Now why would'ya offer this?

[cskipper]

I have limited shop time, and limited skills in building things. I do a lot of sanding and carving in our living room so an attractive toolbox would be nice, and more attractive than my pile of sanding stuff. LOML could build it - but his time is better spent on some other projects. Not saying that I'd buy it, just saying that there are legitimate reasons someone might.

[toolman]

Originally Posted by Mike Davis

Thanks,

I looked all over their web site and didn't see any tool boxes.

That looks like the small Gerstner which used to be a very nice box but is made in China now and I don't know how much the quality has changed.

I have an original Gerstner from around 1920 that was covered in black cloth but got damaged in somebody's basement. I stripped off the cloth and the box is poplar underneath. The tool trays inside are oak and lined with green felt. So, I thought I would refinish it but now maybe I'll make a nice case to put the drawer into.

Oh yes I will take some photos of my boxes Monday.


Even then it is not the size and number of drawers i would like.

So, I'm looking for plans or design ideas for a larger, better, more usable woodworking toolbox.

Well I will have to say I have a large Gerstner top and riser tool box. I got it in 1976 for around $500. It is made of Walnut and I use it 5 to 6 days a week! I am a Tool and Die Maker / Machinist since 1972. And have seen a lot of Gerstner tool box's mainly Oak and Walnut. If you are a Tool and Die Maker you will own a Gerstner Tool Box!

Originally Posted by fernhollowman

And more: could someone enlighten me about the "Gerstner's legendary tongue and groove construction?" What's the legend surrounding this ancient technique of joining boards?

Edited per fernhollowman PM!

It is not the tongue and groove that is legendary.

Most Machinist have a Kennedy metal tool box. Talk about rusting tools, I have a Kennedy roll-a-round that my Gerstner's set on. I keep my precision tools in the Gerstner's and all the rest in the Kennedy box do to rusting! In 76 you could buy a Kennedy roll-a-round, riser, and top box for about $500. The setup I have cost me about $850. Tool and Die Makers Made Gerstner legendary because it was the best you could buy at the time. And most Tool and Die Maker do steel not wood.

Why not make it myself, I have only been doing woodworking for 2 1/2 years and yes I am working on plans for a wooden roll-a-round.

Will take photos of my boxes Monday.

Added per fernhollowman PM!

Yes I am a Supervisor of a machine shop Dep. and I have been a Tool and Die Maker / Machinist for over 35 years. I like all of you like working with wood.

[cpowell]

Jim - I had the same initial reaction.

If I actually NEEDED such an animal I would build it. I wouldn't pay 500 dollars for that box. The construction looks pretty straightforward, even with the "legendary" tongue and groove features.

I don't put the same level of workmanship (or worrymanship) into shop fixtures or storage either. I don't care how they look, it's all about function. My current shop was built during my relocation here for my current job. All of my shop tools were packed away or crated. My cabs were built with skilsaw, clamped straight edge, glue..even used finish nails. I don't like nails at all but there is a place for them. I build shop fixtures when I get stuck and need them. (OK, my workbench was an exception to this rule...I tried to make it functional AND look presentable.)

If a woodworker can afford to spend 500 dollars on that toolbox then they are LOADED!!!!!! I can understand how a machinist would buy one if he/she lacked the skills to build it.


Chuck

[JimmyC]

Originally Posted by Grgramps

Back to the question - Jimmy got it with his first shot. There are people who buy woodworking tools, have beautiful shops and don't build anything. They are "collectors" and are doing their part to support the economy.

Roy

Roy,

Thanks, I didn't think anyone got it. Some people are just collectors.

Jiimy

[DaveD]

If you don't mind the box being made of oak then the large Woodcraft catalog has a very similar Gerstner box for $310 (regular price) and its a little bigger too.

So I wonder how they justify almost a $200 delta ($440 if you take the retail price) to go from oak to cherry?