More Tool Storage

I don't think any of us have enough tool storage but I am happy to say I think I'm getting close! A couple of years ago I built a rather large workbench with 21 drawers, now this managed to supply almost all of the hand tool storage that I needed but something was missing. About a year later I built a Dutch tool chest in a class taught by Chris Schwarz, I liked this chest because it keep my most used tools at arms reach. The problem is that when the chest is loaded with tools it is very heavy. And for a chest that is supposed to be mobile this was a problem. There was no way I could carry it by myself to and from shows and classes. All of this brings me to today's project, a Japanese Tool Crate. It is about 30% smaller than its Dutch counterpart and is quite a bit easier to carry.

It uses a wedged lid system to lock the lid in place and prevent any tools from falling out if it tips over. All of the pictures I found showed them put together with nails, so I figured when in Rome, building a Japanese chest, to replace a Dutch one, I should use English cut nails. It made sense to me.

I also put Teak runners on the bottom. They will keep the cherry off the ground and teak can handle water like a pro with no finish.

I will work next week on outfitting the inside with saw tills and racks for chisels and layout tools etc...