I did a quick test on weight carrying capacity, loaded this with 30 lbs of tools (wrenches, hammers/mallets, pliers, etc). Nothing budged. Only the latch on the front was starting to stress, which I fully anticipated considering it was a lightweight latch that I had on hand. I made this toolbox out of 1/4 plywood as an experiment for a larger project - testing the feasibility of 1/4 plywood because it's cheap and lightweight. I'm primarily using this for my wrench set which is maybe 15 lbs and it'll clearly handle that. Based on some early comments there seems to be a misunderstanding about how forces and weight distribution are being applied in this toolbox, which I probably could have made more obvious. I'm relying on shear strength of glue joints in a lot of places which is helping the strength - as opposed to just pull strength. Also I added better weight distribution with how I attached the top handle. Also the tray is such a tight fit with the added lips that I think it helps strengthen the middle area of the box, making the whole thing stronger. I hope this helps explain some key engineering points to anyone who might immediately recoil at the thought of using 1/4 plywood. It's not a strong material in its flat state but it becomes stronger in a system of various joints and design choices that improve weight distribution. I intentionally kept this simple to see where weak spots are after long term use.
@@fangerwoodworking don't feel obligated to defend yourself mate, cracking wee toolbox that could be made from scraps or anyone on a low budget. More importantly it is a great learning curve for newbies or anyone wanting to learn something different. Woodworking is a great stress reliever and very underrated in helping men and women's mental health. You stick in there bud, I for one appreciate the time and effort you put in to your videos (God, I am old. Apologies if they aren't called that anymore) and as I am a carpenter to trade and have been a woodworker/bowl turner for 40years, I think I am more than qualified to say "lovin your work" All the best, Martin
I'm a big fan of prototyping a build. I tend to get all worried about stuff that doesn't usually matter and building a cheap test version really helps me get over that. Thanks for the vid.
I remember as a kid my Dad telling me his first project as an apprentice carpenter was (by hand, no power tools) to build a toolbox for his new tools. (1960s). In his words, if you can't build a box, how the hell are you going to build a house? He also built a hope chest for his girlfriend (my mom) which I still have today... still solid. Miss you Dad!
I’ve got my original tool box’s that I made when I was an apprentice, all dovetailed joints by hand. There priceless to me and was the first thing every apprentice had to make👍🏻🍺😎.
@ retro-cabin/ I ALSO HAVE ALL OF MINE PLUS THE STEP-UPS FOR DOOR HARDWARE!!!!! I USED MOST OF THEM THROUGHOUT MY CAREER AS A CARPENTER!!!! I STILL HAVE MY STEP-UPS AND OTHER THINGS!!!!! GOOD VIDEO!!!!!
Man this takes me back 30+ years when i was a ahipyard apprentice , it was like the law to build your own toolbox , to learn and test your skills , nowadays people just go out and buy stuff Its funny because later in life i retrained as a C.N.C. Miller/Turner in the Aerispace industry but i have always enjoyed wookworking more and find it more satisfying
One time, when I was making a coffee table, I had a friend ask me “why don’t you just buy one?” At the time I didn’t have much of an answer, I probably just said “because I want to” 😆, but after many projects I’ve discovered it’s the sense of accomplishment that’s most satisfying.
I love it, simple, elegant and can use up scraps that we hate to throw away. My grandson is getting old enough to start a tool box to help grandpa fix things and a down scaled version would be perfect. Thanks for the inspiration.
That’s a nice toolbox you made there. I can’t believe the comments here, speaks a lot about that person to leave that. When I was in school I made a few boxes like that out of scrap plywood that were laying around. One was for my girlfriend’s cassettes, another was a CD box and a random small long narrow box. Decades later my wife still has them.
Thanks - and that’s awesome! That makes me think of trying a jewelry box. The 1/4” plywood with some felt or something on the inside could be the perfect balance of weight and strength and make a good present.
@@valarmorghulis5265 I am paying attention to the criticism. I’ve gotten a lot of great suggestions of wedges/cleats in the corners for added strength, but most 1/4” plywood comments are shortsighted. Most toolboxes are made from thin plastic but it’s the way they’re designed/engineered that adds strength.
@@valarmorghulis5265 Some of it is constructive criticism, but some of it is just keyboard warriors acting like they know everything. Clearly, 1/4" ply is lightweight and that obviously puts some limits on it's uses. But it still can be used for many things and it was a good build.
Funny you’ve got hate for this. I think it’s brilliant. There’s a number of smaller toolboxes I’ve radically overbuilt and made too heavy because I was afraid of thinner wood. This is the way! Subscribed
As an aircraft mechanic I find this box to be impractical. It won’t hold the weight and with the solid handle, it cannot have another stacked on top. But this a very nice and simple box for a specific project kit, or a gift or project for someone just beginning their craft or learning to use tools. I worked in a sheet metal shop that fabricated air conditioning ducts. Each craftsman had built their own box or boxes using the materials and methods for fabricating the ductwork. While not as pretty as nice wood grain, there was a nice charm about them. Building your own box with pride has almost become a lost art with all of the various commercial offerings available. It’s also hard to beat the cost of free plastic buckets left over from used materials when money is tight and better spent on the tools.
Making it stackable is a good idea. I thought of that when it was too late for this project 😅 but that would be great for a custom set of stackable toolboxes like the big brands make.
If you have ever had a plastic bucket freeze, and leave its contents strewn all over amongst sharp plastic shards, you will think twice about that option. Take care.
@@carlcarlamos9055 Freeze and explode without water? It must get a lot colder than 32F for that to happen. I've used buckets in the past, with the canvas liners, even. I didn't like them much. They were hard on the tools.
Me too. I built a couple of totes and a big funnel from 16ga galvanized steel. 40 years ago. Still use them. Because they were spot welded and soldered. I recently commandeered one for a condiment & utensil carrier for my Blackstone griddle.
Nice. Reminds me of some tackle boxes I made many years ago. I used “marine grade” plywood which held up well but might have been overkill. After watching this video I think I need to make another one! Thanks.
Beautiful box! One of the first projects I made as a kid was a wood box. Same basic design, but thicker wood and no fancy tools. I think I'll dig that up and put a handle and new hardware on it!
Nice build don't let the critics bother you. It's perfect for what I'm going to make which is some lightweight gear. And for those who say quarter inche is too thin to support anything of any weight, then make it with thicker plywood.
Nicely explained and shot guide. Not sure why people are so negative - would love feedback on hoe it holds up in a workshop environment as this could be a useful little toolbox to help organise a whole series of tools - and the basis for lots of variations on the theme!
Thank you! I’ll see how it holds up over time. It holds 30 lbs of tools fine so the real test will be how the joints hold up over time. Maybe I’ll build another at some point with wedges in the corners for added strength. I think most of the negativity is a disconnect many people have with understanding types of forces and weight distribution.
I built a tool box for my portable tennis racket stringer about 30 years ago. No plans, just started building. I used a simple flat top and a screen door handle from the hardware store. Plenty rugged and I still use it.
A tool is anything used to design something and aid in the construction of said design. So not all tools are heavy weight ones. This tool box would be perfect to store the lighter weight tools I use for many of my projects. Most wood boxes that are made using thinner wood are often too small to be of use for tool storage. Plus, building it myself, the size and shape can be modified to suit the tools I use some of which are longer than a regular small took box would hold. Also, the construction techniques used to build a box using thicker wood can't be used for thinner wood. So thank you for providing the constructon techniques for use with thin wood. Some of the comments were saying that the construction would be too weak. I know from experience that when the correct glue is used the glued seam is often stronger than the wood itself. And as for the handle, not everyone stacks things and if they do they don't have to add the handle. That's the beauty of making your own.
Most toolboxes are made from thin weak material in sheet form but they are made stronger by adding indents or perpendicular joints or other engineering methods. I think people vastly underestimate the strength of 1/4” plywood.
@@MsCosmicSojourner it definitely limits how big you could make it. The box is very light which is ok from shelf to bench but I don’t think it would do well riding around in a truck. All that exposed plywood end-grain would get ragged up if the box didn’t get crushed. I used 1/4” plywood in some boxes I made many years ago but it was captive panels in a thin oak dovetail case.
Enjoyed the video. Very relaxing to watch. Nice toolbox. Now I'm thinking of all the little extra things to do to it for final tweaking. I like the idea another commenter suggested about poking some holes in the tray. Thank you for the video.
Good job, but I would add that the tray bottom needs a 1/4 hole in each corner to assist in lifting it. The box is so well made that you'll go bananas with the suction effect.
Very handy and customizable project! And despite all the negative comments by the keyboard warriors (aka jerks), I can see lots of uses for a box of this type! Also, and I guess this is becoming increasingly rare, I get great satisfaction out of making my own “stuff”! Keep in mind that the vast majority of “warriors” are sitting in their recliners eating Cheetos criticizing others who actually DO something! Disregard them, and enjoy YOUR projects! This hobby isn’t about building what others think you “shoulda” done! Well done Sir!
The doubling of the 1/4” ply in strategic areas was a good idea, it would keep the box light, but strong. I would have used counter sunk bolts from the underside for the handles. I can see those bolts in the tray scratching a wood floor or table. Good project to work on with my 12 year old grandson, using a handsaw of course. Thank you very much for the idea.
@@davidward9935 I would consider using elevator bolts from the inside, with acorn nuts on the outside. Then you could clues a small piece of felt on the bolt head.
The very first job when I was an apprentice joiner - shopfitter was to build my toolbox, I've still got the 3m Stanley tape measure I bought 46 years ago My Stanley Yankee Screwdriver was an excellent tool for it's time
@@markopolo5695 good shout Marco, me too but my big Yankee was stolen 20 years ago when my van was broken into. Still have my small one though and my brace/bits and full set of Marples chisels that were in the garage 👍
Very nice. I have always made my boxes with 1/2 inch material, but I may try a thinner and lighter material as you did. I hope you signed and dated the bottom of your toolbox. You, or someone else in years to come, will be interested in that! Good work!
Nicely built! FYI, you can put a 7 1/4” circular saw blade in your table saw if you really want a thin curve when you cut your box apart. Maybe not make a big difference than this big plywood box but a small decorative box, it could make a difference. I’ve been doing it for years.
Interesting. Might be useful for small craft tools or something not likely to travel much. Well done for what it is. I might borrow some of the ideas for a small case for a camera. Keep making! Dont get too discouraged by any keyboard warriors.
Thanks! I’ve been using it for my wrenches and so far so good. I intentionally avoiding overbuilding it to test the feasibility for another project idea.
That’s great! I wish they still did that in school, at least where I went. I made some clocks and end tables but never a metal toolbox. That would have been a cool project.
If I recall correctly, what you're calling dados are rabbeted edges (Brits would say 'rebate'). A dado is a slot cut across the grain. Other than that, it looks good.
Hardware costs is always the kicker. Worth it for a hobbyist project but it’s similar to building cabinets. Cheap until the drawer slides, hinges, and handles are bought lol.
The reason why is because the joinery is not strong enough to hold the box together. You either have to have box joints or thru bolted corner hardware to keep it together.
Nice work! The people who are saying this material is not strong enough probably drive massive diesel pickups to the grocery store to buy their keurig pods
Nice work. This method has a lot of applications. My suggestion would be to put some protection on the corners. At least points if not the edges. Otherwise they will quickly chip even under careful usage.
I try to make the same type of box with 3/4 Plywood. Is just too small to carry anything. So I just gave it away as a gift box. The person was very. Happy.
When cutting off your top, make sure your table saw fence is parallel to the blade. Many people have a slight offset to prevent kiuckback. I honeestly tthink you should have used 3/8"" plywood instead.
last toolbox i made was a 5gallon drum with the side cut out and put a handel on it, haha dose all i need it too it ets throwen about a lot so a nice ply one like that wouldnt last long i dont think i did make a big one out off old pallets though works well and looks good!!
Yes. I actually was planning on making the handles from plywood initially but later changed my mind to use solid wood. I think the plywood could have been nice instead.
Very nice toolbox! Your video is well done as well. I'm not sure why people feel compelled to tell you that a project you made for you purposes won't work for them. I didn't even catch the dado reference. 8-) Maybe its a Minnesota thing. I use dado, rabbit, and groove interchangeably all the time. A friend (from Iowa) is kind enough to correct me every time. I've needed some specialized tool boxes but didn't think about making my own. Thanks for the idea!
Thanks! Yeah I have a habit of always saying dado lol. Probably because I think dado stack therefore dado. So far the toolbox is working great for my wrenches.
For the record, a groove runs with the grain, it has a bottom and 2 walls. A dado is a groove that runs across the grain. A rabbet would be a groove, but since it is at the end of the piece, it only has one wall.
It’s a relatively lightweight tool box and no worse for that. It’s much easier to build a heavyweight box and so I commend you on going for the harder option.
You could scale it down and make boxes for specific tools … hand planes for example. Sandpaper discs. You might consider adding full length corner braces.
I cut all the edges at 45* and glued them up, depending on the weight of the tools I use 1/4 round to reinforce the seams if needed. I also cut a straw 45* to remove any squeeze out before it dries.
Enjoyed the build. As to why I'm not doing that? Steel or even a good plastic is a better material for this purpose. Also, I want to USE tools, not make them (great respect for those who want to make them but that's not me). I'll consider building the things I can't buy, but if someone is making something good for the purpose? It's usually cheaper to buy - and usually much faster as well.
I am going to make my own because its more space efficient. Store bought toolboxes never seem to fit the tools I own. Plus anything that reduces plastic usage is better to me. I could then pass on the plastic boxes i have(pay it forward), and only have 1 toolbox for all my tools.(for now)
I find using tools I've made to be very satisfying. A strong feedback develops then which is positively reinforcing. Then there's using tools to make tools. Or toolception. But I understand why many wouldn't want to bother.
@@orbitalair2103 I have had plastic toolboxes. Notice the past tense. Because they rarely hold up. I think I still have two now. But I've busted so many plastic toolboxes. Just shattered them like they were made out of glass.
I was skeptical of using dados as joinery on 1/4" ply, but it seems to work! I would probably wasted my time on box joints, or some such. About 50 years ago, my FIL gave me a similar tool box, a bit under twice that long. It uses box jointed 1/2" ply. I don't use it much, probably because it is too heavy even without tools.
I was nervous about how it would turn out but wanted to start with an easy to approach method - so I’d have a good base line test. I’m pleasantly surprised how strong it turned out to be. Part of the reason I went with 1/4” plywood is to shed weight - I wanted to avoid the situation you’re describing where it’s too heavy to use lol. If I build another I have some good tips from the comments to follow - like cleats/wedges in the corners. I think that would massively help the strength.
@@kwilliams2239that would look cool. Maybe if there were corner wedges inside then the splines would have something to tie into. Unless there’s a way to use the splines on the inside of the toolbox, giving functionality as well as strength 🤔
@@fangerwoodworking How about large ones as a screwdriver holder? Pencil? Pocket ruler? I think they'd be plenty strong, considering how strong just the 1/4" rabbet joints are. They'd add horizontal stability (squashing the rectangle into a trapezoid).
@@kwilliams2239that would be perfect! Could be a 4” piece going all the way from front to back with holes for various screwdrivers. Or maybe just 2”ish triangles in each corner, each with a hole for a screwdriver.
Some reasons I wouldn't build one. I bought someone elses toolbox for $6 at a market, it is solid pine with virtually no knots. The date inside is 1920, it smells amazing, of gum turpentine and linseed. It fits a full size hand saw in the lid. Second reason. 6mm ply is $39 a quarter sheet which might not be enough for this box, and the tools would cost around $2,000. Then there is the time and incidentals. Otherwise, given an infinite lifespan and complete workshop, I'd build this and a work bench like Pedulla Studio does.
Really fine lookin box, obviously NOT meant for heavy tools. I wonder just how much weight it can hold. What type of tools are you planning on putting into it? Great video thumbs up.
Any cut with the table saw can be replaced by a hand saw, at a minimum, but a band saw is probably the next best power tool choice. Any rabbet or dado could be done with a router instead of table saw. Also could be done by chisels and hand planes but that wouldn’t work well with plywood with how it chips. The table saw works well for the 1/4” plywood because of the accuracy needed.
It's nice but too small and not practical. Most of the workers in the architectural millworker shops I worked in had larger boxes with drawers. That way you could keep edge tools, layout markers and rulers etc safe from getting banged up by hammers and wrenches. I had a 3 drawer mechanics tool box from Sears for good tools and an open box for sanding blocks, mallets and as a catch all. I also had a larger locking box for cordless tools, drill and screw divers.
Those are rabbets, not dados, & the tray bolts will interfere with putting the tray down, and scratch things. Otherwise, keep it up. I have a similar commercially made box from 1/4" plywood that has two catches, corner protectors, and is substantially bigger. It is still in use after I think 56 years.
The reason being, in the uk anyway, is that a plastic box is stronger, cheaper and less time consuming....the latch/hinges/lock alone would cost more than adequate plastic box
My build was in the $5 range (not sure the current rate for euros). The latch and hinges I used are somewhat underrated though, probably would cost $5-$10 for better ones so that could add up fast. Fun project though - for hobby purposes.
Guys always replacing thier boxes after hinges snapping off or cracking cuz of cold weather and that kind of thing.My 1/4 inch plywood box lasted many years of being tossed around.
Nice toolbox. But I have concerns. One - My opinion is the box is too thin to be really practical. One good drop and it’s in pieces. Two - drill a couple of small holes on either side of the internal tray so it goes in and comes out easier.
Good idea about the holes. I’ll see how it holds up over time. I wanted to test the feasibility because 1/4” plywood is so cheap. Sort of an engineering challenge for myself, to see if it’ll work fine for another project I have in mind.
Nice. But you cannot set that tray down anywhere nice with that hardware protruding from the bottom. Perhaps flathead screws from below into the handle would work, with some glue?
I did a quick test on weight carrying capacity, loaded this with 30 lbs of tools (wrenches, hammers/mallets, pliers, etc). Nothing budged. Only the latch on the front was starting to stress, which I fully anticipated considering it was a lightweight latch that I had on hand. I made this toolbox out of 1/4 plywood as an experiment for a larger project - testing the feasibility of 1/4 plywood because it's cheap and lightweight. I'm primarily using this for my wrench set which is maybe 15 lbs and it'll clearly handle that. Based on some early comments there seems to be a misunderstanding about how forces and weight distribution are being applied in this toolbox, which I probably could have made more obvious. I'm relying on shear strength of glue joints in a lot of places which is helping the strength - as opposed to just pull strength. Also I added better weight distribution with how I attached the top handle. Also the tray is such a tight fit with the added lips that I think it helps strengthen the middle area of the box, making the whole thing stronger. I hope this helps explain some key engineering points to anyone who might immediately recoil at the thought of using 1/4 plywood. It's not a strong material in its flat state but it becomes stronger in a system of various joints and design choices that improve weight distribution. I intentionally kept this simple to see where weak spots are after long term use.
@@fangerwoodworking don't feel obligated to defend yourself mate, cracking wee toolbox that could be made from scraps or anyone on a low budget.
More importantly it is a great learning curve for newbies or anyone wanting to learn something different. Woodworking is a great stress reliever and very underrated in helping men and women's mental health.
You stick in there bud, I for one appreciate the time and effort you put in to your videos (God, I am old. Apologies if they aren't called that anymore) and as I am a carpenter to trade and have been a woodworker/bowl turner for 40years, I think I am more than qualified to say "lovin your work"
All the best,
Martin
@ I still call them videos so no worries lol. This was one of the most fun projects I’ve worked on so I hope other people try it as well.
I'm a big fan of prototyping a build. I tend to get all worried about stuff that doesn't usually matter and building a cheap test version really helps me get over that.
Thanks for the vid.
Is it a HINGE or a LATCH?
What Martin said! 😁
I remember as a kid my Dad telling me his first project as an apprentice carpenter was (by hand, no power tools) to build a toolbox for his new tools. (1960s). In his words, if you can't build a box, how the hell are you going to build a house? He also built a hope chest for his girlfriend (my mom) which I still have today... still solid. Miss you Dad!
The days before plastic injection moulding should be remembered and appreciated
My wife used these plans from WoodPrix and she's very satisfied.
Thats a good toolbox, nicely made. Not all tools need a massive heavy box. A shame some commenters are quite nit-picky!
Thanks!
I’ve got my original tool box’s that I made when I was an apprentice, all dovetailed joints by hand. There priceless to me and was the first thing every apprentice had to make👍🏻🍺😎.
Awesome!
@ retro-cabin/ I ALSO HAVE ALL OF MINE PLUS THE STEP-UPS FOR DOOR HARDWARE!!!!! I USED MOST OF THEM THROUGHOUT MY CAREER AS A CARPENTER!!!! I STILL HAVE MY STEP-UPS AND OTHER THINGS!!!!! GOOD VIDEO!!!!!
Man this takes me back 30+ years when i was a ahipyard apprentice , it was like the law to build your own toolbox , to learn and test your skills , nowadays people just go out and buy stuff
Its funny because later in life i retrained as a C.N.C. Miller/Turner in the Aerispace industry but i have always enjoyed wookworking more and find it more satisfying
One time, when I was making a coffee table, I had a friend ask me “why don’t you just buy one?” At the time I didn’t have much of an answer, I probably just said “because I want to” 😆, but after many projects I’ve discovered it’s the sense of accomplishment that’s most satisfying.
Me too
@fangerwoodworking Buying is the method of the incapable.
What you build is yours.
I love it, simple, elegant and can use up scraps that we hate to throw away.
My grandson is getting old enough to start a tool box to help grandpa fix things and a down scaled version would be perfect.
Thanks for the inspiration.
That sounds great!
Why downsized? His tools will be the same size as yours.
That’s a nice toolbox you made there. I can’t believe the comments here, speaks a lot about that person to leave that.
When I was in school I made a few boxes like that out of scrap plywood that were laying around. One was for my girlfriend’s cassettes, another was a CD box and a random small long narrow box. Decades later my wife still has them.
Thanks - and that’s awesome! That makes me think of trying a jewelry box. The 1/4” plywood with some felt or something on the inside could be the perfect balance of weight and strength and make a good present.
Nice build! Don't let the critics bother you.
Thanks!
No one is complaining about the build. It’s the 1/4” ply. If he doesn’t pay attention to criticism he will never learn a thing.
@@valarmorghulis5265 I am paying attention to the criticism. I’ve gotten a lot of great suggestions of wedges/cleats in the corners for added strength, but most 1/4” plywood comments are shortsighted. Most toolboxes are made from thin plastic but it’s the way they’re designed/engineered that adds strength.
@@valarmorghulis5265 Some of it is constructive criticism, but some of it is just keyboard warriors acting like they know everything. Clearly, 1/4" ply is lightweight and that obviously puts some limits on it's uses. But it still can be used for many things and it was a good build.
Funny you’ve got hate for this. I think it’s brilliant. There’s a number of smaller toolboxes I’ve radically overbuilt and made too heavy because I was afraid of thinner wood. This is the way! Subscribed
Thanks! Yeah I was aiming for something cheap and lightweight and so far it’s working great.
As an aircraft mechanic I find this box to be impractical.
It won’t hold the weight and with the solid handle, it cannot have another stacked on top.
But this a very nice and simple box for a specific project kit, or a gift or project for someone just beginning their craft or learning to use tools.
I worked in a sheet metal shop that fabricated air conditioning ducts.
Each craftsman had built their own box or boxes using the materials and methods for fabricating the ductwork. While not as pretty as nice wood grain, there was a nice charm about them.
Building your own box with pride has almost become a lost art with all of the various commercial offerings available.
It’s also hard to beat the cost of free plastic buckets left over from used materials when money is tight and better spent on the tools.
Making it stackable is a good idea. I thought of that when it was too late for this project 😅 but that would be great for a custom set of stackable toolboxes like the big brands make.
If you have ever had a plastic bucket freeze, and leave its contents strewn all over amongst sharp plastic shards, you will think twice about that option. Take care.
@@carlcarlamos9055 Freeze and explode without water? It must get a lot colder than 32F for that to happen.
I've used buckets in the past, with the canvas liners, even. I didn't like them much. They were hard on the tools.
Me too. I built a couple of totes and a big funnel from 16ga galvanized steel. 40 years ago. Still use them. Because they were spot welded and soldered.
I recently commandeered one for a condiment & utensil carrier for my Blackstone griddle.
Very nice! Wood is calming
Nice. Reminds me of some tackle boxes I made many years ago. I used “marine grade” plywood which held up well but might have been overkill. After watching this video I think I need to make another one! Thanks.
That’s a great use case, glad you enjoyed the video!
Beautiful box!
One of the first projects I made as a kid was a wood box. Same basic design, but thicker wood and no fancy tools. I think I'll dig that up and put a handle and new hardware on it!
That would be great!
Nice build don't let the critics bother you. It's perfect for what I'm going to make which is some lightweight gear. And for those who say quarter inche is too thin to support anything of any weight, then make it with thicker plywood.
Thanks. Yeah it’s working great so far for my wrench set.
Clean and simple design. Very nice!
Thanks!
Nicely explained and shot guide. Not sure why people are so negative - would love feedback on hoe it holds up in a workshop environment as this could be a useful little toolbox to help organise a whole series of tools - and the basis for lots of variations on the theme!
Thank you! I’ll see how it holds up over time. It holds 30 lbs of tools fine so the real test will be how the joints hold up over time. Maybe I’ll build another at some point with wedges in the corners for added strength. I think most of the negativity is a disconnect many people have with understanding types of forces and weight distribution.
Love it. More. Even subtle dimension changes and different proportions are something I enjoy. Little style differences in the ubiquitous box form.
I built a tool box for my portable tennis racket stringer about 30 years ago. No plans, just started building. I used a simple flat top and a screen door handle from the hardware store. Plenty rugged and I still use it.
That’s great!
A tool is anything used to design something and aid in the construction of said design. So not all tools are heavy weight ones. This tool box would be perfect to store the lighter weight tools I use for many of my projects. Most wood boxes that are made using thinner wood are often too small to be of use for tool storage. Plus, building it myself, the size and shape can be modified to suit the tools I use some of which are longer than a regular small took box would hold.
Also, the construction techniques used to build a box using thicker wood can't be used for thinner wood. So thank you for providing the constructon techniques for use with thin wood.
Some of the comments were saying that the construction would be too weak. I know from experience that when the correct glue is used the glued seam is often stronger than the wood itself. And as for the handle, not everyone stacks things and if they do they don't have to add the handle. That's the beauty of making your own.
A strong glue joint notwithstanding. It’s still made of very thin weak plywood.
Most toolboxes are made from thin weak material in sheet form but they are made stronger by adding indents or perpendicular joints or other engineering methods. I think people vastly underestimate the strength of 1/4” plywood.
@@MsCosmicSojourner it definitely limits how big you could make it. The box is very light which is ok from shelf to bench but I don’t think it would do well riding around in a truck. All that exposed plywood end-grain would get ragged up if the box didn’t get crushed. I used 1/4” plywood in some boxes I made many years ago but it was captive panels in a thin oak dovetail case.
Nicely done. Projects like this are fun to do. Good luck
It was a lot of fun! One of the most fun projects I’ve worked on.
Enjoyed the video. Working with what you have to hand that fulfils a purpose. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Enjoyed the video. Very relaxing to watch. Nice toolbox. Now I'm thinking of all the little extra things to do to it for final tweaking. I like the idea another commenter suggested about poking some holes in the tray. Thank you for the video.
Thanks! Yes the holes to prevent suction and some extra corner supports are good ideas.
Good job, but I would add that the tray bottom needs a 1/4 hole in each corner to assist in lifting it. The box is so well made that you'll go bananas with the suction effect.
Good idea!
The perfect example of having the right tools for the job.
Superb craftsmanship.
Thank you!
Beautiful toolbox! It seems the most simple design usually is the most useful 👍👍
Thanks!
Very nice work, i have several wooden tool boxes that date back to 1940's or maybe older. One was my grandpa's who was a Carpender.
That’s great!
Very handy and customizable project! And despite all the negative comments by the keyboard warriors (aka jerks), I can see lots of uses for a box of this type! Also, and I guess this is becoming increasingly rare, I get great satisfaction out of making my own “stuff”! Keep in mind that the vast majority of “warriors” are sitting in their recliners eating Cheetos criticizing others who actually DO something! Disregard them, and enjoy YOUR projects! This hobby isn’t about building what others think you “shoulda” done! Well done Sir!
Thanks! It’s working great for holding my wrenches.
Great job man!!!
Thank you!
Great job looks amazing
I like it
Thanks!
Nice simple job -- well done!!
Thanks!
The doubling of the 1/4” ply in strategic areas was a good idea, it would keep the box light, but strong. I would have used counter sunk bolts from the underside for the handles. I can see those bolts in the tray scratching a wood floor or table. Good project to work on with my 12 year old grandson, using a handsaw of course. Thank you very much for the idea.
@@davidward9935 I would consider using elevator bolts from the inside, with acorn nuts on the outside. Then you could clues a small piece of felt on the bolt head.
Good idea. Maybe carriage bolts or if I raised the dado for the tray bottom so there was a lip all the way around giving space for bolt heads.
Are you familiar with elevator bolts? They don’t need to be countersunk.
The very first job when I was an apprentice joiner - shopfitter was to build my toolbox, I've still got the 3m Stanley tape measure I bought 46 years ago
My Stanley Yankee Screwdriver was an excellent tool for it's time
@@markopolo5695 good shout Marco, me too but my big Yankee was stolen 20 years ago when my van was broken into. Still have my small one though and my brace/bits and full set of Marples chisels that were in the garage 👍
Very nice. I have always made my boxes with 1/2 inch material, but I may try a thinner and lighter material as you did.
I hope you signed and dated the bottom of your toolbox. You, or someone else in years to come, will be interested in that! Good work!
Thanks! I made this to test the feasibility of 1/4” plywood because it’s so cheap compared to either 1/2” or 3/4”. So far so good.
Nicely built! FYI, you can put a 7 1/4” circular saw blade in your table saw if you really want a thin curve when you cut your box apart. Maybe not make a big difference than this big plywood box but a small decorative box, it could make a difference. I’ve been doing it for years.
Good idea!
Along an edge - it is called a "Rabbet", if it forms a groove - then it is called a "dado"
Oops
Nicely made. Great video.
Thanks!
That's really well done. It turned out way better than one I made!
Thanks!
Interesting. Might be useful for small craft tools or something not likely to travel much. Well done for what it is. I might borrow some of the ideas for a small case for a camera. Keep making! Dont get too discouraged by any keyboard warriors.
Thanks! I’ve been using it for my wrenches and so far so good. I intentionally avoiding overbuilding it to test the feasibility for another project idea.
@@fangerwoodworking I noticed all the Masterforce gear. Must be in the upper Midwest? I'm in Eastern Iowa myself. I love Menards!
@@BishjamICYep! Up in Minnesota. I think the entire staff at my local Menards know me at this point 😆
I still have the metal tool box I made back in the old days. I was 17 when I made it.
That’s great! I wish they still did that in school, at least where I went. I made some clocks and end tables but never a metal toolbox. That would have been a cool project.
"As a miniature hobbyist and modeler, a box like this is perfect for on-the-go hobbie nights at a local club or a friend's home. Thank you "
Good idea! If I still played DND this would be perfect for carrying around 3D printed game items.
Now that's a Nice Toolbox. Now I want one.
Thanks!
Great build 👍
Thanks!
Enjoyable had one very similar early 1970s thank nice podcast 😁
Thank you!
Very nice. Thanks for sharing
If I recall correctly, what you're calling dados are rabbeted edges (Brits would say 'rebate'). A dado is a slot cut across the grain. Other than that, it looks good.
Oops. Thanks!
Leather straps for handles might be easier to grasp and save space on the tray. And the box too.
Good idea
built my own toolbox. by the time i bought plywood, hinges, corner braces, and a latch,it cost more than a rotomolded one off the shelf!
Hardware costs is always the kicker. Worth it for a hobbyist project but it’s similar to building cabinets. Cheap until the drawer slides, hinges, and handles are bought lol.
An older name for the tray is a till. These days till is only used for the tray in a cash register .
I would need two latches . Nice project.
Neat! I didn’t know that. Thanks!
Workbenches have tool tills. The tray in a toolbox is a tray.
@ boxes and trunks can have tills. It is just an old and now uncommon use of the word.
That music is so calming.
Great project. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
The reason why is because the joinery is not strong enough to hold the box together. You either have to have box joints or thru bolted corner hardware to keep it together.
Yeah box joints could help. I like the idea of corner hardware - maybe one that’s glued on.
@@fangerwoodworking Glue some triangular strips of wood into the corners of the inside and call it done. Nice project.
Fun project, good job.
Thanks!
Nice work! The people who are saying this material is not strong enough probably drive massive diesel pickups to the grocery store to buy their keurig pods
Lol probably!
Nice work. This method has a lot of applications. My suggestion would be to put some protection on the corners. At least points if not the edges. Otherwise they will quickly chip even under careful usage.
Good idea about the corners. Maybe aluminum angle would look cool, add protection, and still keep it lightweight. That or thin pieces of hard maple.
@@fangerwoodworking Yes. Could rabbet to make them fit flush and just glue them on. I will use that idea!
Nice piston fit on the lift out tray. Extra Bragging rights there !
Awesome! Makes me want to build one myself. Thanks!
Definitely a fun project!
I try to make the same type of box with 3/4 Plywood. Is just too small to carry anything. So I just gave it away as a gift box. The person was very.
Happy.
side dado's are rabbets, additionally if you're going to demonstrate WW videos, use the saw guard, splitter, and riving knife.
Oops
I would think 1/4 inch is too thin. I’d use 1/2 inch. Which should last longer.
Nice video
Thanks! Yeah I’ll see how it holds up over time. I wanted to see the feasibility of 1/4” since it’s so much cheaper than 1/2” or 3/4”.
Great work! Curious to know what the purpose is of having an innner top with another handle on it?
Just a tray for smaller tools
Great job,nicely done.
Perhaps use two clasps instead of one,to lessen the strain when lifting?
Thanks! Yes two clasps would be great. Funny enough I hadn’t thought of that until finishing the project haha .
Nice work.
Thank you!
Nice job man! Ignore the a-hole… Some people like to criticize others to make themselves feel better. I think you did a fine job! ☮️🤝
Thanks! It was a really fun project.
WOW - good job 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!
When cutting off your top, make sure your table saw fence is parallel to the blade. Many people have a slight offset to prevent kiuckback. I honeestly tthink you should have used 3/8"" plywood instead.
last toolbox i made was a 5gallon drum with the side cut out and put a handel on it, haha dose all i need it too it ets throwen about a lot so a nice ply one like that wouldnt last long i dont think i did make a big one out off old pallets though works well and looks good!!
Haha that’s cool! Making one from pallets would work great too.
Could the interior (tray) handle have been thinner (giving your tray more room) and made of plywood?
Yes. I actually was planning on making the handles from plywood initially but later changed my mind to use solid wood. I think the plywood could have been nice instead.
Very nice toolbox! Your video is well done as well. I'm not sure why people feel compelled to tell you that a project you made for you purposes won't work for them. I didn't even catch the dado reference. 8-) Maybe its a Minnesota thing. I use dado, rabbit, and groove interchangeably all the time. A friend (from Iowa) is kind enough to correct me every time. I've needed some specialized tool boxes but didn't think about making my own. Thanks for the idea!
Thanks! Yeah I have a habit of always saying dado lol. Probably because I think dado stack therefore dado. So far the toolbox is working great for my wrenches.
Très intéressant pour un débutant,
Je suis en accord avec l’idée de faire
Des prototypes,ça aide à poursuivre
Avec de plus grandes ambitions 😊
Mastercraft Clamps for the Win! You must be near a Menards store.
Yep! Up in Minnesota.
Thank you for sharing
I made a trailer for my lawn tractor out of 1/4" plywood scraps, of course it has some framework but it'll easily carry a grown man.
That’s great! 1/4” plywood is stronger than people realize.
Nice box except, you need to learn the difference between a dado and a rabbet joint!
For the record, a groove runs with the grain, it has a bottom and 2 walls. A dado is a groove that runs across the grain. A rabbet would be a groove, but since it is at the end of the piece, it only has one wall.
Oops lol. Since dado is so commonly used I don’t bother saying anything else in my voiceovers. Probably could be helpful though.
He knows the difference - like most, they just use the joint whether or not they know the proper name. Joint strength matters more than its name.
Nice job.
Thanks!
It’s a relatively lightweight tool box and no worse for that. It’s much easier to build a heavyweight box and so I commend you on going for the harder option.
Thank you! I saved a lot of weight with the 1/4” plywood. So far so good for holding my wrenches.
You could scale it down and make boxes for specific tools … hand planes for example. Sandpaper discs.
You might consider adding full length corner braces.
That would be great! I like the idea about corner braces. Probably could skip the rabbets/dados and just use corner bracing.
what i meant for the braces would be relatively thin triangular strips or gussets glued on the inside of each joint. Chamfer strips.
I cut all the edges at 45* and glued them up, depending on the weight of the tools I use 1/4 round to reinforce the seams if needed. I also cut a straw 45* to remove any squeeze out before it dries.
Enjoyed the build. As to why I'm not doing that?
Steel or even a good plastic is a better material for this purpose. Also, I want to USE tools, not make them (great respect for those who want to make them but that's not me).
I'll consider building the things I can't buy, but if someone is making something good for the purpose? It's usually cheaper to buy - and usually much faster as well.
I am going to make my own because its more space efficient. Store bought toolboxes never seem to fit the tools I own. Plus anything that reduces plastic usage is better to me. I could then pass on the plastic boxes i have(pay it forward), and only have 1 toolbox for all my tools.(for now)
@@orbitalair2103 Good reason(s) to make your own.
I find using tools I've made to be very satisfying. A strong feedback develops then which is positively reinforcing. Then there's using tools to make tools. Or toolception. But I understand why many wouldn't want to bother.
@@orbitalair2103 I have had plastic toolboxes. Notice the past tense. Because they rarely hold up. I think I still have two now. But I've busted so many plastic toolboxes. Just shattered them like they were made out of glass.
All my toolboxes were bought used at garage sales probably for less than what you spent on wood. But would be good project for a kid.
Nice project.
Thanks!
Just wouldn’t be for heavy tools but would be real good for shoe shine brushes and polishes
Works great for my wrenches. Good idea for shoe shine stuff.
Nice.
Thanks!
Nice box.. but you should have recessed the hinges between the lid and the box
Not enough thickness to do that
I was skeptical of using dados as joinery on 1/4" ply, but it seems to work! I would probably wasted my time on box joints, or some such. About 50 years ago, my FIL gave me a similar tool box, a bit under twice that long. It uses box jointed 1/2" ply. I don't use it much, probably because it is too heavy even without tools.
I was nervous about how it would turn out but wanted to start with an easy to approach method - so I’d have a good base line test. I’m pleasantly surprised how strong it turned out to be. Part of the reason I went with 1/4” plywood is to shed weight - I wanted to avoid the situation you’re describing where it’s too heavy to use lol. If I build another I have some good tips from the comments to follow - like cleats/wedges in the corners. I think that would massively help the strength.
@@fangerwoodworking Splines? With only 1/4" ply, there may not be much material but it could look cool, with very little additional work.
@@kwilliams2239that would look cool. Maybe if there were corner wedges inside then the splines would have something to tie into. Unless there’s a way to use the splines on the inside of the toolbox, giving functionality as well as strength 🤔
@@fangerwoodworking How about large ones as a screwdriver holder? Pencil? Pocket ruler? I think they'd be plenty strong, considering how strong just the 1/4" rabbet joints are. They'd add horizontal stability (squashing the rectangle into a trapezoid).
@@kwilliams2239that would be perfect! Could be a 4” piece going all the way from front to back with holes for various screwdrivers. Or maybe just 2”ish triangles in each corner, each with a hole for a screwdriver.
GOOD VIDEO!!!!!
Thanks!
Some reasons I wouldn't build one. I bought someone elses toolbox for $6 at a market, it is solid pine with virtually no knots. The date inside is 1920, it smells amazing, of gum turpentine and linseed. It fits a full size hand saw in the lid.
Second reason. 6mm ply is $39 a quarter sheet which might not be enough for this box, and the tools would cost around $2,000. Then there is the time and incidentals. Otherwise, given an infinite lifespan and complete workshop, I'd build this and a work bench like Pedulla Studio does.
Dang, the 1/4” plywood I bought was $22 for a full 4x8 sheet. Super fun hobbyist project though.
In the UK carpenters built their own toolbox as a finale to their apprenticeship.
That’s great!
Really fine lookin box, obviously NOT meant for heavy tools. I wonder just how much weight it can hold. What type of tools are you planning on putting into it? Great video thumbs up.
I’m using it for my wrench set and so far so good.
OK it's great how can I do it without a table saw? More importantly can you?
Any cut with the table saw can be replaced by a hand saw, at a minimum, but a band saw is probably the next best power tool choice. Any rabbet or dado could be done with a router instead of table saw. Also could be done by chisels and hand planes but that wouldn’t work well with plywood with how it chips. The table saw works well for the 1/4” plywood because of the accuracy needed.
It's nice but too small and not practical. Most of the workers in the architectural millworker shops I worked in had larger boxes with drawers. That way you could keep edge tools, layout markers and rulers etc safe from getting banged up by hammers and wrenches. I had a 3 drawer mechanics tool box from Sears for good tools and an open box for sanding blocks, mallets and as a catch all. I also had a larger locking box for cordless tools, drill and screw divers.
So far so good for wrench storage. I like the idea of building one with drawers. That would be a fun build.
have to start somewhere keeping working
Cool
Those are rabbets, not dados, & the tray bolts will interfere with putting the tray down, and scratch things. Otherwise, keep it up. I have a similar commercially made box from 1/4" plywood that has two catches, corner protectors, and is substantially bigger. It is still in use after I think 56 years.
That’s great!
I still do
The plastic ones don't last a year with me.
I make metal ones too from sheet metal
That would be fun to make a metal toolbox
The reason being, in the uk anyway, is that a plastic box is stronger, cheaper and less time consuming....the latch/hinges/lock alone would cost more than adequate plastic box
My build was in the $5 range (not sure the current rate for euros). The latch and hinges I used are somewhat underrated though, probably would cost $5-$10 for better ones so that could add up fast. Fun project though - for hobby purposes.
Guys always replacing thier boxes after hinges snapping off or cracking cuz of cold weather and that kind of thing.My 1/4 inch plywood box lasted many years of being tossed around.
Nice. I would not have made dadoes tho, I prefer glue strips.
Nice toolbox. But I have concerns.
One - My opinion is the box is too thin to be really practical. One good drop and it’s in pieces.
Two - drill a couple of small holes on either side of the internal tray so it goes in and comes out easier.
Good idea about the holes. I’ll see how it holds up over time. I wanted to test the feasibility because 1/4” plywood is so cheap. Sort of an engineering challenge for myself, to see if it’ll work fine for another project I have in mind.
@ 👍
I try to avoid dropping things. I'm not always successful. I usually do OK though.
@ 😂😂😂
3/8 ply is the best
That could work well
Learn the difference between SIDES and ENDS
Jeez
Nice. But you cannot set that tray down anywhere nice with that hardware protruding from the bottom. Perhaps flathead screws from below into the handle would work, with some glue?
Flat head screws would work great