I was given a nice old Gerstner by Red Rowan in 1976. I was floored when he did that. He was retiring as a lathe hand in our mold shop. I've taken very good care of 'his' box. It's full of his tools as well as mine and they're in very good condition, as well. I know he's passed on by now but his kindness to his apprentice lives on. Thanks, Red, I think of you every time I open our beautiful tool box.
I have one - an original in nearly mint condition. I do not intend to mess with it. It is far too nice to try and restore when it doesn't need it. It was inherited and I treasure it. Still has all the expensive high-end machinist tools in it as well. All of those are in perfect condition. No rust, no debris, no scratches. Many of the items are high end West German and Germany made precision instruments. A few men have seen this chest and its contents and immediately offer me; "Name your price for this - I have to have it!" It isn't for sale!
I would never sell it either. I have some of my father’s tools that I sometimes use just to, bring back memories and get close to him again. Consider waxing the old box once or twice. Every 5-10 years. Keep the old varnish protected. Keep the wood flexible. In this video and others, you can see where the surface lamination is beginning to split on the lid or other parts. Cheers.
This is the best of the best! I first saw your products one time many years ago when the company display was at the Daton Hamvention. Fell in love with the products. Never had a chance to purchase one of the chests but if I make it back to Ohio I will be there to pick one up. This would be perfect for my electronics precision and tuning tools!
Beautiful work! I enjoy restoring tools and furniture. Got a few tips from this! Never thought of using air compressor to blow glue down crack. Thanks! Btw I need one of those tool chests, my next purchase
Someone did a mild resto on my 1930's 052. I thought about sending it in for a full resto but then it would lose it's charm. It's truly one of my most prized possessions
When I worked as an inspector in the manufacture of aircraft altimeters Ray Whitehouse our most experienced inspector had one of these chests for his precision hand tools.
We use our Finish Restorer and Preserver to clean and then car wax for some shine. Mostly Mothers California Gold. gerstnerusa.com/replacement-hardware/finish-restorer-and-preserver
I just bought my first machine tool box! and it is your brand,I’m not sure what type it is but I would appreciate any help on how to get it back to it’s old look please.
As a retired machinist, I see it does a couple of things. Covers the fasteners on the lid handle and reinforces the wood. It also lets you see what is in the top of the box when stacked on a 2 drawer base box. You can also slide things under the edges to hold a drill/tap pocket chart, notes and small pictures. I knew a drunkard machinist that hid his bail bond money under the mirror.
Is that a cup stain on the lid? I would kill someone...😜 Very interesting that they use galvanized metal for the drawer bottoms. I never looked these up because I figured they would be way to expensive, but surprised by the prices. Might have one in my future...
what are the products you are using to clean and then coat the wood please? Looks like some oil and then some pink wax? I have a box I'd like to clean up myself, thank you.
We use our Finish Restorer and Preserver that's the oil looking stuff and car wax for some shine. Mostly Mothers California Gold. gerstnerusa.com/replacement-hardware/finish-restorer-and-preserver
Thanks for noticing - many of our restorations are to bring a box back close to original while keeping the "personality" the box has gained over the years. Since Gerstner boxes are often passed down the new owners love having some of those mark left in as reminders of the person who used it before.
Thanks for commenting. With all restoration projects we do, the customer directs what is to be restored. While we can sand and refinish older chests, re-felt, replace all hardware, and bring it back to its original appearance, most prefer to leave the dings, scratches, and patina as a way to honor the history of the chest. Many chests are passed down through generations and the restoration of those physical markers, which some may see as needing to be fixed, probably tells a family's story that's worth repeating.
I was given a nice old Gerstner by Red Rowan in 1976. I was floored when he did that. He was retiring as a lathe hand in our mold shop. I've taken very good care of 'his' box. It's full of his tools as well as mine and they're in very good condition, as well. I know he's passed on by now but his kindness to his apprentice lives on. Thanks, Red, I think of you every time I open our beautiful tool box.
Abom79 sent me here. Beautiful products!
Same here, did you notice they were still using a brake to cut the felt instead of the fancy new machinery used in Abom's video.
wow beautiful craftsmanship
Visiting after learning about your beautiful products from Abomb79! Gorgeous!!
Beautiful, I have a very old Gerstner box in very good condition for is age that I am very proud of and would not trade for a brand new one.
I have one - an original in nearly mint condition. I do not intend to mess with it. It is far too nice to try and restore when it doesn't need it. It was inherited and I treasure it. Still has all the expensive high-end machinist tools in it as well. All of those are in perfect condition. No rust, no debris, no scratches. Many of the items are high end West German and Germany made precision instruments. A few men have seen this chest and its contents and immediately offer me; "Name your price for this - I have to have it!" It isn't for sale!
I would never sell it either. I have some of my father’s tools that I sometimes use just to, bring back memories and get close to him again.
Consider waxing the old box once or twice. Every 5-10 years. Keep the old varnish protected. Keep the wood flexible. In this video and others, you can see where the surface lamination is beginning to split on the lid or other parts. Cheers.
Great restoration. It looks good. I couldn't help but feel the tools you used to restore it were the same ones that built it !
WORLD CLASS craftmanship. A+++
The ONLY fine machinist tool chest. Abom79 approved.
I really like this sensitive restoration of a wonderful old tool chest.
This is the best of the best! I first saw your products one time many years ago when the company display was at the Daton Hamvention. Fell in love with the products. Never had a chance to purchase one of the chests but if I make it back to Ohio I will be there to pick one up. This would be perfect for my electronics precision and tuning tools!
What a fantastic video thanks for sharing your skill and time 🍺🍺👍👍👍
Awesome work
Beautiful work! I enjoy restoring tools and furniture. Got a few tips from this! Never thought of using air compressor to blow glue down crack. Thanks! Btw I need one of those tool chests, my next purchase
Someone did a mild resto on my 1930's 052. I thought about sending it in for a full resto but then it would lose it's charm. It's truly one of my most prized possessions
SUPER!!!👍🙏🙏🙏 Слов нет желаю здоровья успехов вашему каналу. Софья Кабардино-Балкария.
When I worked as an inspector in the manufacture of aircraft altimeters Ray Whitehouse our most experienced inspector had one of these chests for his precision hand tools.
this is amazing restoration work.
The music is awful but the video is wonderful. Your craftsmanship is second to none. I WILL own a Gerstner chest one day.
Beautiful!
Fantastic work..... thanks
What did you use to get the old felt out so easily?
the glue used is hide glue and therefore water soluble.
A piece of art! Abom79 also sent me here =)
What about the interior sides of the drawers. Don’t they put felt in this area? It looked like it was there before.
I'm restoring a 1940s journeyman chest. What type of tape was used in the video?
Nice! Is that white glue or hide glue being tuned into the joints?
It's wood glue. Our Whew Glue is used for installing the felt lining.
What is the wax that he uses on the wood to polish it?
looks like a Mothers product going by the can color.
We use our Finish Restorer and Preserver to clean and then car wax for some shine. Mostly Mothers California Gold.
gerstnerusa.com/replacement-hardware/finish-restorer-and-preserver
I just bought my first machine tool box! and it is your brand,I’m not sure what type it is but I would appreciate any help on how to get it back to it’s old look please.
I've seen these tool boxes and all the copies for years. What was the purpose of the mirror in the lid????
As a retired machinist, I see it does a couple of things. Covers the fasteners on the lid handle and reinforces the wood. It also lets you see what is in the top of the box when stacked on a 2 drawer base box. You can also slide things under the edges to hold a drill/tap pocket chart, notes and small pictures. I knew a drunkard machinist that hid his bail bond money under the mirror.
Some machinists are smudge magnets, the mirror gives the necessary feedback.
www.gerstnerforum.com/showthread.php?53-Why-is-there-a-Mirror-in-the-top-of-a-Gerstner-Chest
So the machinist can touch up his face at the work day end.
@Achmed Seldomsinsobar That's the first thing I thought too.
Is that a cup stain on the lid? I would kill someone...😜 Very interesting that they use galvanized metal for the drawer bottoms. I never looked these up because I figured they would be way to expensive, but surprised by the prices. Might have one in my future...
I have a box that is smaller than the one in this video. How much is the restoration service?
It varies depending on the work being done. Check at gerstnerusa.com/restoration-and-repair
I have an old tool box with a leather handle like yours. Where did you get the replacement handle?
Probably right there in the Gerstner factory..?
Check out gerstnerusa.com/replacement-hardware
what are the products you are using to clean and then coat the wood please? Looks like some oil and then some pink wax? I have a box I'd like to clean up myself, thank you.
We use our Finish Restorer and Preserver that's the oil looking stuff and car wax for some shine. Mostly Mothers California Gold.
gerstnerusa.com/replacement-hardware/finish-restorer-and-preserver
H Gerstner & Sons thank you!
For some reason my metal chest suddenly feels soulless.
You left a cup ring mark on the top.
Thanks for noticing - many of our restorations are to bring a box back close to original while keeping the "personality" the box has gained over the years. Since Gerstner boxes are often passed down the new owners love having some of those mark left in as reminders of the person who used it before.
@@gerstner2010 I was only pulling your leg, you did a nice honest restoration. 👍
Frame 5:20 reveals a not so nice inside drawer sides. Restoration is just fair.
Thanks for commenting.
With all restoration projects we do, the customer directs what is to be restored. While we can sand and refinish older chests, re-felt, replace all hardware, and bring it back to its original appearance, most prefer to leave the dings, scratches, and patina as a way to honor the history of the chest. Many chests are passed down through generations and the restoration of those physical markers, which some may see as needing to be fixed, probably tells a family's story that's worth repeating.
I’ve got the same chest…….
Would be so much better without the music