Tool box top ideas?

[joedodge]

So I'm sprucing up my matco 4s that is about 6 years old. With trying to move in about 5months and other things that go on in life I'm putting a new box for work on the back burner. I've pretty much maximized storage with wrench racks sockets trays small bins and boxes and such tight on space but it'll due. I'm replacing drawer liners with cut carpet tomm. My real question is does anyone have any idea on a nice alternative to replace the factory wrinkle painted board that's on the top that you can't write on anyway. I was thinking 1/4 inch plywood stained and poly urethaned. But thought you guys would have some kind of cool ideas. My goal is a smooth surface I can write on.

 

[basspro]

The plant I am a maintenance mechanic at is a door company, so I of course have access to every type of wood imaginable. I made nice 3/4" hickory top, cleared. If I didnt have a small machinist chest on my roller, I would have made it thicker yet. I would make it thick enough so it clears the rolled edges on the sides and back. If you are after cheap, MDF isnt all that pretty (could always paint it I suppose) but it holds up surprisingly well, even against moisture and is smooth.

 

[rsanter]

Ikea butcher block
Stainless plate
Steel plate

Bob

 

[joedodge]

I like the idea of being thicker than the edges I'd prolly go to 3/4 then. How does the ikea butcher block deal work though? Do you just order the size you need?

 

[firebox40dash5]

I cut a chunk of 3/4" cabinet grade plywood, maple or birch, and stained it. I found the chunk I used, but you can get a 4x8 for $50 or so. If you have a local lumberyard, you might be able to get a smaller piece cheap.

The Ikea butcher board looks cool too... search "countertop". 6' by almost 40" for $200.

 

[joedodge]

I went on there web site I'd have to have a local cabinet company cut and router the edge. I like the cabinet grade plywood idea I could stain and poly it a few times and it would be nice would you guys router the edges though or just sand them to knock the sharp edge off.

 

[crewchief888]

I like the cabinet grade plywood idea I could stain and poly it a few times and it would be nice would you guys router the edges though or just sand them to knock the sharp edge off.

if i had a router i would

otherwise some work with a belt sander, 4 1/2" grinder, and an orbital sander would work...

 

[firebox40dash5]

The beech and oak options look like they come with the edges rounded, though you'd need to do the one end if you cut it to size.

I just left the edge on mine alone. It's just something I tossed on there to have something besides a rubber mat, but it's held up pretty good. Not bad for 2 cuts with a table saw and a $6 bottle of Minwax.

 

[joedodge]

Ya I think I'm gonna have to do this. I'm gonna look at Home Depot since I can measure my top and get them to cut it out for me. Then ill round the edges and stain it and poly the hell out of it. Trick will be the rolled edge at the front of the box Matcos are kinda funny.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you go with ply, cut it smaller and band the edges with solid wood, then route that edge. You get a MUCH nicer finished look.

 

[joedodge]

Excellent point if I router or sand the edges of the ply ill get that pitted look.thanks for the help guys butcher block is still an idea gotta find someone who can cut it though. Does it come finished?

 

[Trash Mech]

I got 1/4" aluminum plate on my so 1022

 

[joedodge]

Man that's a good idea too what did that run you?