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General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: Jeff on June 20, 2016, 08:28:35 AM

Title: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on June 20, 2016, 08:28:35 AM
For Fathers day this year I got two surprises. My kids went together and got me a new tool chest for my new polebarn. I now have a place to start putting all of my mechanics tools that have been in drawers and various small boxes over the last 35 years. I spent much of yesterday on a scavenger hunt, finding my old tools to put in the box.  I'm definitely going to have to put some labels on all those drawers!



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box3~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424872)

THEN  Tammy's mom and step dad Gene, came over to spend the afternoon yesterday.  Gene knows my appreciation for older things, and had no one to pass this on to, so I was presented with an old chest he has had for much of his life that belonged to one of his relatives. He told me the story of each tool in the box, many of which belonged to his father of the ones he knew the story of, and told be that there is another chest just like it, as they were built also as saw horses. The other chest belongs to one of his distant relatives. I'm honored to have been presented with such a gift.  I only took a few photos of the contents, but there is some really neat stuff in there that will be of great use in the future I am sure.  The saws and chisels and spoke shaves are sharp. There is a number 1 stanley plane in there that looks like it is certainly ready to shave wood.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box1~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424871) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box2~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424873) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box4.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424873) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box6.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424874) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box7.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424874) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box8.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424875)

I also finished up my project yesterday morning. My first work bench made with reclaimed lumber I got from Burlkraft before he left for New Mexico.  I built this one so I could use it anywhere in the barn. My plan is to not have any "built-ins" in the barn. Everything will be movable, and I learn how I want to use the spaces. I priced casters, and they were crazy priced, so I then saw a harbor freight sales paper last week and they had 1000 lb capacity moving dollies on sale for $7.00 I bought two, and uses the 8 castors from them to put on the bench.  :)

Probably the best Father's day ever!  It is really special to me thinking about the extremes between these two chests that will mean so much to me in the future.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box5.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424874)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on June 20, 2016, 08:38:44 AM
I've been looking at the chest, and found that the drawers have a unique feature to help them open when they are weighted down with heavy tools. A scalloped bottom to reduce drag.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20160619_173824.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466426135)

One of the cool chisels.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/box9.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1466424871)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Dave Shepard on June 20, 2016, 09:21:09 AM
That No. 1 is a rare and valuable plane, althiugh I'm sure it's value is greater than its monetary value to you. It is very common for drawer sides to be made from beveled siding, but I've never seen the bottoms made that way.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: OneWithWood on June 20, 2016, 10:45:25 AM
So, do you ever go in the house anymore?  :)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on June 20, 2016, 10:51:08 AM
Funny you mention that. Ive been thinking of setting up a cot. :D
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: POSTON WIDEHEAD on June 20, 2016, 05:53:45 PM
Quote from: Jeff on June 20, 2016, 10:51:08 AM
Funny you mention that. Ive been thinking of setting up a cot. :D

:D :D :D
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: loggah on June 20, 2016, 05:54:29 PM
Jeff,Those are some nice gifts there, those old wooden chests are great, i see them for sale once in a while but i have no space left for them ! :-[  Don
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Bruno of NH on June 20, 2016, 06:05:03 PM
Jeff
I like the old tool chest :)
There is nothing like using old tools . I love it :)
Just thinking who's hands worked with them before you .
Bruno
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: thecfarm on June 20, 2016, 06:41:47 PM
Nice!!
Build a 4 inch shelf under that new chest on top of the other one. That way you can put stuff on the little ridge and still open the bottom draw without moving 2-3 things.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: drobertson on June 20, 2016, 07:02:47 PM
Happy for ya!  nice work shop
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: coxy on June 20, 2016, 08:13:31 PM
Quote from: Bruno of NH on June 20, 2016, 06:05:03 PM
Jeff
I like the old tool chest :)
There is nothing like using old tools . I love it :)
Just thinking who's hands worked with them before you .
Bruno
and how much money was made with them over the years
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on September 13, 2017, 09:16:54 PM
Tammy came home from her mom's today bearing a new gift for me from Gene's old tools that he wanted me to have.


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20170913_175944~0.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505351620) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20170913_175954.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505351665) 

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20170913_180007.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1505351789)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: POSTON WIDEHEAD on September 13, 2017, 09:21:36 PM
Old School there. I watched a guy install molding with one of these in my parents house back in the 60's.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Hilltop366 on September 13, 2017, 09:26:00 PM
Nice cordless miter saw!
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: sawguy21 on September 14, 2017, 11:35:07 AM
 :D :D Be careful of the weight in that top chest and remember to not leave multiple drawers open. Don't ask how I know.
A clean well organized tool chest is a real pleasure.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Bruno of NH on September 15, 2017, 10:43:23 AM
Jeff
Learned how to cut crown on a saw like that.
My uncle Punky the man that taught  me carpentry work still used hand saws for some things in the 80's :) :)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on September 15, 2017, 10:53:29 AM
The saw is quite dull. I ried to make a cut with it, and it was a chore. It would need to be sharpened to be of any real use. Looks like I'll need to find a place on a high shelf somewhere for a display tool. I can't imagine using it when I have a power miter saw.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Bert on September 15, 2017, 11:39:57 AM
Sometimes Ill grab a hand tool before a power tool just because I dont feel like getting out extension cords. Trim Nailer for example, gotta get the compressor, cord, air hose etc. Nah, ill just grab the hammer and nails if the job is just a room or so.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on September 15, 2017, 12:15:46 PM
I have a couple timber wolf hand saws that I use all the time. If I only have a couple three cuts to make on a project, that is my first choice too. :)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on June 29, 2018, 08:18:47 PM
Gene strikes again! Tammy was at her mom's helping her paint a deck in 90° heat today and Gene comes out of his garage with this and told her to bring it home to me. I've not tried it out yet but she said he said it was rarely used and works well.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20180629_201327.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1530317911)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: samandothers on June 29, 2018, 08:25:44 PM
Montgomery Wards!  It will probably be passed on for several generations.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Don P on June 29, 2018, 10:12:07 PM
I hadn't seen this thread before. I learned to trim with Dad's miter box like that. I handed him down a power miter saw years ago, he liked it. Hard to know how many houses he trimmed out with that hand one and a coping saw. We were looking at my building tools one time, you couldn't get them all in a truck if you tried, I used to be able to carry all his in in two trips, and I think he was the better carpenter.

That one fine handled handsaw is an oldie, its rare for those handles to survive.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: DWyatt on July 03, 2018, 08:37:26 AM
Just saw this thread and have always been fascinated by old  tools and the fact that they can survive so many generations, all while always being the go to tool for most projects. I still reach for the tools of my Great Grandpa in our shop, every chisel, saw, and socket with his initials, F.W., engraved into the steel.

Here's a very neat article with a little history of the Keen Kutter brand that I found after searching the chisel in the picture. Simmons Hardware Company was far before my time, too bad the morals of today's hardware companies don't parallel their beliefs. 

http://www.thckk.org/history/simmons-hdwe.pdf
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: mike_belben on July 03, 2018, 10:58:50 AM
I worked at a scrap yard for a few years.  The E-motor bin was probably 30% power tools that werent cheap when they were bought.  Ive got hawks eyes in an iron pile, and i didnt hardly see a handplane or chisel.  They dont ever go obsolete. Still got all my grandfathers and use em to this day.  My 3yr old miter saw has a bad trigger switch.  If only grand dads miter box wasnt in storage a thousand miles away.  Newer isnt better i guess. 
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Claybraker on July 03, 2018, 04:27:17 PM
Quote from: Jeff on June 29, 2018, 08:18:47 PM
Gene strikes again! Tammy was at her mom's helping her paint a deck in 90° heat today and Gene comes out of his garage with this and told her to bring it home to me. I've not tried it out yet but she said he said it was rarely used and works well.



It's a trap Boss. Don't fall for it. Starts out innocently enough with a "free" scroll saw. Then she'll bring you a pattern for a trivet she asks if you know how to make, or cutesy lettering for that couple that just got engaged. Real woodworking tools draw enough current to dim the lights in the house.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Drafthorse on July 03, 2018, 06:15:19 PM
Nice stuff Jeff, that #1 Stanley is a rare find. And when I did have one in my hand, I didn't have enough in my bank account to afford it. Sharpen that back saw. You can never get the accuracy from a power miter box that you will get from the old one. You never saw gaps from trim carpenters when they used the old Stanley and Millers Fall Miter boxes. I'm very happy for you, What a treasure.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on January 04, 2022, 08:11:51 PM
My son just sat this down on the chair next to me. Gene sent it home for me. Jeremy made a no contact visit today to shuttle stuff for Tammy as we are quarantined.

Pretty cool!!

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20220104_201115.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1641345091)
 
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Dan_Shade on January 04, 2022, 09:50:17 PM
Gonna shave the beard?

:)

Hang in there through your quarantine. 
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: newoodguy78 on January 04, 2022, 09:54:46 PM
The upper piece with the two slots and small hole, A handle for the lower pieces?
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on January 04, 2022, 11:23:07 PM
Ill have to do some studying on it
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Hilltop366 on January 04, 2022, 11:38:52 PM
The top piece goes on the right end of the bottom piece fastened through the hole, the slots are to run the rods through, the two slots are for different sharpening angles. The rods go on the stones (if they are not already), the knife is clamped in the left end of the bottom piece.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Magicman on January 05, 2022, 08:04:26 AM
My late Brother gave me a Lansky sharpener very similar to that and as Dan indicated above, it will get a blade razor sharp.  Enjoy.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: biggkidd on January 05, 2022, 09:06:28 AM
I miss my Lansky it grew legs some years ago. Which is surprising considering I still have lots tools & stuff from my teens.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: 21incher on January 05, 2022, 10:02:49 AM
I recently made a video about the basics of how those sharpening systems work. 
Sharpening Some Small Knives Using Lansky, Gatco, And Smith Sharpening Guide Kits - YouTube (https://youtu.be/GdfQFMfgLPA)
I use mine all the time. They are very easy to use. Hope you and tammy are doing well and she recovers quickly. 
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on January 05, 2022, 02:51:09 PM
Perfect! Ill know exactly where to go learn now. Tammy is up looking through a box of photos, still dealing with he mom's death. She's not coughing, and not back in bed, so, so far so good.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: thecfarm on January 05, 2022, 07:22:44 PM
So far so good is a good thing!!!
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on January 05, 2022, 07:50:34 PM
She seems to be somewhat better today, but being covid, we'll not let a guard down. 
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: newoodguy78 on January 05, 2022, 11:34:57 PM
Never know what you'll learn on here, thanks for the explanation. 
Jeff glad to hear Tammy is doing better. 
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Bruno of NH on January 07, 2022, 12:10:17 AM
Sorry to hear about Tammy
Hope she starts feeling better
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on January 24, 2022, 08:00:08 PM
Tammy came home from Gene's yesterday with a box for me. Man, I need to have him teach me how to sharpen knives. These are all sharper than any knives in the house. The two pans make me wish I had a woodstove.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20220124_151318.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1643072390)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: newoodguy78 on January 24, 2022, 08:33:23 PM
With the reflection of those blades there's no hiding the sharpness. That's a score. 
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Walnut Beast on January 24, 2022, 11:52:41 PM
Looks like some nice treasures 👍
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Don P on January 25, 2022, 09:24:27 AM
Its a good friend that gives you a sharp knife   ;D
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on January 28, 2022, 07:22:58 PM
I made a video today with the knives.

This is not a "How to" video. It's more of a "how does that guy manage to get by" video.   :)
Knives and Donuts - YouTube (https://youtu.be/Zn6sVBMrY6Y)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: SwampDonkey on January 29, 2022, 04:43:15 AM
Be careful Jeff, you keep being blessed with all those treasures and pretty soon you will either be adding onto the barn or walking down narrow paths to find that one tool 'over in behind there.' :D :D 8)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on April 19, 2022, 12:04:31 PM
Another take this home to Jeff this morning. Tammy stopped by for something this morning, probably to check on Gene. He was at our house yesterday for Easter dinner. Oh! I bet she was picking up a plate she sent home. Anyhow, this was not Gene's.  It was Tammy's Grampa Cliff's Oil can. Tammy's mom's dad.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20220419_120223.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1650384253)
 
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20220419_120139.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1650384262)
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: SwampDonkey on April 19, 2022, 12:07:27 PM
Brass? Some sort of plunger on top?
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Jeff on April 19, 2022, 12:24:38 PM
No, I dont think its brass, but an original paint. I think the trigger opens the gate at the bottom of the can, as it pours from the bottom.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: rusticretreater on April 19, 2022, 02:35:34 PM
Yeah, in a places I worked we had a big tank of bulk oil with a pump.  You would fill up the can, bend the spout into the oil fill of an engine and press the lever.  Some places are still like that.  Later we would put the plastic quart bottles into them upside down and collect the oil.  After a full day or two, you had a free oil change for your car.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: trimguy on April 19, 2022, 02:44:15 PM
That's pretty cool.
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: Walnut Beast on April 19, 2022, 03:15:37 PM
Love that old stuff! Some nice eye candy!
Title: Re: A tale of two tool chests.
Post by: GRANITEstateMP on April 19, 2022, 07:44:20 PM
I like it!