supplies ,and hurriedly refelting. I used liquid hide glue so it is reversible.I will probably redo a couple edges when I am rested and fresh. I wiped on a coat of Waterlox Original sealer on the drawer fronts today as well.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Looks great! Billiards table quality! And, after removing three of those danged split pin rivets today, I don't blame you for taking the conservative route.

 

[bubinga]

Looks great

 

[thundermug]

I love this thread. This is the first wooden cabinet I remember obtaining. Made from old cheese boxes. Not too exciting. Or useful.

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65271910_10100109497902942_8671923958607511552_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_oc=AQkQAPVq_JQkjTxHMHi9ohRL9SBrFQUwh1IX1HWAhUSpOUpL9OYJDy4cbk3tgEzhGms&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=9ab3a24664b1fcab0c3f2fcac730a35c&oe=5DC2056C

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65225784_10100109497942862_8443832672312098816_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_oc=AQn7kkwaWH9r5BrU9jqaV1m2TvOeEPTC-3eLxlcZC77uLRssqsOnweyFzp1pfhiyxqk&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=d8ccf77368d4569015177ddcd2f6eb5a&oe=5DBC546B

 

[thundermug]

Handmade box. Not sure how old. Made of pine.

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65377655_10100109497967812_1538472163193913344_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_oc=AQlNnBBOuL90ZqfmKpFA98hwTfUmgM1e7Wy-9lwKrQmFRv_o1wSqvzCYfqAWtb3OEm8&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=18de8d9bae9ab8c4294978ee986915fb&oe=5D7B3B09
https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65169769_10100109497992762_3483783965335093248_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_oc=AQnwFjslf1FXnER2EWwfV_BJlqO0MrMELkfw6nUZJ-BWiCpjLN99rUr7axwd1alUlFc&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=355e338b55692fce5da714220fef1a27&oe=5DC531E8

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/64771194_10100109498032682_3337267821821296640_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_oc=AQnXMRvZSYnJG2FVCLdyWkgMrbHPFjZFzoCc5TnC7dAKnl8OfyWXiEfdBJ8DcWdOtao&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=26de553d6e577315639059568ebdc271&oe=5DBA0B55
https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/64943952_10100109498052642_8428310037734096896_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQm8CMa1u3T8mD2ivT4gd-37DkqJdGyjIjgdB4t1mGLSU0nn8rj7WN8zcsNlZE4wi3s&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=abba7686c523af440a662a5ecc1be6d9&oe=5D8DC92A

 

[thundermug]

Not sure who made this. Factory made, but no decals, stamps, etc. Really nice box.

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65046384_10100109498132482_2772952682980179968_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_oc=AQmTrlc22qNEKN4UcnmyDWjGQLHX304xaUZtHBAWPIJ87Ia82KV83M31qlf1CWoxHXc&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=1feb41969b45aeb371aa8ba7d4c48ea4&oe=5D8DAECB

 

[thundermug]

Garage sale find. Roller skate box.

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65033409_10100109498466812_4227824119506272256_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_oc=AQmjsH73ACHatgne9ylZUBMi5UUoYF3Cil-8uebd-KckD8PpRwIMXHcJTN6HdLPK2pw&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=156ebeeabfe933856b68293ac455d6b7&oe=5DC6A77F

 

[thundermug]

Weis oak desk from 1915 or so. Snagged this for $50 from CL. Nifty typewriter table is anchored to the side and swivels around. I work from home, and this desk serves me well.

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65668504_10100109498506732_2425600978192433152_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_oc=AQm2rrdWX3k1kc_UowJV35mZLovV04YcNYnskf9e4_gvKpqpHcYJxu9vc1ScfeBAfvw&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=c300c71d98a283e93c35e827dca75237&oe=5DBFDC94

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65194338_10100109498551642_1516481655760486400_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_oc=AQkSYG3eXsfF4JhvE2PW_s8qOe79zzwlaYExocbE1R028A4EYWBf6psOiWZAZy5yfO8&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=00ad81241839953078921450d6bcbd83&oe=5DBDF2F4

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65302524_10100109498531682_274959378178637824_o.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQnBZ2GEaJyJ0RxS2uO0MybcF5kPmMVKcFN1hqfIA1y-L6LdngFnJR_RjLbArkVOG5A&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=191ccb8f74c290e59a4d38f7d9f2855e&oe=5D788915

 

[thundermug]

Found this in Delaware. Solid quarter sawn oak. It just needed a light sanding and refinishing. Cleaned the rust off the knobs. Look at that joinery. An older box. Sits on the desk and holds misc. cords, batteries, and other office things.

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65194899_10100109498656432_2177713298571526144_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_oc=AQlEABY5S90yjjLhTEQ24M5-M37ppX1ufXLy2k5j-rDL5XsJMuI2xvjtmxK0MOlY36A&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=ae60028a0082e0e77f14574c771b4ad3&oe=5DC1596C

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/64988457_10100109498676392_9026548713769664512_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_oc=AQmk88-_EnpsZTXzj_G1k54Jc9htjKk9ZRNcg5zDSBsFa9zGp4XLJbi14JOEYf-SMJU&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=a30de585f31be38eb00628c2cff065e4&oe=5D90D042

 

[thundermug]

This is a box I made some family. It's a half-scale model of a faking box. It was used by the US Life Saving Service about a hundred years ago to help bring in men from boats that had run aground. It holds about 400 feet of rope.

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65006383_10100109498965812_5954506117592645632_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_oc=AQkQ36FVvqJqGkzXbxbRaI1LKAaTYCrH8hwKDxKqWDuvKSyA0ZnxJGqPp4IYYiQqCh8&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=cd28e2fd1afc290c8e337cb4905e2b48&oe=5D7A03CF

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65043033_10100109499060622_5923868831675056128_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_oc=AQmKZPzcM5KEfjT0Ie6JrmkyLYLVhFdGGv0XPC7SOo0_An0fgp4GtSWI6pbyHuG7OGQ&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=47c73327cc0287c02072cb561508be68&oe=5DC6CB7E

 

[thundermug]

Just obtained this month. A home made machinist box. Solid quarter sawn oak. I was able to get in touch with the family, but they have not contacted me the history of the box. Someone installed some hinges to the face so that it can flip up and over the box. Originally, the front panel was hinged at the top on the inside and would slide into the cabinet, like a barrister bookcase.

I will try my best to clean up and restore this box to Samuel Pollock's standards.

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65563924_10100109499519702_7331048994296037376_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQnOJbx2mMWB_BIAQOSsg4RAjEaDj22O7ayyiqP2_q9ALBd1qx-2AniMalTyuLwLDbE&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=b9b991fda3b0bb32513988de391cb70c&oe=5DC0C976

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65426286_10100109499644452_8100816663995219968_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_oc=AQnyOnHXfr9Sz9Fscgo2VQ0U_qlYJrX9-fuDf9F9iYuIysSfbFux2yZu6m48rCVJRCQ&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=a71f170206c8fa57b144775d84801609&oe=5D79B218

https://scontent-ort2-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/65423508_10100109499679382_8910876023193600000_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQm-Pmp1Hb0lZ_G40NMB8yV53c72vQvitNn8NPEAqB56uxCzygEDh5ANlR5gZjU0CNc&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.**&oh=f70807a360011c0f8f1bbe206b93c594&oe=5D7EC65E

 

[jeffmoss26]

so cool

 

[drivesitfar]

TMUG: I'm happy to hear you like this thread. with more posts like yours this thread could get new life and find others that like wood cabinets as much as you and I do.

great finds!!!!

 

[RedVise]

I found this Gerstner dental box interesting . Brian

https://www.ebay.com/itm/H-Gerstner...847575?hash=item443f01a157:g:x9kAAOSwC71czM45

 

[bmwrd0]

I was actually looking at one of those last weekend, but I couldn't think of anything to put in the pick section. Cheaper though...

 

[Provincial]

Punches, drill bits, taps ...........