Desk height tool boxes

[bradpac]

I am redoing my office and really want to use some tool box style boxes as the up rights to a desk/work table.

Most of your average base tool box cabinets are ~33" with the casters taken off which is too high to be comfortable sitting at a desk all day doing half computer work/half electronics repair.
I've been looking at top boxes, but most seem to have shallow drawers and of course a lift up top, which I don't need.

A bottom box more like 25-29 inches high would be ideal.

What have any of you used for parts drawers or tool drawers that is shorter in height but still reasonable in cost. The plan is two box uprights with a light metal frame in between and a 3/4 finished plywood top, overall size is 12ft x 2ft.

 

[Lynden]

Stack two middle boxes for each pedestal. Put each pedestal on a plywood base to bring the pedestals up to desk height.

https://www.sears.com/26-in-3-drawe...MIzLmZge-74AIVl8VkCh2CQwKPEAQYBCABEgLOovD_BwE

 

[bdbecker]

They're out there, but you've really got to look. I've been shopping for a similar height box to fit under my weld table, so I happen to know of a few options for you to consider.

This unit is right around 28" (maybe 29"?) without casters:
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...47-c-9188.htm?tid=-6918400871252819201&ipos=4

These sit right around 27" but are not as well made (which might not be a big deal for desk use):
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...l-bearing-Steel-Tool-Cabinet-Black/1000746798
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...07-c-9188.htm?tid=-8879051134486222492&ipos=1

I believe this is a similar height to the others, but I haven't gotten over to the store to measure it to be sure:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2...th-Flip-Up-Pegboard-in-Black-H27PC1/303411382

Edit:
I should add, I only know about those options because they fit the budget I have in mind - basically ignored anything above the $200 price point - there are more than likely other more expensive but higher quality units out there. Something like this, for instance:
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/37850302

Edit (again):
Have you considered butcher block for your top? Lumber liquidators has 12' x 25" sections of maple and cherry for under $400.
https://www.lumberliquidators.com/l...illiamsburg-Butcher-Block-Co.-MABB12/10012578
https://www.lumberliquidators.com/l...illiamsburg-Butcher-Block-Co.-CHBB12/10008450

Maybe do a setup like gr8smiles did in his garage:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=411007

 

[Lynden]

There are 3-drawer file cabinets that are 28 inches high and 2-drawer file cabinets that are 24 inches high. File cabinets are deeper than tool chests which is an advantage.

https://images.craigslist.org/00Y0Y_ahKP84kEOsx_1200x900.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EU6LUPO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tthornto]

We have a Lista Desk in our server room at my work. It is styled like an industrial steel desk though, not like a toolbox. 6" deep top drawers on each side with the slots on the inside to accept dividers. and a cabinet with a shelf in it under the drawer on each side. I have no idea what it cost but i know it wasn't cheap.

 

[Monza Harry]

SPG International offers side cabinets that are a little shorter than the typical side cabinet. CFS3007RD Pg. 30 of the PDF catalogue. this is a Canadian Company and not everything is available in the US. This cabinet is 30.5" tall they also have shelf units as well. Just a couple of extra options. I would have added a link/pic but I'm not at that post count yet. Harry spginternational.com/en/products/ you know add the triple w @ the front

 

[bradpac]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I thought about the middle cabinet idea, but most are too short and stacking two with the locksets and structure sure does waste some drawer space.

Some of the Craftsman boxes might work. I'm thinking the 26" 2000 series, says overall height 34" with casters, so probably 29-30 without, with a 3/4" top, that's not bad and it's not too expensive. I only wish they were all black, but I'm not above painting them.

https://www.craftsman.com/products/2000-series-craftsman-r-26-wide-5-drawer-cabinet

Two of those with an angle iron frame spanning the ~10ft between them and then just some cabinet grade 3/4" plywood on top.

Using butcher block would be nice, but then I would need an even shorter cabinet, and I don't plan any real heavy work on top, mostly taking apart computers and rebuilding some electronic boxes.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Instead of trying to find a lower box, why not go the other way with a taller seat ? Something like a Cman stool or something similar that is adjustable in height.

 

[bradpac]

I currently have a chair that fits me well, so i want to keep it. For sitting long periods of time, it's best to have a chair height where your knees are straight out with your feet flat on the floor. I spend lots of time in this seat so I'm trying to keep my seating position as comfortable as possible. I've experimented over the years, ergonomics really does make a difference, especially when you're a tall, fat ******* like me. I couldn't imagine being on a stool for 8 hours a day.

 

[DFB]

Well outside of size (height in particular) you really didn't really define any other qualities your looking for such as drawer sizes or slide strength for so who knows what you be happy with

Although you did mention black, Northern Tool offers a BLACK 4 drawer lower cabinet under their Irontron brand that lists as 30 1/4" height dimension and having 4 inch caster wheels.

Also on Amazon there is some brand called NEW AGE and although the reviews aren't very good with shipping damage seems to be the biggest complaint, that also list a 27.9 height without wheels but the feature of interest is that the top is flat and doesn't have the raised rolled edge similar to most other roller cabinets including the Craftsman. (I have several Craftsman lowers both old and new style)

As another point of interest the New Age offerings also had black/gray or black/red cabinet and drawer combinations and they also offer 6 ft pre made worktops.

Just throwing it out there

 

[manwithtools]

You can get a tall chair with hydraulic suspension, I'm sitting at a 41" tall toolbox typing very comfortably right this minute. I actually prefer a higher chair, it's easier to stand and move from this high chair than getting "up" out of a chair to get going. These will be 21" - 29.5" to the seat.

Something like this:

 

[bradpac]

Sadly, the weight capacity of that chair is less than I am. They do make them in a higher capacity, but they are more expensive than the 2 tool boxes. Plus, occasionally there will be two people sitting at this desk, so then we would need another high chair.
I appreciate the suggestions, but a higher chair is out.

Now, I did go to the local Lowes this evening and measured one of the Craftsman 26" 2000 series tool boxes, the box measures 28.75" tall, so with 3/4" plywood on top and some leveling legs underneath I should still be at 30" Perfect.

Thanks everyone for the help, once I get started on this I'll post up some pictures in the fab section.

 

[crewchief888]

i used a side box i had laying around.