3rd Machinist Chest refurb underway

[nuhobby]

I got a little time in the shop this morning.


I took the front panel, test-fitted it, and used the lock-plungers in the chest to mark its upper edge for two socket holes. Then I horizontal-bored those holes. Simple, right!?
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Now we see (but not hear the cussing) as the holes, now with metal inserts from ACE hardware, are 'adjusted' with files and such. Otherwise I couldn't get the stuff to shut properly:
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Now the front panel will finally lock into place as intended:
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I also had to take care on the front-panel dimensioning to be sure it could actually slide/stow inside the chest cavity as well. This made it have to be a little narrower than I'd otherwise have chosen. I also had fitted a few knobs on the drawers, just to be sure the front panel would clear them adequately. Boy, the new knobs are from Gerstner & Sons (even though it's a no-name tool chest), and they exude weight and quality....
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[judaspre1982]

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[charlese]

AGAIN! Another beautiful chest, Chris:D I suppose you're finding them all to be a little different - however you manage to fit the parts of all three together in fantastic shape. Nice Work!:D

[nuhobby]

Thank you, Gents!

Yes, each chest is a little different. If they originally used plywood for stability, chances are the veneer would be peeling. If they used solid-wood, some cross-grain joints would be giving trouble.

By the way, here is a good opportunity to refer you to some *real* eye-candy. Check out all of this guy's chest restorations on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26012426@N ... 4584749591

[nuhobby]

Here it is, basically done! Now it looks just like an $89 Harbor Freight unit, but it has a nicer heft and resonance of a solid wood product. Nephew will receive it when I visit him in March.

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[JPG]

Nothing shabby about your eye candy!

[frank81]

Here it is, basically done! Now it looks just like an $89 Harbor Freight unit, but it has a nicer heft and resonance of a solid wood product. Nephew will receive it when I visit him in March.

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I wouldn't compare that to the HFT. Even in pictures on a computer you can tell they aren't in the same class. Very nice.

Where I live old machinist tool boxes are a big deal. $300 total investment is doing real well for a restoration, I wouldn't call that illogical at all. Besides the fact that restorations mean way more than money.

[peterm]

Lucky nephew!!!!!!!Beautiful job on the chest.

[charlese]

Beautiful - Beautiful - Beautiful! Your skills show!!!!:D