Woodworker: Andy Rae

Gracing the cover of Jim Tolpin’s The Toolbox Book (1995, Taunton Press), Rae’s freestanding tool cabinet has served him in the shop for more than 20 years, doling out handsaws, hand planes, and chisels–plus hundreds of other hand tools–on a daily basis. Built from five flitch-matched planks of Honduras mahogany and a few prized tiger-maple boards, the case is framed in 12/4 stock joined with hefty mortise-and-tenon joints. Sliding dovetails attach the shelves and dividers to the frame. The box-type doors hold frequently used tools, and hand planes are stashed in cubbyholes that line the case interior. Rae made his own string inlay from ebony, holly and curly maple and used it to accent the fielded areas around the door panels. Plans for building the cabinet are available at the  Fine Woodworking Plan Store and through the American Furniture Design Company.

Photo: Andy Rae

Launch Gallery