Let's see your toolbox.

[purplezr2]

Wow. That is awesome. The only thing it needs is a good polishing

 

[jerseykat1]

Well, it’s not a name brand powder coated beauty like some of the members have posted, but here’s my homemade all aluminum tool chest. These pictures were taken shortly after I finished it, but it’s still in use and just about outgrown. I’d take newer pictures, but it’s too darn cold out there right now.

The tool chest is made from scrap aluminum, squirreled away from work. Only the drawer slides were purchased. The tool chest frame is 2” square 1/8” wall tube. I cut a slot along the inside edges of the tubes and welded in a length of T-slot extrusion (this was to provide better adjustment of the drawers). The sides and back are 1/8” aluminum sheet. The drawers (17) are also made from 1/8” aluminum sheet.

It occurred to me that due to the width of the frame tubing, there was a 2” deep area at the top going unused. I designed a lifting top that is raised using gas struts that make this space accessible. The struts alone can’t lift the top from the closed position, so I made a foot lever that when stepped on, pushes up on the 4 parallel arms on the lid, raising it just enough so the gas struts can take over. There’s a hidden button under the top horizontal frame tube that lets the foot lever extend.

Not that I need to lock it, but there’s a single lock in the center of the lid that locks the lid and all 17 drawers.

Frame

Drawers

Closed

Closed1

Lid

Lid1

Open

Open1


I’d always wanted a large, multi-drawer tool chest, but was (and still am) too cheap to shell out the money . . . so I built my own. In the process, I also learned how to MIG weld aluminum.

My favorite. Why? Because you made yourself, and out of aluminum.. Much respect. Very cool.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[FEVERinc]

That's awesome.This is why i want to learn how to weld.

 

[peterblock]

Nice!

 

[Bob Heine]

Well, it’s not a name brand powder coated beauty like some of the members have posted, but here’s my homemade all aluminum tool chest.

I’d always wanted a large, multi-drawer tool chest, but was (and still am) too cheap to shell out the money . . . so I built my own. In the process, I also learned how to MIG weld aluminum.

Imagineer:

I apologize for not quoting all your pictures but that's a great job. I really like the cantilever top. Best of all, it's made in the USA.

If you need a bigger box, I'm sure there's quite a few GJ members who would be happy to trade a nice powder-coated, larger size Made-in-Moravia beauty for yours.

 

[jpickar]

Well, it’s not a name brand powder coated beauty like some of the members have posted, but here’s my homemade all aluminum tool chest. These pictures were taken shortly after I finished it, but it’s still in use and just about outgrown. I’d take newer pictures, but it’s too darn cold out there right now.

The tool chest is made from scrap aluminum, squirreled away from work. Only the drawer slides were purchased. The tool chest frame is 2” square 1/8” wall tube. I cut a slot along the inside edges of the tubes and welded in a length of T-slot extrusion (this was to provide better adjustment of the drawers). The sides and back are 1/8” aluminum sheet. The drawers (17) are also made from 1/8” aluminum sheet.

It occurred to me that due to the width of the frame tubing, there was a 2” deep area at the top going unused. I designed a lifting top that is raised using gas struts that make this space accessible. The struts alone can’t lift the top from the closed position, so I made a foot lever that when stepped on, pushes up on the 4 parallel arms on the lid, raising it just enough so the gas struts can take over. There’s a hidden button under the top horizontal frame tube that lets the foot lever extend.

Not that I need to lock it, but there’s a single lock in the center of the lid that locks the lid and all 17 drawers.

Frame

Drawers

Closed

Closed1

Lid

Lid1

Open

Open1


I’d always wanted a large, multi-drawer tool chest, but was (and still am) too cheap to shell out the money . . . so I built my own. In the process, I also learned how to MIG weld aluminum.

Nice Job! I like it a lot! Do you take orders?
John

 

[platform389]

A lot of pictures so skip if you get bored.

Not a chance. Thanks for sharing them. All were studied closely.

 

[mjoekingz28]

What brand is it?

Maybe you will keep it a secret, thats ok but I think you should fab up a placard from your favorite metal with the following information: material (aluminum T-6 as you say......date began, date completed.......your name and signature....and of course the location you are........and do it well so??? who knows

 

[mjoekingz28]

I think I see some sharp corners on the front to the right/upper and lower.....maybe go over so you or kids or anybody doesnt get knicked. I ran my finger through the oil filter mounting threads before and got a nice drop of blood.






Edit: I see you said you sanded

 

[David W]

My kudos as well. That looks absolutely professional. It appears from the pic dates it took you about 5 months to do the job and I'm sure a lot of pre planning before starting anything. Was there a lot of problem with the aluminum warping?

 

[mjoekingz28]

Good question David W!

I got to thinking why it seems every toolbox-portable, chest, and cabinet, are always steel. I guess it is mostly so the metal drawers can flex when weighed down. I think aluminum is more rigid and will fracture before it flexes or bends. But maybe we can hear what the builder has to say about it.

 

[imagineer]

What brand is it?

Maybe you will keep it a secret, thats ok but I think you should fab up a placard from your favorite metal with the following information: material (aluminum T-6 as you say......date began, date completed.......your name and signature....and of course the location you are........and do it well so??? who knows

What brand?? It's homemade.

There is a small stainless placard (about the size of a business card) attached tot he inside of the front frame (out of view) that I had laser etched with a message for my son. The day I turn this over to him, I'll move the placard to the visible edge of the frame.

 

[imagineer]

I think I see some sharp corners on the front to the right/upper and lower.....maybe go over so you or kids or anybody doesnt get knicked. I ran my finger through the oil filter mounting threads before and got a nice drop of blood.

Edit: I see you said you sanded

It's been in use for 9 years and I haven't been injured by it yet.

 

[imagineer]

My kudos as well. That looks absolutely professional. It appears from the pic dates it took you about 5 months to do the job and I'm sure a lot of pre planning before starting anything. Was there a lot of problem with the aluminum warping?

From the start of the CAD drawings (AutoCAD) to calling it done took just under 3 years. I work a lot and typically only have a half day per month available for tinker time. If I were able to apply whole weekends to it, I would have had it done in a few months.

I'll admit, the frame came out a bit askew, but because of the T'slot in the vertical frame members, I was able to compensate. I made a wooden 'buck' for welding the drawers and they are all straight.

I'd venture to say that my design and material choice makes this tool chest stiffer and less prone to racking than commercially available ones.

 

[imagineer]

Good question David W!

I got to thinking why it seems every toolbox-portable, chest, and cabinet, are always steel. I guess it is mostly so the metal drawers can flex when weighed down. I think aluminum is more rigid and will fracture before it flexes or bends. But maybe we can hear what the builder has to say about it.

I'm not too concerned about cracks or fracturing. Again, it's been in use for 9 years and I've yet to make any repairs. It's welded using 4043 wire which has more ductility than 5356 or the base metal, 6061. If I had it to do all over again, I'd use 6063-T5 aluminum. It's not as strong as 6061, but has better weldability and more ductility (and it finishes better).

 

[BK13]

There is a small stainless placard (about the size of a business card) attached tot he inside of the front frame (out of view) that I had laser etched with a message for my son. The day I turn this over to him, I'll move the placard to the visible edge of the frame.

That is way-cool! Nice job, sir!

 

[MattVette89]

Well, it’s not a name brand powder coated beauty like some of the members have posted, but here’s my homemade all aluminum tool chest. These pictures were taken shortly after I finished it, but it’s still in use and just about outgrown. I’d take newer pictures, but it’s too darn cold out there right now.

The tool chest is made from scrap aluminum, squirreled away from work. Only the drawer slides were purchased. The tool chest frame is 2” square 1/8” wall tube. I cut a slot along the inside edges of the tubes and welded in a length of T-slot extrusion (this was to provide better adjustment of the drawers). The sides and back are 1/8” aluminum sheet. The drawers (17) are also made from 1/8” aluminum sheet.

It occurred to me that due to the width of the frame tubing, there was a 2” deep area at the top going unused. I designed a lifting top that is raised using gas struts that make this space accessible. The struts alone can’t lift the top from the closed position, so I made a foot lever that when stepped on, pushes up on the 4 parallel arms on the lid, raising it just enough so the gas struts can take over. There’s a hidden button under the top horizontal frame tube that lets the foot lever extend.

Not that I need to lock it, but there’s a single lock in the center of the lid that locks the lid and all 17 drawers.



I’d always wanted a large, multi-drawer tool chest, but was (and still am) too cheap to shell out the money . . . so I built my own. In the process, I also learned how to MIG weld aluminum.

That is truly amazing. Very impressive work.

 

[zkling]

Well, it’s not a name brand powder coated beauty like some of the members have posted, but here’s my homemade all aluminum tool chest. These pictures were taken shortly after I finished it, but it’s still in use and just about outgrown. I’d take newer pictures, but it’s too darn cold out there right now.

The tool chest is made from scrap aluminum, squirreled away from work. Only the drawer slides were purchased. .

That's awesome, great job. You are lucky to have access to "free" material from work. At 1/8" drawers that must have some weight to it! Do you recall the rating, source and price on the slides?

 

[imagineer]

That's awesome, great job. You are lucky to have access to "free" material from work. At 1/8" drawers that must have some weight to it! Do you recall the rating, source and price on the slides?

Yes, working at an aluminum extrusion and fabrication company has it's benefits.

The drawer slides were bought off of Ebay . They are 150lb full extension slides and none have failed yet**. I got 15 sets off Ebay (about $4 set, probably Chinese) and had to pick up two more sets ($16 set, Accuride) at Lowes.

** Every now and then (like once a year), I have to spray a little WD40 into the works of the drawer slides because they tend to get gummed up with shop dust.

If memory serves, the solid model (Autodesk Inventor) of the tool chest with weight estimates on the drawer slides and massive casters (re-purposed oil drum casters) was around 260lbs.

 

[Nissan_Tech]

Just a copy and paste from the HF cart mod's thread.

Sorry for the late reply, haven't been on here as I was busy with work.
Here's the semi finished pics. I still have the drawers to do, but I might just end up wrapping the faces with some vinyl

Here are some drawer pics

My old co-worker gave me this since he was leaving and had bought a new cart to take with him to the other dealership

I think the socket rack was the best thing I've made since it free'd up a lot of room instead of having the plastic that hold them.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I think the drawers would look good in red with black handles.

 

[G20-Budo]

Open1


I’d always wanted a large, multi-drawer tool chest, but was (and still am) too cheap to shell out the money . . . so I built my own. In the process, I also learned how to MIG weld aluminum.

Imagineer - very cool toolbox build!

 

[husky]

I joined the GarageJournal to look at a few specific workshop ideas; toolboxes was one.

Imagineer you have given me an inspiration. 8 drawer roller boxes run to around US$500 down here on the tip of Africa (and not SnapOn either - an HF equivalent I think, sold by a Walmart subsidiary here) so I'm planning to build my own but sheet steel I guess.
Thanks.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Just signed up for tapatalk let's see if I can post multiple pics now.
Picked up the mb1080 to replace my 40" husky. It's 11 or 12 years old but had been sitting in the owner's garage for 6 years since her husband passed so aside from some scratches it's in great shape. Top is kitchen counter & works great. The previous owner put carpet over over the drawer liners so they're pretty much brand new.
Old

New








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[Greg85mcss]

More






Still working on the layout & have a few empty drawers. Top chest is spare bolts, grease gun, materials


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[Greg85mcss]

Cart which probably has about the same value of tools in it








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[Derek1387]

Ended up picking up the HF 56" box today. Want to swap out the two fixed casters for swivels....what do you all recommend for casters without breaking the bank?

 

[Exceller8]

I didn't know HF made a 54" box?

 

[paigej]

And a 72"

 

[Greg85mcss]

I'm not sure if this logic translates to a box that size or how much you plan on moving it but the hf black cart with 4 swiveling casters is much harder to push in a straight line than the red one with 2 fixed. I debated upgrading to the red for a couple years because the black one weighs 2/3 as much & is hard to push across the shop. When I did it's a night & day difference but 4 swivels is much better for maneuvering in tight spaces.


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[hoston23]

More






Still working on the layout & have a few empty drawers. Top chest is spare bolts, grease gun, materials


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hey on that propane blue torch. there is a holder you can buy for them at Lowes and it mounts to the wall. it keeps it upright. I added magnetic strips to mine and put it on the side of my box. it helps light quicker also and gives you that room in your box back

 

[OCD]

I just sold one of my mastercraft boxes,

To make room for this,

It's a 2 year old 72" Masters series, paid just under half of retail price... Some of the drawers were never used!!

Owners manual was still in the plastic wrap,

Even had the pen,

 

[Greg85mcss]

hey on that propane blue torch. there is a holder you can buy for them at Lowes and it mounts to the wall. it keeps it upright. I added magnetic strips to mine and put it on the side of my box. it helps light quicker also and gives you that room in your box back

Ironically I was just there Sunday & happened to look at the torches.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[peterbilr98]

I just sold one of my mastercraft boxes,

To make room for this,

It's a 2 year old 72" Masters series, paid just under half of retail price... Some of the drawers were never used!!

Owners manual was still in the plastic wrap,

Even had the pen,

That's nice

 

[peterbilr98]

ok ok finally got the epiq with ring work top so hopefully the power top comes soon my older72 Krl and the old trusty HF 56 not bad for a cheap box like it better than eny craftsman I've had

 

[peterbilr98]

Oh and the 95th anniversary epiq came with the big epiq

 

[imagineer]

I think I've been inspired as to what to build as a companion box for my homemade tool chest. That top hutch is giving me ideas...

 

[Gotmayhem]

Oh and the 95th anniversary epiq came with the big epiq

Love the look of each of them. Somewhere down the line I want to trade my Classic 96 in for a 68" Epiq with a similar drawer layout to your blue one, minus the power cabinet.

 

[Mastermind]

Need more pics of that little one...drawers work and everything?

 

[zkling]

Good question David W!

I got to thinking why it seems every toolbox-portable, chest, and cabinet, are always steel. I guess it is mostly so the metal drawers can flex when weighed down. I think aluminum is more rigid and will fracture before it flexes or bends. But maybe we can hear what the builder has to say about it.

Cost and ease of manufacturing, steel wins out.