cabinetmaker’s tool chest
Solid walnut exterior is 38 in. wide, 23 in. high, 26 in. deep with a slice of maple burl for the center panel of the lid. I tried to show off the wild grain pattern of the walnut by using it in a prominent location for visual appeal.
My cabinetmaker’s tool chest is intended to be a showplace to store and show off the antique tools I collect. Therefore, I added several embellishments. The exterior is solid walnut with a large slice of maple burl for the center panel of the lid. I looked for the wildest grain pattern for the front center of the chest. Legal ivory was used for the key escutcheon. Hand cut regular dovetails in the top and bottom molding with Bermuda dovetail in the center. The interior movable chest of drawers is “styled” after Duncan Phyfe’s tool chest. Constructed of solid curly maple with exotic veneers and rosewood accents. All interior flat surfaces, including the bottom, have inlays mainly relating to antique tools. The lift out saw box is of my own design and has room for several flat tools like framing squares, levels, saws, etc.. The lid lifting finger holds and the built in lid support are my design.
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Solid walnut exterior is 38 in. wide, 23 in. high, 26 in. deep with a slice of maple burl for the center panel of the lid. I tried to show off the wild grain pattern of the walnut by using it in a prominent location for visual appeal.
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Built in lid support folds down out of the way. Finger slots on each end allow for easy opening.
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Intended for maximum visual impact, the interior is constructed from contrasting solid curly maple with exotic veneers and rosewood . The 12 drawer chest, as well as the sliding shelf is movable for lower level access.
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Large flat tools are a storage problem so I designed a lift up and out storage space for these tools. (please note, the saw box is not in place in the interior photos) It is actually 1 3/4 inch thick and fits in a slot in the front of the chest.
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Veneered walnut block planes inlaid on a bed of bird's eye maple veneer to indicate where tools of this type are stored.
Comments
STUNNING--In 25 years of collecting woodworking tools and following both American and English tool auctions I have never seen any thing that compares to your tool chest. Every thing flows together to please the eye. The craftsmaship is as good as it gets. The choice of materials is surperb. I am really emotional about your chest. If you belong to MWTCA please email me at kfkline@bellsouth.net.
Yes, I am a life member of Mid-West Tool Collectors. Anyone interested in old tools should check into http://www.mwtca.org
Wonderful chest, Bill. I keep forgetting how beautiful it is -- then I see it again. I'm so pleased to find the pictures posted here. Your work deserves a grateful audience. I'm missing you guys! Love You. Bob
What a wonderfull piece Bill the pictures here just dont show the wonderfull design and perfect craftsmanship. The inlays area absolutly superb. This piece has been an inspiration to my crew that have seen it. A wonderful piece of art.
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