Need Some Ideas

flashbacpt · Post by **flashbacpt** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:13 pm

I need some ideas to better manage my turning tools.
Here is the situation: Over the years, I have purchased Spindle Turning tools, bowl turning tools, and smaller pen turning tools. Unfortunately, they are in different boxes, different locations, etc.
What I want to do is keep all of the above together, in one location, and have easy access to them all when turning.
Requirements: The individual tools must be safe, in that their sharp edges are not in danger from falling out, and ideally, one can bring them all to the ShopSmith to be used when needed.
I don't need anything to hold my turning tools when working on the Shopsmith as I have built a tray that fits onto the tubes. I am just tired of having to open different boxes, etc.
Any and all ideas would be greatly appreciated!:)

John
FlashbacPT

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:27 pm

What's the count of the tools?

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:10 pm

flashbacpt wrote:I need some ideas to better manage my turning tools.
Here is the situation: Over the years, I have purchased Spindle Turning tools, bowl turning tools, and smaller pen turning tools. Unfortunately, they are in different boxes, different locations, etc.
What I want to do is keep all of the above together, in one location, and have easy access to them all when turning.
Requirements: The individual tools must be safe, in that their sharp edges are not in danger from falling out, and ideally, one can bring them all to the ShopSmith to be used when needed.
I don't need anything to hold my turning tools when working on the Shopsmith as I have built a tray that fits onto the tubes. I am just tired of having to open different boxes, etc.
Any and all ideas would be greatly appreciated!:)

John
FlashbacPT

Hi John,

One solution wood be to create new, or modify an existing, roll-around cart. Custom make it to hold all of your chisels and maybe some other accessories too (chucks, tailstock, dead and live centers), all just for turning. Then you could roll it out of the way when knot turning and bring it right up to your work when you are turning.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:22 pm

Although I have only the basic SS set of lathe tools, my storage of them is safe from any damage. Here is a photo showing the storage, but this type of shelf doesn't have to be in a cabinet. You could make several of these to fit on a roll around cabinet. I've used the same system for some bench chisels.
[ATTACH]6330[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]6331[/ATTACH]

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:28 pm

John,
Here is what I use. They are so cheap I bought 2 of them...

Turning Tool Roll

But you better hurry. The sale ends Oct. 31.

flashbacpt · Post by **flashbacpt** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:50 am

Bob,
The "current count" is 17, and growing!:(

George,
The "rolls" are usefull when having to transport or work elsewhere. I do have one that I use for that purpose.

Chuck,
I use a similar "folding style cabinet" but it is now full of other stuff.

Tim,
I do like the idea of a rolling cabinet, and your suggestion to store other type of lathe tools is growing in appeal to me. Too often, I end up placing tools on my small work bench, thereby losing that space.

However, right now, I am out of space due to storage of other items. So.....I am, left for now, thinking of some kind of "lathe tool tote", sized to hold about 20 tools, that I could easily move around, and that would safely contain the individual tools.

John
FlashbacPT

markap · Post by **markap** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 11:07 am

I use a 5 gal bucket from Home Depot. I put a fairly thick piece of closed cell foam on the bottom (inside) and cut tubes of PVC. Each tool fits into one tube and after a while, I even remember which one is where. I plan to put a "bucket buddy" on the outside to hold small items such as my diamond sharpener etc.

Works very well....

boozeclues · Post by **boozeclues** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 5:12 am

i like my

from Harbor freight http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=97847

they are cheap and amazingly strong, i have on one strip a 2lb hammer, a ball peen, a hacksaw, and my miter gauge. The one with my chisels has all 8 of my chisels and a saw

flyslinger · Post by **flyslinger** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 9:44 am

boozecules, does the magnetic tool holder magnetize the lathe tool, so when you sharpen it little parts of metal stick to lathe tool?

flashbacpt · Post by **flashbacpt** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 10:25 am

I have been reading all your responses, and find merit with each and everyone's suggestions. In fact, I have been trying to "draw in" all your various ideas into a "Turning Tool Tote" that will hold my turning tools (Chuck's idea), that will go into a larger (on wheels) cabinet, that will protect the sharpened ends with the use of foam, and will have a side that will hold, via magnets my calipers, and other gauges, plus a storage box that will hold sandpaper, and micro mesh pads.
Now, I just have to find the time (The BIG PROBLEM!) to sit down and draw out the plans, incorporating all your suggestions! Currently, I am into the Christmas Making Presents mode, but will get back with a finished project down the road.
Once again, you guys have come thru!! Thanks!:)

John
FlashbacPT