Machinist's tool chests

[Michael G]

I have a small selection of hand tools at work for minor adjustments, inspection/ measurement and tweaking of equipment. Currently they live in a cloth tool roll in my drawer but I'm thinking that I should have something a bit more substantial (for example, something I can put a lock on). I also want it portable so that I can carry it to a machine.
Looking across the web, I've seen a couple of styles that I like. The current favourite is this one, a Kennedy 520 tool chest -
http://www.kwrtools.com/images/content/products/tbken520.JPG
Top carry handle, and at 20" x 8.5" x 13.5" probably as big as I'd like to go (but sadly a brown crinkle finish)

Ex US, so it would be probably around $400 to land one here. The wooden Gerstners look nice but metal is preferable as I may end up in a "clean" factory one day (for example somewhere that processes food). Plastic doesn't appeal much either.

Anyone got any other favourites around this size or seen any nifty features worth having? Has anyone seen a good locally available alternative? At the moment I'm thinking that if I can find a layout that I like I could possibly make one up. (I even know where I can find some stainless sheet offcuts. Hmm - another project for the never ending list)

Michael

[issatree]

Hi Michael G,
I have one of those, or dash close to it.
Picked it up at the Local Sunday Market, middle of last year.

Price ; $12. So it sound like I got a Steal ?

I have my Carving Tools in it + some Wood to Carve.

[Anorak Bob]

Rota used to make a tool chest similar in size with a fold down flap securing the drawers but used to isn't much chop.

There is a Ebay seller, Ron Kubas, in the States who trades under the name of Machinistbox. I've bought a number of nice bits of gear from him over the years. He usually has a selection of wooden Gerstners and occasionally Union chests along with a number of Kennedys. The bloke does not gouge when quoting shipping costs and the items he sells are accurately described. May be another option Michael if you are thinking of an import. You'd warm to the wrinkle brown.:U

BT

[Ueee]

Hi,
Tool exchange has a couple at the moment, i noticed them but didn't pay attention to what section they were in, so i can't give you a link. Have a look and just TRY to not get sidetracked!:D Bit more pricey than $12 from memory though.

Ewan

[Ueee]

Hi,
Tool exchange has a couple at the moment, i noticed them but didn't pay attention to what section they were in, so i can't give you a link. Have a look and just TRY to not get sidetracked!:D Bit more pricey than $12 from memory though.

Ewan

Err i lied:B, they are in the section i'm looking at. Last item and about a sixth of the way up the page from the bottom. Tool Exchange - Starrett Tools (http://www.toolexchange.com.au/Starrett-Tools.html)

Ean

[Michael G]

Ewan, I'm not sure I should thank you or not - While I'm not going to make a move on the boxes, I have seen 2 other items I've been thinking I need.

Curses!
Michael

[AndrewOC]

Hi all,
If it still is of interest to you, do an 'image' search for 'machinists toolbox'.

This brought up, for me, the many varied traditional jobbie that is a wooden chest with the different sized small drawers.

With some further searching one may find building guidelines online, but I have a book (that ought to be in many libraries); 'The Toolbox Book, by Jim Tolpin'. It describes many types of chests, cabinets, and totes for all sorts of tools. The best part is where he gives ideas for design to suit your kit and use.
(- i shouldn't be surprised if it already has a review on this forum)

regs,
AndrewOC

[RVK 355]

Rota used to make a tool chest similar in size with a fold down flap securing the drawers but used to isn't much chop.

Is that the Rota tool box that used to have the front pull down flap that was abit like a roller door?

[Anorak Bob]

Is that the Rota tool box that used to have the front pull down flap that was abit like a roller door?

RVK,

The one I was thinking of had a hinged flap that secured the drawers. I have never seen a roller shutter version but here is an image of one from a McPhersons catalogue along with a flap model.

BT

[welder]

I have both the roller door version and and the flap version i can take some photos if any ones interested.

[RVK 355]

RVK,

The one I was thinking of had a hinged flap that secured the drawers. I have never seen a roller shutter version but here is an image of one from a McPhersons catalogue along with a flap model.

BT

yep the one with the roller shutter is what i thought, i have seen a few in my travels when i have worked in a few tool rooms, owned by some older toolmakers, but they never wanted to part with them when i made a offer

[Anorak Bob]

I have both the roller door version and and the flap version i can take some photos if any ones interested.

I am Andre.

I've never seen a roller shuttered tool box.

BT

[welder]

here are some sorry they are all i have on my computer.

http://imgc.classistatic.com/cps/kjc/120111/707r1/5579c8m_20.jpeg

http://imgc.classistatic.com/cps/kjc/120111/707r1/3754457_20.jpeg

[Anorak Bob]

Perfect Andre.Thank you.

They look pretty neat. Obviously I haven't been looking hard enough.

Bob.

[Michael G]

Work on the tool box is progressing (slowly). Just loke small cars, no one makes small tool boxes with features. A 2nd hand dealer near me has 600x600mm stainless sheet off cuts, so armed with some of them I'm making something up. After much debate with myself the size is 370x260x200mm. This should be small enough to fit into a standard filing cabinet. I'm planning on 6 drawers - 25, 38 and 50 full width plus a half width drawer 60 deep with 2x30 along side. There is also a full width tray at the top that is around 50 to 60mm deep. So far it looks like this (yet to be surface finished).

204187

The slides are interesting. Machining the nylon runners will be easy in comparison to making up these bits

204188

However, I need some opinion. (see the pdf below for a vague representation)
Firstly the drawers. I'm debating whether to do a folded handle on the drawer or have a bolt/ welded on piece as a separate piece. The folded edge is favoured at the moment as I haven't seen any handles that appeal to me. Anyone got any favourites?

The other thing is the front. To cover the drawers I was considering how to make up the front panel. I have a Sidchrome box that has a flap that hinges at the bottom. Functional, but gets in the way, so I'd really like to have something that slides away. Should it slide in the top or bottom? A roller front is possible I guess although the depth of the box makes that tricky - The opening is 180 high, the internal depth is 195. Along with that is how to lock it. I'd really like to only have one lock. Again, has anyone got any good ideas that they've seen or like?

Michael

204189

[Anorak Bob]

I'm thinking... If you were to look at Hafele's online catalogue of furniture hardware you might find some small plastic channels intended for sliding door guides, that could be utilised as guides for your slide away front panel. Hafele feature a profusion of handles in the catalogue, most, totally inappropriate for your project but you might find something inspiring. I like the little rectangular block pulls on the Kennedy boxes.

The chamfered top looks neat Michael.:2tsup:

Häfele Hardware Technology: Furniture fittings, architectural hardware and the electronic locking system Dialock - (http://www.hafele.com/au/)

BT

[Ueee]

I would just go for a folded handle. Reason being that you can make it as small as practical so that you don't lose drawer depth.
If you have a look at my red toolbox here: http://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/show-us-ya-metal-working-sheds-tools-w-pics-143556/index9.html#post1463132 It just has a lift up flap. I am unsure from your pics whether you have a hinged lid or not, but if you do it is an easy way to beable to lock the box with one lock, and i'm sure you could use the front flap as a stay for the lid or even as a little bench, or whiteboard, note space etc....

Ewan