Replies

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Dec 06, 2002 02:47am | #1

   I haven't made this, but I've got the plans put away as the basis for my shop - with luck, will have something made in a few months.

   http://www.geocities.com/homewoodworker/ rollaround_shop_cabinet.htm

   Nothing much I could see wrong with this - the designer is well-renowned as being good.

   Cheers, eddie

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Dec 07, 2002 06:02am | #9

   Just had a closer look at hese plans.  I wouldn't consider a butt-jointed drawer carcase for anything at all, let alone anything heavy.

   I'd use a finger joint/dovetail joint at front and maybe house the back of the drawer in.  The butt joint wouldn't take the weight & abuse, in my opinion.

   Cheers,  eddie

2. 
   BG | Dec 06, 2002 03:16am | #2

   B-,

   The key question, in my opinion, is where do you want to go with your tools.  Is that new saw going to be used to start building cabinets and bookcases or are you strickly focused on repair around the house?

   I've got five tool boxes stored in the garage.  The only thing in them are tools I never use.  I continue to refine my tool and supply storage to accomodate my needs. Tools like chisels need to be stored poperly to protect he edge, that goes for my hand saws also.   With power tools comes many parts; blades, bits, etc.  so they need to be easily retrievable also.

   Maybe you could identify further a little more about where you are and where your going.

1. 
   Biarski | Dec 06, 2002 10:24pm | #5

   Good questions to consider--I have done  a lot of rennovations to our old farmhouse, and thankfully I'm finally to the point where I can do some projects I want to vs. need to.  I will be making some built-in bookshelves first and setting up my little shop as I go.  Then who knows, I have an armoire to finish from years back (way up on my wife's list of choices).  I know I will be adding to my array of tools as time goes by, so I need to leave room to expand storage.  I do have an electical tool box and a lot of paraphenalia (it's my job 5 days a week, plus side jobs), but other than that, I prefer to do carpentry.  I just know I need to make the most of the little space and the $$ that I have.  Thanks- 

1. 
   BG | Dec 07, 2002 01:57am | #7

   B-,

   I've got little space also and must be constantly aware that project space needs to be preserved.  Just about everything I have is on wheels and, where possible, I've tried to get three uses out of each piece of rolling stock.  But let me focus on your starting point, your tools.

   A few months ago I built a heavy workbench...absolute necessity.  Over that workbench, attached to the wall i built a 12" deep cabinet with 9 cubby holes for my power hand tools (drills, 71/4"saw, sanders, etc.).  I just completed 4" box doors to attach to the cabinet which holds my chisels and measuring tools on one side and my cresent wrenches, hamers, etc. on the other.  I may build draws to go under the workbench...or use it for wood storage.  As you can see that pretty much takes care of all the tools.

   I also built a 7'x2.5'x1' cabinet with doors to store all the supplies (numerous nails and screws...sandpapers..glues..finishes, etc)  I want to be able to see the stuff...and not be trying to over reach. 

   For projects, i built a 24"x24"x48" high set up table...and i often throw an old flush door on top of that.

   I try to preserve my wall space for jigs...they have to be stored correctly..and can take up a lot of space.  I attached some wood to the beams to hold my clamps, etc.  Wood is stored high(about 2' from ceiling) in several locations.

   Its far from perfect.  I hope this helps and I have not gone off the deep end on you.

1. 
   Biarski | Dec 10, 2002 12:06am | #12

   I'm not sure there is a deep end here, given that I can tell that this is an ever-evolving room as is the craft...  I can tell the initial result will wil be a combination of your's and other's tips--perhaps it'll be worthy of a pic on the website...who knows.  Thanks

3. 
   kennedy136 | Dec 06, 2002 03:59am | #3

   B-

                 Get  "the toolbox book" by Jim Tolpin available thru Taunton press,  If that doesn't give you lots of ideas/solutions  nothing will.

                                                                    Mark

1. 
   Biarski | Dec 06, 2002 10:25pm | #6

   Thanks Mark--I know it'll save a lot of mistakes...

4. 
   wrick2003 | Dec 06, 2002 04:27am | #4

   i would suggest you keep a separate tote or toolbox for each of the trades towhich you aspire. you can store your common tools in a large plywood cabinet with doors, it is infinitely customizable ( mine is 5 years evolved). this keeps the items you don't usually need out of the way.  i am also fortunate to have a separate storage room in my basement shop ; all shelved out, behind a salvaged set of double oak doors that lock. i'm not suggesting that anyone else go that far, however. 

     

                                                            god bless america 

5. 
   MMATHENY | Dec 07, 2002 02:24am | #8

   I have had close to a dozen tool boxes that I have made. I don't even want to count the ones that I bought.

   Most of these served the pourpose that they were built for, but the ability to grown and change with my needs.  A few of them are still in the purgatory known as my 'basement' next to the spare parts for the motorcycle.  I live with my woorworking tools almost everyday.  Finally in the past few months I have been able to build two boxes that serve my pourposes very well.

   The first is a wall cabinet above the bench with  a lot of the tools that I use. Chisels, handplanes, joinery tools, measuring and layout, are among the 120 or so tools stored there.  The other box is a 'cabinetmakers' tool chest, this is where handsaws, files, carving tools, and the handplanes that don't fit in the other box live.

   One of the most important things to making a tool box is deciding how you are going to use it.  Are you going to carry it around? is it going to sit in one place in your shop? Is it going to follow you around your shop.  How much space can it occupy?

   Definatly get the Toolbox book.  It'll be worth every penny in the long run.

   good luck and get some sawdust on the floor.

   -Matt

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6. 
   oxmach | Dec 07, 2002 05:27pm | #10

   B-

   I'm not sure one top box will suffice, but I made a maple one from plans from Lee Valley.  I love it.  Although, I don't generally put the front door on, as it remains on top of my rolling cabinet most of the time. it is a beauty to reach over to throughout the day.

1. 
   oxmach | Dec 07, 2002 06:10pm | #11

   Picture attached.

   
1. 
   BG | Dec 10, 2002 01:28am | #13

   Greg.

   Wow! ..beautiful planes..only the best stuff.  congrats

1. 
   oxmach | Dec 10, 2002 02:38am | #14

   BG

   Thank you, they are wonderful to use, and yes I am fortunate to be able to indulge.

   Greg