Still Use Carpenters Chest?

gusthehonky

Curious if anyone still used their hand built chests for daily use? Usually the bucket boss is my go to for typical use but on higher end jobs the chest seems to (in the owners mind) allow advantages other workers may not be given. Many conversations have been started about tools inside or history , requests for one similar, etc. Anyone have similar experience?

PA woodbutcher

I use 3 seperate buckets w/buddies. 1 has everything for wood like chisels, block plane, cats paws, bars, chaulk lines, torpedo, etc. 1 for wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc and 1 for siding, drywall and odds and ends that don't get used that often. 1 red, 1 blue and 1 black so when I send someone looking for a tool they can find it easy. All buckets have an extra tape, utility knife and pencils

2ndGen

Pardon my ignorance please...what's a Carpenter's Chest?

I automatically thought one of these:



I used to use buckets with pockets, but my stuff keeps falling out during transfer. Currently use a Carhartt Large Tool Bag and a AWP Dark Brown Leather Tool Bag (that garners attention where ever I go when I pull it out).

Next bag will be:

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"I've been up on the roof. I know what those guys go through.
My whole life has been about making that profession respectable."
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www.SolutionsRoofing.com

2ndGen

GusTheHonky?

I just got your name!

By the way, I'm what you'd call a "Roofer and Carpenter".

And also a person who is a..."Lifelong student and practitioner of/in the application and pursuit of learned knowledge based technique and methods of the master-craftsman, freely shared in all aspects, regardless of trade. "

__________________
"I've been up on the roof. I know what those guys go through.
My whole life has been about making that profession respectable."
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www.SolutionsRoofing.com

MinConst

I carry a bag like 2ndgen in my truck for minor repairs. Bucket bosses in my trailer for site work. I wish I had my buckets as organized. I try but they get messed up all the time. I also use three and plain 5s for bulky limited use tools.

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chippy uk

i use 2 small dewalt hard bottomed bags for my hand tools.

2ndGen

So...was I correct?

Is that Carpenter's Tool Box what was meant by a "Carpenter's Chest"?

__________________
"I've been up on the roof. I know what those guys go through.
My whole life has been about making that profession respectable."
Ken Hendricks
www.SolutionsRoofing.com

Joining_heads

I have this for my go-to hand tools.
http://www.amazon.com/BucketBoss-Ext.../dp/B0001UGXB4

It sucks. All the metal clasps and zippers are cheap pot metal. I should have bought a Veto.

billy d

Well Gus are you going to tell them what it is? 2ndGen if I had any thing like that pic in post #3 I'd throw it on the fire.

gusthehonky

Thanks for the input, sorry for any confusion, should have said handmade tool box, any style(basic open caddy to fancy Gerstner style design). I Keep one closed lid w/ pull out tray for my better/newer/often lost or stolen tools. The bucket boss is used for 98% of jobs, holds usual array of general use items. Usually between seats in front of van prevents it from falling over, also handy spot for all those little things often misplaced(nail set, bit extension, air tool). Socket sets and metal work tools are stored in Craftsman metal box. Tools for wood are in wood box, metal tools are in metal box. Scary when a kid can't grasp this, it has happened more times than I care to count.

2nd Gen, your correct, I have made similar but found they tend to end up with more junk than tools in my experience, keep mine around the shop. Thanks again for all input and examples. I enjoy all the examples and suggestions in my quest for the unobtainable perfect tool box.

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billy d

Hi Gus I don't know if this will help you in your quest? The one and only true Carpenters chest I've owned I made as an apprentice.It was a true chest much like the one in your 2nd pic it's size was approx 3'long 14" wide and 12"deep,a sliding draw(correct name in England is a 'TILL').Three 3"" hinges a rope handle on each end.All hand dove tailed a fluted skirt on the sole,on the out side painted black.If any one reading this has ever tried to carry one of these fully loaded with hand tools they'll know what I mean when I say "I threw the dam thing away".2nd attempt was what we call a piano box.Looks like a suit case all dove tailed, suit case handle,lid on the side fastened on with a piano hinge,(hence the name)pull out mahogany dove tailed till with brass handles.The till was a little bit on the small side but all in all really liked that box.Unfortunately so did some one else and they walked of with it tools and all.Third attempt taller and a bit wider with 2 tills but a bit on the heavy side.Went to the shop one morning and the shop was burnt to the ground tool box and all.I gave up after that and ever since have carried my tools in a big canvas bag,I wish you the best of luck in your quest but if you ever do find it I'll bet some one else likes it to. Billy

Jason Whipple

I have one like that, but it's not for tools. It has two dividers and I keep nails in it. Comes in handy to have some hand drives on the job and not have to pile through boxes to find common nails.

I think they were pretty common in the early 1900's for tools and nails. My Grandfather had one of those among other types of wooden tool chests.

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Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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billy d

Jason your a 100% correct that is what it is a nail box.

2ndGen

I'm assuming you're talking about the wooden box (I got pic for demonstrative purposes)?

Not the Veto Bags?

Here are my bags (the dark brown leather bag is the one that Carpenters & Roofers go crazy for).

I also have a couple of plastic tool boxes and a pair of buckets with pocket.

__________________
"I've been up on the roof. I know what those guys go through.
My whole life has been about making that profession respectable."
Ken Hendricks
www.SolutionsRoofing.com

2ndGen

I Gus,

I like the customization possibilities of personally made boxes.

I have a box desiged for a Slate Cutter that is about 6" high, 32" long and 12" wide (#'s are approximate). It's set up to act as a base for a Slate Cutter and it can be opened to reveal a Slate Ripper, Slate Hammer, Slating Tools all secured in their own places with a carpet remnant used for lining.

This is the cutter that would sit on top of the box. I haven't figured it out yet, but it would have a fastening system for quick breakdown and for itself to be stored within the box.

__________________
"I've been up on the roof. I know what those guys go through.
My whole life has been about making that profession respectable."
Ken Hendricks
www.SolutionsRoofing.com