Building the Perfect Tool Chest

Rating:
Summary: Something for everyone, here
Review: I am presently building a machinist's toolchest, which I designed myself, using ideas from Jim Tolpin's "The Toolbox Book" and a bunch of pictures and data from the internet. I'm happy with the results so far and confident of completing my first effort. However, if I'd had Jim Stack's book, I might have started my project a lot sooner. "Building the Perfect Toolchest" is a book of projects--15 of them--that covers almost the same RANGE as Tolpin's, but obviously not in such glorious and varied detail.

The first project is a simple plywood box with all mitred joints. Then we see a similar flip-top chest with frame and panel construction. From there we move on to a suit-case style caddy with a few simple drawers. Then, progressively, we go through multi-drawer chests, rolling tool carts, open totes and wall-mounted storage, culminating in a full-sized, professional standing cabinet in two pieces that could hold almost all you would need.

Every chapter includes complete cutting and hardware lists for duplicating the projects exactly. (A nice touch is the inclusion of inch AND metric dimensions!) The color photos are superb, the directions clear and simple and the suggestions for variations of design are very helpful.

There is a great emphasis on machining and it almost goes without saying that the router and tablesaw are used throughout the book. There are clear explanations of all fixtures, jigs and gadgets and even old hands will pick up a couple of useful tricks here. I believe the best feature of the book is its user-friendliness. Even real newbies should have no trouble working confidently, accurately and safely by following the text. Your only problem will be getting to keep any of your first efforts for yourself!