This simple box really works! It was so satisfying to chuck some stuff in there and wedge the lid closed, even if it was just to move it out of the shop and to the office.
For those who read Part I of my Hybrid Tool Chest, I recently completed the top, lid, and locking mechanism for the half-Japanese, half-Western tool chest I’ve been building to hold my growing assortment of hand tools.
I’ll let the pictures explain the process and pieces. Mistakes were not uncommon for this procedure as well. I grew hasty and blew out a corner of the handle and I went through all my spare pine trying to build a wedge that worked well. Overall, I’m very happy happy with the way the lid finished off the case. If closes tight and fits well – certainly well enough to stop a No. 4 from getting out.
The only remaining task is to outfit the interior with some dividers for planes and some trays for chisels, marking tools, and other things I have floating around a drawer. Part III will take care of this, and perhaps finishing the box with an easy to upkeep finish.
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This simple box really works! It was so satisfying to chuck some stuff in there and wedge the lid closed, even if it was just to move it out of the shop and to the office.
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Before I could put the ends of the top on the box, I wanted to add bevelled holds to the side. I simply glued these in place as the top-ends would also be screwed to these for extra rigidity.
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Apparently my fit was a little tight... I blew out the corner of the hold. Oh well.
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The top ends which capture the lid and the mechanism pieces are attach with countersunk screws, which I may plug to make it more attractive in the future. Here, the lid is getting slid under one of the top ends.
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The wedge and mating block have a very low angle on it, but they secure the top with just a tap into place. If I were to do this again, I would put a slightly higher angle on it, just to increase the pressure it puts out.
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The chest all cinched up. The wedge's low angle means it won't easily pop out, and also that you can leave the wedge slightly proud for easy removal, or pound it flush for travel.
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All done, for now at least. The next step will move into the interior of the box as I outfit it to hold my handtools.
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