formariz 11,988 #1 Posted December 22, 2023 I was offered this vintage machinists tool box by @Handy Don who was kind enough to even bring it to me. It is from the 50s. It was missing two drawers and at some time in its life it was exposed to water. Some veneer in back had delaminated and broken off. As soon as he offered it I knew right away its future function. My oldest son has given similar machinists boxes , but in metal to each one of the boys. So I am giving this one to my granddaughter. She can keep her little stuff in it and it can also be a future jewelry box. It’s Union Tool Chest model B20 from 1950. It is stamped on the interior with number 394 which I am sure it’s the serial #. Made two new drawers and repaired veneer. Also lined all the drawers with new felt this time lining the entire inside surface of drawers . Removed the old damaged finish , restained it and applied some wipe on poly . Finally cleaned and reinstalled all hardware. Even found a reproduction factory tag for it. I just need to find two correct little pulls for new drawers. Rather than being discarded it now will have a new life and purpose for at least another generation. Thank you @Handy Don Before After Before After 2 16 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,661 #2 Posted December 22, 2023 Absolutely Beautiful !!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,046 #3 Posted December 22, 2023 Nice job. Gives me some inspiration. When we took over my wife's parent's place, one of the items that came with it is an old wooden machinist's tool chest. It has been on the back corner of the work bench for as long as I can remember (I first visited that house in the '70s). I have not pulled it to the center of the work bench for a really close inspection yet. On casual inspection, the case looks solid, but it has many missing drawers and other parts. I'm thinking that this will be a someday restoration project. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,698 #4 Posted December 22, 2023 Beautiful!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,899 #5 Posted December 22, 2023 VERY nice!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,973 #6 Posted December 22, 2023 Wood is so pretty! Another work of art, saved by an artist alike! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,904 #7 Posted December 22, 2023 Could those drawer pulls be turned on a lathe? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,396 #8 Posted December 22, 2023 Again, excellent job on rebuilding that chest, Cas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,217 #9 Posted December 22, 2023 I had an old Gerstner box I bought at auction. I cleaned it all up and discovered nothing I had would fit in the drawers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,988 #10 Posted December 22, 2023 2 hours ago, WHX?? said: Could those drawer pulls be turned on a lathe? They could. However last night I found that Gerstner sells identical backplates. They also sell the little knobs although the shape may be a little different. I have already ordered both. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,988 #11 Posted December 22, 2023 Correction. The number 394 stamped inside box is not a serial number but rather a number to identify all the parts belonging to box during manafacturing and or assembly. Front lid is also stamped on edge with same number and drawers have it hand written on back along with their respective locations within box. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,330 #12 Posted December 22, 2023 (edited) Makes perfect sense when you figure there was likely some handwork to do final fitting of the drawers and door. Probably also had to do with grain matching. Edited December 22, 2023 by Handy Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Mac 8,648 #13 Posted December 22, 2023 (edited) Love those old chests. I have had several of them. One on my dresser now that i keep my watches, pocket knives, and other things in. I have ordered keys, felt, and locks from Gerstner before. Now i get emailed to death by them. I dont mind because i like looking at there stuff. Did you stamp the drawers you made with the same number? Here are a few I have owned. Also have had several Kennedy's as well. Edited December 24, 2023 by D_Mac 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites