Vintage machinist's tool chests

user459 · May 9, 2020

I restore vintage and antique wooden machinist's tool chests and cases. I have restored over 230 of them so far. Many are over 100 years old. Gerstner, Union, Pilliod, Wedell & Boers, George Scherr, STAR, National, and others. They are all on my web sites.

alinc100 · May 9, 2020

Welcome to Garage Journal ,Terry.
Here are Terry's websites:

www.gerstnertoolchest.shutterfly.com
www.terrystoolboxes.shutterfly.com
www.terrystoolboxes.com

2oolhound · May 9, 2020

Welcome to GJ! It would be a great idea to post pics of some of your restorations. That would entice many of us to visit your web site I'm sure but this site is our "go to" site for tool related content and most of us don't like side trips to other sites to see the same. 230+; over 100 years old; Gerstner, Union, Pilliod, Wedell & Boers, George Scherr, STAR, National, and others!!! that does sound intriguing. Photos would be appreciated.

Private Lugnutz · May 9, 2020

There is a very healthy interest in antique and vintage wooden machinists chests here on GJ, usually centered around someone's lucky flea market, estate sale or FB find, shortly followed by its restoration and discussions about materials and methods, etc. I don't think we have a single thread dedicated to them, but if you search on "machinist chest", "Gerstner", "Union", or the other brand names, you will find projects scattered around. With your experience, I am sure that many of us would benefit from your participation here. Looking forward to seeing some of your boxes and especially any current projects you have going.

Username already in use · May 9, 2020

Private Lugnutz said:
With your experience, I am sure that many of us would benefit from your participation here. Looking forward to seeing some of your boxes and especially any current projects you have going.

Davefr · May 9, 2020

Welcome to GJ!!

By chance do you happen to have a spare Union ring pull?

I had to make one to tide me over but would sure like to locate an original some day.

ZRX61 · May 9, 2020

My Union:

Packard V8 · May 9, 2020

Welcome to GJ.

Also, we'd appreciate a post here listing some of the parts sources you've found valuable for your restorations.

jack vines

Private Lugnutz · May 9, 2020

I'll second that. Including the mirror (square, but mounted rotated like a diamond) and trim for a late 40s Union/Craftsman. I've been waiting to run into another salvage box with one. For the box in this thread linked here.

RTM · May 10, 2020

Hey Terry

I’ve followed your work on the other sites, especially on handles. I have a few chests and cases, and I’m psyching myself up to tackle new handles for them.

jabberwoki · May 10, 2020

So beautiful. I`ve never seen one for sale around here . But I`ll be looking now.

rusty65 · May 16, 2020

Hey welcome to the forum. I recently picked this chest up and am wondering what you think of it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

alinc100 · May 20, 2020

Anyone near Oak Lawn Ill? https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/184973576008564/

alinc100 · May 23, 2020

alinc100 said:
Anyone near Oak Lawn Ill? https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/184973576008564/

well,darn....it's now marked SOLD :lol_hitti

Username already in use · Jun 13, 2020

Hmm, I guess that STAR chests don't get a lot of love, but this one was cheap and followed me home full of tools today.
Missing 1 corner foot and one pull knob for the bottom drawer (has a bolt in there) it's otherwise complete.

I guess the previous owner was a fisherman... Gonna have to work on getting that B.A.S.S. sticker off of the front cover.

I inquired about it thinking the cost was for the box only, but I ended up taking it for cheap WITH the tools. :beer:

alinc100 · Jun 14, 2020

Picking up this Gerstner 42 tomorrow after work.

alinc100 · Jun 14, 2020

Username already in use said:
Hmm, I guess that STAR chests don't get a lot of love, but this one was cheap and followed me home full of tools today.
Missing 1 corner foot and one pull knob for the bottom drawer (has a bolt in there) it's otherwise complete.

I guess the previous owner was a fisherman... Gonna have to work on getting that B.A.S.S. sticker off of the front cover.

I inquired about it thinking the cost was for the box only, but I ended up taking it for cheap WITH the tools.

I consider every one that didn't make it to a landfill a victory. That Star will need plenty of work but as a hobby project it will be worth your time.

alinc100 · Jun 25, 2022

Picked this one up today from an Estate Auction. Auction ran 7 days I think, was able to put in a $ I was comfortable with and luckily ,while it ran up at the end,they didn't surpass my bid. It is a Union D-17 in Birch from 1942-1945. It is (most likely) getting passed onto another member here who has been looking for a wooden machinist box. I dusted it off and took a few pics just to keep a record. I had to look closely as the birch almost confused me ,thinking it was walnut. The tip off for me is I am allergic to walnut wood and had no issues.

honza.vosalik · Jun 29, 2022

Thanks @alinc100 ! The chest arrived today.

honza.vosalik · Jun 29, 2022

More pictures

bmwrd0 · Jun 30, 2022

alinc100 said:
I consider every one that didn't make it to a landfill a victory.

Ain't that a fact.

alinc100 · Jul 1, 2022

That bench/work area looks very clean and tidy.

alinc100 · Jul 1, 2022

Here is where I determined the year/specs : https://sites.google.com/site/theguideforwoodmachinistchests/pg-42-union-chest-case-specs

toolboxted · Jul 2, 2022

After years of searching, I’ve finally nailed a 1914 Gerstner #41A machinist tool chest. It certainly has been used but it’s in remarkable condition for 108 years old. It even came with its original decal label in-place and a working lock with the original key, number 6QM 9.

The only missing parts are the 2 bushings in the front panel that the 2 locking pins in the face board of the till go into when locking up. The other item is the front right bottom brass corner guard.

A good size piece of leatherette had come loose from underneath the right side of the case. I’ll cut some of that off before re-glue for repair in a couple other areas.

Notice the piece of paper above the mirror. It says ‘You don’t need to watch the clock. It won’t get away’. It’s held there by 2 very old, stamped, one piece, thumb tacks. I’m going to leave it all there.

Just cleanup after repair……Ted

senlow · Jul 2, 2022

Congratulations Ted. That little Gerstner is a beauty. I'm pleased that it has found a new home where it will be cherished!

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