Converted Equipto stationary tool box to mobile!

[tarbellb]

One of my Top 5 used tool purchases ever is this Equipto stationary drawer system I got off CL from a guy who was a dealer for them and downsizing his personal collection. If you arent familiar with Equipto, it is right up there with Lista and Vidmar as far as quality.

This system is modular, using "V-grip" vertical post and a tab and slot type system for shelving, drawers, etc... It is a pretty good system for this type, but lacks the solid, movable, feel of a true cabinet.

Not only that, but while the drawers are super nice 400lb removable units, they are the WORST to reinstall, prone to jamming and bending the ball bearing retainers. Absolute terrible design by Accuride slides

So after moving this unit several times now I decided before my next move (end of this month) I would weld up a frame and adapt the slides+drawers into a frame w/ casters.

Details:
Equipto 34"w x 24"d drawers w/ 400lb Accuride slides (14 total)
1x2x.072" HRS tube frame welded and blended
Amazing RWM 4" 46 series casters rated at 1050lbs ea (full locking)
14g HRS steel sheet sides
quick and dirty Enamel paint job (almost didnt paint it but eh)
temp mdf top
Overall size 71"(shaved a 1" off!) x 24" x 46" est empty weight- 700+lbs

Overall super happy with how it turned out, drawer spacing is pretty much spot on. Cleaned and relubed all the slides, buttery smooth now. Im getting ready to move at the end of the month so I just have a temporary mdf Melamine top for now.

The idea was to avoid taking the drawers out ever again, making moves easier in the future. So I switched over to a bin system instead of the divider slates that it came with. This makes it much easier to remove drawer contents when moving, then just reload it. Enjoy.

Original state-

Frame welded, test fit slides

Welded and painted

Slide detail

Waiting for drawers

Bam!

Maybe I will get some better photos w/ the top cleaned off

 

[Richard Cranium]

Yours don't look like it has the bar to keep more then one drawer from opening at once, Be very careful of tipping it over.

 

[royce]

Nice job Tarbellb,
No small feat spacing all the slides just right and keeping it all fair and square.
Will you skin the sides and back? and if so, what with? and what will you cap the top with?
Looks great

Royce

 

[tarbellb]

It does not have a anti-tipping mechanisim, but I am fully aware of the threat. Will be strapped and unloaded during the move as well.

Thanks royce. Yeah keeping it all square and lined up was the big worry. It is skinned w/ with 14g hot rolled steel sheet, enamel paint, with button head screws tapped in.

Here is a better photo-

 

[royce]

It does not have a anti-tipping mechanisim, but I am fully aware of the threat. Will be strapped and unloaded during the move as well.

Thanks royce. Yeah keeping it all square and lined up was the big worry. It is skinned w/ with 14g hot rolled steel sheet, enamel paint, with button head screws tapped in.

Nice job

Royce

 

[rsanter]

Nice work
I have a bunch of lista drawers that I was wanting to build a frame for and turn into a cabinet.
If I had known I would have taken your cabinets and given you a bunch of the drawers in exchange

 

[tarbellb]

I dont think the Lista play well with Equipto, but perhaps. And I wouldtn call the "Vgrip" a cabinet, its a vertical post system, similar to those found in restaurants and such.

Im a sucker for any drawer that can handle 400lbs, so lmk if you need to unload some

We are moving south through Cali, I can stop by on the way!