Tool cupboard (updated)

**IanW** · 20th April 2011, 07:52 PM

My tool cupboard was in need of a makeover. The saws I'd added recently plus other tools stored in the doors were not very well stowed, and it was all starting to look very messy, so it was time to fix it.

I had this scrappy bit of Camphor laurel from a dead tree I cut down at FIL's place. There was very little useful wood in the tree, unfortunately, because it had been standing dead for a long time & decay plus termites had done their stuff. Most of it wasn't even good for firewood. However, one bit around a large branch still had sound wood, which was highly figured & with interesting swirls of dark colour, so that came home with me. By careful cutting, I found I had just enough of it to make up new pieces for the rails that support some of the tools on each side - I could even sort of bookmatch them!

While drilling out the rail to hold the screwdrivers, I accidentally blew the drill out the front of one hole while enlarging the top a bit to ease the entry!

After some bad language and a bit of thought, I fixed that by making a small button with my "signataure" gum-leaves & glueing it over the spot. Only you & I know it wasn't meant to be there on the original plan....

I tried to use every space as efficiently as I could - the keyhole saw holder on the bowsaw support was an idea that just popped into my head, but it works well, & fills an otherwise wasted space.

The buttons that held the saws in place were rough as, and several were loose & allowed their saws to rattle, so I retrieved some scraps from the firewood box & made new ones, each with a nice new Sheoak turnbuckle.

Very happy with the result - I do like my tools to feel like thay have a good home.....

Cheers,

**IanW** · 20th April 2011, 07:54 PM

Forgot to include my keyhole saw holder...

**Clinton1** · 20th April 2011, 08:00 PM

Can I have the cupboard please?
Mine is disgraceful, yours is fantastic.

**groeneaj** · 20th April 2011, 08:09 PM

Very nice Ian. You have inspired me!

**red raven** · 20th April 2011, 08:39 PM

Very nice indeed!

**IanW** · 20th April 2011, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by Clinton1

Can I have the cupboard please?

Nope, Clinton, until I can't stagger down the shed any more, this one is going to be mine.....

It's been a work in progress since I built the darn thing aboout 12 years ago. I thought I had it right the first time, but several remodels have been caused by new tools & replacements for old ones. I'm hoping this time it's close to 'right', but I accept it may remain a WIP as long as I draw breath.

My aim is to keep everything easily accessible, with the most-used tools ready to hand. I really admire the Studley toolbox - it's a thing of beauty and ingenuity, but a bit too compact & awkward for a stationary tool cupboard for my likings. This is my compromise - a few nice flourishes, but much more space, with nothing further away than a drawer-pull....

Cheers,

**Grommett** · 20th April 2011, 08:45 PM

I look at my tool cupboard and I am shamed. A makeover is required. Yours is beautiful.

**Scribbly Gum** · 20th April 2011, 08:48 PM

Very very nice. That wouldn't look out of place in a Toolchest book.
Well done Ian. You are an inspiration.
Cheers
SG

**Clinton1** · 20th April 2011, 09:18 PM

Nope, Clinton, until I can't stagger down the shed any more, this one is going to be mine.....

Ok then, and I'll ask again when you can not stagger anymore.

It's been a work in progress since I built the darn thing aboout 12 years ago. I thought I had it right the first time, but several remodels have been caused by new tools & replacements for old ones. I'm hoping this time it's close to 'right', but I accept it may remain a WIP as long as I draw breath

Yep... biggest issue is designing around 'growth'...

My aim is to keep everything easily accessible, with the most-used tools ready to hand. I really admire the Studley toolbox - it's a thing of beauty and ingenuity, but a bit too compact & awkward for a stationary tool cupboard for my likings. This is my compromise - a few nice flourishes, but much more space, with nothing further away than a drawer-pull....

More than a few nice flourishes mate.

Between my cupboard with 4 shelves (3 shelves thrown in by me), and jam packed with everything, and the promise made by the cabinet maker neighbour to make bench drawers over 12 month ago... god bless him he 'owes a favour" but is making $ hand over fist with a kitchen fitout business to keep his new family financially afloat

... good on him for making a go of it, and not being able to follow up on his 'promise' .... I'm left with pulling everything onto the floor just to find a tool.

Your storage solution makes me wish I had yours.

Scribbly Gum says you are an inspiration... and he's correct.

**3RU** · 20th April 2011, 09:30 PM

What an inspiration and best I have seen.

Never mind the WIP. I think we all understand the shelf implication when we purchase the odd replacement.

Great job Ian, one which will be very difficult to top.

Dave

**fletty** · 20th April 2011, 09:46 PM

I'm struggling for words so gobsmacked will have to do ....
quite simply beautiful Ian,

fletty

**RayG** · 20th April 2011, 09:48 PM

Hi Ian,

Nice work, only 9 saws, that can't be right? Is there another cabinet somewhere?

Very nice layout, it must be inspirational to work with such a nice setup.

Have you become gainfully unemployed as yet?

Regards
Ray

**Claw Hama** · 20th April 2011, 09:50 PM

Great bit of work Ian, a real credit to you,looks amazing.

**IanW** · 20th April 2011, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by RayG

...... only 9 saws, that can't be right? Is there another cabinet somewhere?

Afraid so, Ray - had to make another cupboard to fit the couple of saws I inherited from my father & fil. It's hiding behind the left side door of the main cupboard. I made sure it had a bit of extra room for some of my 'keepers', and another couple have been stuffed in since this pic was taken.

Originally Posted by RayG

...Have you become gainfully unemployed as yet?

Sort of - I had a few loose ends to tie up at Uni, and been doing some volunteer work since the floods, so actually busier than when I was in paid employment, at the moment! I was told you need a lot of stamina for full retirement, now I know what they meant....

Cheers,

**Woodwould** · 20th April 2011, 11:53 PM

Too, too nice.

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