So buried deep within the hallowed halls of the "Whats on your workbench" thread   is a little project I've been working on. I've gotten to the point of getting a few things together to hopefully be moving at a steady pace and in the spirit of continuity here is it's own thread and a few copy and paste for info..

 

I've had this thing for years.......I think it came with some axes I purchased..I had intentions of using it in the shop but due to it's design it is NOT user friendly for me to get in and out of. I honestly don't see how anyone thought it was user friendly but whatever. So...we're gonna turn it into some other something's. I think I've got some curl spotted in some of the boards ( pretty sure it's not saw marks ) ...I also have several things I'm looking at for simple tool storage for files and such. I got it tore down and wood is cleaned of hardware and nails.

 

 

Edited January 21, 20233 yr by aaronc

You guys can see the pull out box in the front..leather loops/straps are broke but you simply pull straight up to get it out...then everything in it falls out ...and if you don't pull it out you can't reach anything in the main area in the back ....I tried storing everything in it from tools to small stuff like paint supplies and stain....it didn't matter...it was simply a headache to use. Yeah Steve I'm sure there was a saw or 2 in it. Here is a pic of some wear on the main bottom board from getting something in and out.

All hardware cleaned off of wood,..

 

 

...........and this leather was cut from a quality hide. Very grainy..lotsa character. No ideas at the moment as to reusing it ( If so some Neats footoil treatment or equivalent will be in order) but just set aside for now. Did chuck these tiny tacks though. They were rusted enough and so small that they would not be used again. 

 

 

Glued some cracks,..opened up what will be the front a little...

 

 

Along this time we gotta better look at the original makers signature,..."Otis Roberts". Also did some orbit sanding in here to knowck that original gummy finish and stain off and then some hand sanding and some clean up on some cuts...

 

 

 

 

Edited January 21, 20233 yr by aaronc

Here is the pics of the most probably repurpose idea....just a mock-up of something to hold the Grace screwdrivers (Which I just got)...I was using my Kobalts to get a feel....

 

 

,...and after some hand sanding on my lumber. Along in here somewhere Otis spoke to me one day and said ease up on removing all that old patina young lad 

 

 

Edited January 21, 20233 yr by aaronc

Alrighty,..I believe we're up to speed Gentlemen. I've still got a lot to do and will be posting as I go. I'm not sure of the exact era of the chest but for my little storage/display here I'll be shooting for say a 1930'ish depression era type hardware style. Sorry for all the repost etc..but hopefully it will be easier to follow. We'll see what happens. 

 

Edit,..and the Grace screwdrivers that landed yesterday that will be stored in Otis's old tool chest.

Edited January 21, 20233 yr by aaronc

I have to wonder if that design was popular back then. I have the one my Mom said was built by my biological father. Very similar except his set upright with the handles on each end.

13 hours ago, lew said:

Very similar except his set upright with the handles on each end.

 

As I was looking at Aaron's pics I wondered if this one wasn't made to sit upright also.  The small section that had the pulls would then have been a drawer - without stuff falling out when accessed.  The larger portion would then have been a pocket type of storage.  When the "top" or "front" was hinged open, if it were designed such, that would have doubled the base for stability and also looks to be sized to set the drawer into it when open, providing a very stable box to access the pocket.

@lew  @Cal      So,..I belong to a little local hunting forum and post projects etc..on occasion...I have a thread on this project there as there are quite a few construction guys active on it and enjoy woodworking etc, The pics below were posted by a member with the following text. You guys take it as you will,..but there is certainly some similarities. I thought it to be an interesting response. 

 

 

"I can tell you with some certainty that it was an old timber framers box. Old wooden bridge builders used these to store large planes and chisels they used to work mortise and tenons on large timbers.
I will try to take some pictures of one I have soon."

 

 

Thanks Aaron for creating this thread. Sure wish old "Otis" could share the journey of his chest. Glad you're re-purposing as much as possible within you're interpretation. Like Otis, sign and date this for future generations. Will be following the re-birth along.

More than a passing resemblance I would say Aaron!

That brought back a memory of the very remarkable story of Horace King.  Born into slavery but became a noted architect and bridge builder.  He may have studied at Oberlin in Ohio...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_King_(architect)

I happened into one of his warehouses in Macon, Ga. about 20 years ago.  It used to be an auto supply and machine shop in downtown Macon.  I was walking through the store looking at the large ceiling timbers and spotted his name!  Auto supply has since closed, I am not sure what the building is being used for today.

i worked with a couple older "Polish gents'' when i lived in South bend who had that tool box, (green one above a few posts) it was their on site tool box, that had the tools of the day, nice boxes at the time, i'd opted for a craftsman carp. box, didn't hold as much but at the time didn't have means to make me a ''wood unit'' similar to what is shown, functional and easy to transport. 

nice pics 

rj in az

After about a dozen days that would have been good for piddlin other than the wind blowing 35 mph...I finally got some decent weather and a little free time. The very top board that is showing over the lid was off a bit...it was catchin my eye so I cut a little off of the left side that the lid is resting on and evened that up. Put a little edge on the shelf the screwdrivers are on..also on the front lip of the tray. Ran into a small nail and a few soft spots but for state work went alright. First time using the dremel router..for what it is it did it's duty. Pilot holes for all the drivers were drilled and fit to size. I have some bracing to do to sturdy her up a bit..figure out shelf supports..little things here and there. Then figure out the details of the space up top...we were shooting for the 1930's hardware theme so I get to play with some signage of some kind.

 

 

On 1/22/2023 at 8:01 AM, Cal said:

 

As I was looking at Aaron's pics I wondered if this one wasn't made to sit upright also.  The small section that had the pulls would then have been a drawer - without stuff falling out when accessed.  The larger portion would then have been a pocket type of storage.  When the "top" or "front" was hinged open, if it were designed such, that would have doubled the base for stability and also looks to be sized to set the drawer into it when open, providing a very stable box to access the pocket.

Yes, this was a pretty typical "carpenter's work tote".    Roy Underhill did one he called a "1940's carpenter's tool box" as did Popular Woodworking a few years later.

 

https://videos.popularwoodworking.com/courses/the-woodwrights-shop-s21-ep03-toolbox-from-the-1940s

 

Coming along great Aaron. Great repurpose.

Lookin' awesome!