Hi Folks,
I checked through the search function and didn’t find any information so I ask:
Does anybody know if there are published plans available for the H.O. Studley tool cabinet/chest?
I have the FWW article a few years back and it seems to me I heard somewhere that there were plans to do drawings (maybe I am misremembering).
Also, does anybody know if it is currently on display anywhere?
Thanks,
David C.
Replies
Have not seen any plans but Norm had an episode on his show about building a tool cabinet and they showed that cabinet. Talk about tool envy.
Troy
I recently read a reprint of that article (it was from 1993, I think). If my memory is correct, the article stated that the Smithsonian -- where it was on display at the time -- was going to publish measured drawings. It might be worth looking on the Smithsonian website.
In Norm's show that featured the Studley cabinet, he explained that it was in a private collection. Little chance that the rest of us will ever see it.
In a Fine WoodWorking magazine their is a picture of the tool chest, if I recall it was on the cover. It showed the tools too. Do not recall which issue, do a search for it on this forum.
mike
Mike, thanks for the reference. When I said there was little chance of seeing the chest, I meant seeing the original. There are several pictures and articles on the internet which will have to satisfy the rest of us.
I am pretty sure it is in the Smithsonian.
Sorry for the late post but I forgot where I saw on the Net...
Try ... http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/tool_chest_made_by_studley.htm
AND here
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/pages/w00088.asp
Edited 1/5/2006 4:21 am by WillGeorge
Hi,
Thanks for the links!
My interest is because I'd like to build a similar type of tool cabinet and I am interested in the way Studley was able to use swing-out devices to put several layers of tools in a small space.
In all likelyhood, my chest will not be a copy of his, but inspired by it. While I have many of the same or very similar tools, my needs are different and my tools reflect this. Ultimately my goal is to have a tool cabinet like Studleys for my Victorian-era tools and a joiner's chest for my 18th and 19th century-type tools.
Kind of a loooong term rainy-day project.
Best Regards,
David C.
While I have many of the same or very similar tools, my needs are different and my tools reflect this. YA BET! Got to fit the tools you have! I coulden't sit still long enough to think of puttin' that puzzle together!Have fun doing it.. Bet he did NOT do it over night either!
Could you imagine, having spent years buying/collecting all the tools that you need. Then spend years making all the items fit together with so little spare space that even the woodworms can't get in, and the day after you fix it on the wall your favourite aunt gives you another Norris plane to add to your collection!!!!!.No I can't risk that happening, so I will just admire the superb workmanship and leave my tools on the bench. Look forward to your tools chest, Regards Teabag.
Well after giving me a Norris smoother, she would certainly then be my favorite Aunt!
I don't expect that I'll go quite to the lengths that Studley did. In the 1993 article FWW lists the tools that went into the cabinet. There are are machinists tools and mechanics tools along with the woodworking tools in the pianomaking trade.
I'm looking for something for a set of early 20th century type woodworking tools. My machinist's tools go in the Gerstner box and the mechanic's tools go in the rolling chest.
According to the articles, there is evidence that his cabinet has been rearranged, so maybe his Aunt did give him a Norris, or more likely the Preston shoulder rabbett plane!
David C.
To D Carr: Don't know about the "Studley" but, do a search for a "Fold -Down Work Center," from Woodsmith. Nice plan, folds up, and even has a shop light. Good Luck
Thanks!
I'll take a look at it.
David C.
Don't have plans, but here's a few pics of it
Studley Tool Chest Exhibition
Even though it is ten years later, someone might find this and want to go see the H. O. Studley tool chest in person.
Details are available at: http://www.studleytoolchest.com/
It is next weekend, May 15 through May 17, 2015
I know this is an old post. But this is an old tool box that everyone comes 😁 There are a few videos on YouTube now, work some upcoming exhibitions.
https://youtu.be/ZVEKmlhP2Ss
Don't know of any plans. The chest is in a private collection. It was shown publicly a few years ago and I suspect there are no plans to bring it back out. You need to get a copy of Virtuoso: The Tool Cabinet and Workbench of Henry O. Studley. It is a detailed look at the chest and contents by Don Williams. It is a fascinating and awe inspiring read. The book was published by Lost Art Press https://lostartpress.com/collections/books/products/virtuoso
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