When I decided to upgrade from a no-brand box that was falling apart (I *had* abused it) I checked out boxes from about every manufacturer I could find. While not comprehensive, my litmus test is to fully pull out the bottom drawer, grasp the front, and see how much I can move it side-to-side with very modest force. Results are pretty disappointing even for some expensive premium brand boxes. Name and cost go hand in hand, but quality does not necessarily follow...
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Tool boxes
- Thread starter redvan22
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Michael:
Do you have any photos of the current set-up? Are your machines on tables with space under them? Do you have ANY room on either side? Do you have space behind the lathe? You could set up some sort of pegboard/shelves/hooks/etc. that has places for putting stuff. How wide are the tables the machines are on? Do you have space for a small top box on them?
For my mill, I designed a stand and had a local welder make it for me. I think it was about $250. I had the narrow tool chest already, so I made the stand fit around it. I only wish I'd made the t able a bit wider.
For me lathe, I built a wood counter with a steel top and put a CL Craftsman workbench under it. Behind, I have a small shelf and hooks for tools and lube. I wish I'd made the front a little deeper or mounted the lathe a little more the the left; I'm constantly setting down tool holders, calipers, etc. down and there needs to be about 2" more space.
There is a cupboard above the lathe, but it has paint cans in it. I could use the space for lathe stuff, though. I'm also 6'-2", so reaching higher is not much of an issue.
Figure out what you need than look on CL and FBMP. The narrow boxes don't come up often, and when they do they are really pricey, at least here in LA.
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Can one of you Gerstner tool box guys tell me what this means?
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i can get it for 180.00
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could not get an answer fast enough on here, so i had to pass on the tool box..
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There will always be another one...
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My kids were just wondering what to get their Dad that has everything. I suggested a Corvette C8, but they responded that they were in the process of rounding up some dust bunnies for me.
Since the Corvette was out of the question and I am not a fan of dust bunnies, I suggested they get me a HF toolbox. It will sit between my lathe and mill for all of the bits and bobs that each machine requires. I outfitted the lab at work with these Harbor Freight boxes and we are happy with them. I have an older version of the linked one, and ironically the quality has actually gone up.
www.harborfreight.com
Since the Corvette was out of the question and I am not a fan of dust bunnies, I suggested they get me a HF toolbox. It will sit between my lathe and mill for all of the bits and bobs that each machine requires. I outfitted the lab at work with these Harbor Freight boxes and we are happy with them. I have an older version of the linked one, and ironically the quality has actually gone up.
26 in. x 22 in. Single Bank Roller Cabinet, Blue
Amazing deals on this Blue 26 Inch 8 Drawer Roller Cabinet at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
It means "drawer no. 3 for the box the worker randomly numbered as 376 that day". You have to remove the bottom drawer and pull the cover all the way out to see Gerstner's markings inside the box on the bottom panel.
Rick "looking for a low, wide box that will fit under an old SB lathe's chip tray" Denney
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