I have the same toolbox for my engineering tools. Now retired I still keep my micrometers, calipers , drills and taps etc. which I often use on my home Warco mini lathe. It's great to see a good restoration. Well done.
How wonderful to see someone take the time to lovingly restore a piece of the past. We live in such a throw away society, it's heartening to know there are people with the knowledge and skills, and more importantly, the desire to do such beautiful work. 😊
I have one of these. It was my father’s, from the 1940’s and it was filled with old machinists tools. I repaired the broken bits, put in new felt and use it as a jewelry box. It is one of my most important possessions.
I have my fathers version of this, just differed in that the top pair of draws are deep, otherwise pretty much identical. I still keep many of the tools and bits and bobs in it he had. Used some, added some of my own. It’s very important to me as well.
I also have one I have inherited from my late Grandfather, it's in slightly worse condition than the one here but it should give me starting point to restore it myself. I can't believe this video showed up in my recommended completely by chance too!
Just a tip: this was originally assembled using hide glue which is resversible, and hence it could be repaired this time around as the joints failed saving the wood. By repairing it using polyurethane (gorilla glue) tbis will not be possible in the future as any failure in the future will cause damage to the wood Gorilla glue should not be used for joints such as this. Hide glue is the most suitable.
@@daveklein2826 same reason we have fuses. Setting up a point of failure that is easy to fix prevents irreparable damage somewhere else when something happens
But with hide which is what was originally used! Your sticking to the original which is the idea of restoration !? Right? So the next time in the future it will be easier to restore if original marital are used. Also. An added feature that some antique restoration artist's do is add an explanation of when the item was restored by whom and what materials were used. So in the future this will make it much easier for future restores to do there job!
No it isn't. That's the kind of thing you say to amateurs who paint antiques and destroy them in the process. This toolbox was properly restored and is now a valuable piece of equipment. It took skills and a lot of work, and I don't really care if it was fun or not.
We were given one along with a 0-1' micrometer and a 6" engineers steel ruler at the start of your apprenticeship, 16yrs old, 1975, apprentice toolmaker, it was your pride and joy. County Durham.
@Uncle Eidolf uncle, I served my time as a apprenticeship toolmaker, which also included learning to be a craftsman at many trades, I ended up having the choice of being a toolmaker or a draughtsman, I became a blacksmith, then joined the army, 7 th Batt the Light Infantry at 24 yrs old, it was a hard time in the then depression, and I went to everybody's university, best regards mate, from County Durham.
Uncle Eidolf ? “real” ? ‘Real’ is if you can do the job well. Those who are taught by skilled craftsmen know just as much if not more than what we can learn in a university... what makes someone taught by apprenticeship not a ‘real’ engineer? A self taught motivated person often knows a lot more than an unmotivated person just warming a seat in sitting in a classroom listening to an instructor who doesn’t like their job and is tired of being there... just wondering.🤔
I love the constant bickering over finishes we all prefer. We like what we like. Super shiny, slick, with heavy brushmarks? Heck of a look. Me? Rag application of danish oil over a couple of days. It's lazy, yet time consuming. All in all, that's some fine work. Thanks for sharing.
I did one too! When my father in law passed away he had two that were going to be tossed into the dumpster. I took them out. I have only redone one so far. It made my husband so happy to have something of his fathers he thought was junk turned into a treasure.
Great Restoration ~ What a Beautifully Crafted box ~ Such attention to detail and Lovely Dovetailing ~ They took So Much Care in The Making~ You made it 'New' Again ~
Old machinist box that's in pretty good shape for it's age. I see some people think you ruined history but these things are not that collectable and you made it look good again. Nice job. 40 years as a machinist and I've seen quite a few and most were in worse shape as they didn't hold up well in shops.
@David curtis I have my grandfather's Gerstner box Looks just like the one in this video. He was a Tool Room machinist at Gunite Corporation in Rockford, Illinois. He retired in 1980 the box is old and to the handle gave way when we moved it and it dropped onto a concrete floor. Broke many parts including the case. It's full of cutting oil and cast iron dust. It's in bad shape. Thinking about doing something like this. For my dad.
My grandfather was a machinist in Oswego NY early 1900s. He had a similar Gerstner chest I restored and still have. I’ve been a machinist all my life as well and still have it! It’s not just a trade you learn in prison anymore. Nice job!
I watch a couple of restoration channels, and it's really nice seeing this different perspective on restoration. Not to return it to immediately post manufacture condition, but holding onto some of that old story in it and just making it stable and functional again. Great work.
I appreciate the care that went into this restoration, a job very well done. I did a similar restoration of some cabinets my dad had in his shop for 50 yrs. The cabinets originally came from a Kodak plant and were used to store film. My Dad had them gifted to him by a friend. Two cabinets with 8 drawers each, made of oak, dovetailed drawers. Dad used them for storing drill bits, screw drivers, various parts, nails, screws etc. They had been through a lot of abuse, including accidentally leaving a lit cutting torch next to the side of one on the cabinets resulting in a deep burn mark. When my Dad died they were left to me. I had them shipped from Colorado to Houston even though I knew the value of the cabinets was far less than the shipping charge. I stripped, sanded, repaired and refinished the cabinets and was very proud of the results. I used them for the same purpose Dad had, storage for shop items. But I didn't take on the project for that reason. I wanted to preserve something that my Dad valued and to use it they way that he did. Ironically, a few years after I finished he restoration, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and my neighborhood was flooded with 7 feet of water. The cabinets were on the floor of my garage. I had some serious damage from that flood, but those cabinets were the only thing I truly regret not being able to salvage.
Hi Ed thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Sorry about the sad ending though. Goodness me that must have been awful to have your home damaged in such a way! Kind regards Phil
Wow, I have one of these. I was working on a building site and someone was going to throw this in a skip and I asked if I could have it...He said yeah sure. It was his Fathers who worked as an Aircraft Engineer. I now use it for storing Art materials. I may do a restoration on the box myself after watching this video.
I think that was a perfect restoration only because it will be preserved. I understand how some opinions can differ because some people might restore without a clear coat, but honestly that's probably for people who can easily just buy another one anytime they want. At least this will be around and won't fall apart.
Thank you , this was very enjoyable to watch . Excellent job and it turned out beautiful . My Dad was a machinist, I turned out to be a woodworker . When he retired I got one of his tool boxes just like this one and restored it and gave it back to him . Instead of the garage he kept it in the house till he died then my brother got it and lost it in his house fire. So glad for memories . Thanks for posting .
My dad made a case like this one when he was in his apprenticeship in the 1930’s. In his classes he went on to make the tools that are still in my brothers care to this day. As a little girl I was in awe of the micrometer and super accurate drills, chisels, rasps, planers, levels and many more. The toolbox is in great condition because he taught all of his seven children to revere well made tools.
Other than a couple lessons learned for leather work, this is an outstanding restoration. As for the leather handle, particularly the edges, a little wax and burnishing would go a long way. I gotta add. THANK YOU for lining up the knob screws horizontally. It’s the little things that go a long way with something like this.
Totally off topic but in reading comments about this outstanding piece I saw your screen name and almost lost my coffee. Had a good laugh thank you very much! Lol
You did a thorough and detailed job this. It is super easy to arm chair quarter back. I'm just simply amazed at all the detail you put into restoring it. It looked amazing
I applaud anyone who does such fine restoration such as this. Magnificent. The positive aspects of history and craftsmanship must be appreciated and treasured in order that people are inspired to build on such achievements.
As an apprentice i made these, exactly the same , but in uk for Moore Nd Wright micrometers, still have one and a few drawers, timber was Samba or another name Limba same timber, hours on a combe jointer doing the end joints on the drawers, lovely cabinets, the one i still have my late mother used as a jewelery and odds and ends cabinet
I started as a five year apprentice in 1964 , as a wood machinest, the firm was Elvicta handtools at Crickhowell in Wales, we made mahogany inlaid boxes for micrometers for Starrets, rosewood and mahogany spirit levels for Rabone Chesterman and many sorts of boxes, all the rage at the time was kidney shaped mirrors set on an Afromosia frame with birch ply insert, the afromosia was evil stuff very hard and brittle and any splinters in your fingers immediately festered and hurt, i used many sorts of hardwoods including Teak and lignum vitae. The firm closed , but i had left and started and ran a joinery firm for 38 years, specialising in staircases. I still have a couple of machines in my barn and make the odd window,signs and oak bits as i need them. There is few things as rewarding as taking a nice piece of timber and making an item that will hopefully outlast you and give pleasure to all
Thank you for the info! It's a fascinating bit of history. Afromosia would this be the wood made popular with 70s G Plan style furniture? i have one of those kidney mirror somewhere😊
@@Instone09ine yes it was a cheaper alternative to Teak, one of the other lines they did was mahogany boxes with lids to take the batteries on electric milk carts(remember them in uk)they were dovetailed on a Brookman dovetailer assembled and dipped in heated wax, Crompton Parkinson embossed on the sides
@@leonardmilner5774 and today you buy an expensive (eye wateringly so) specific tool it comes in a silly blow-molded plastic case way too big for it with rounded edges so it can only stack flat and takes up space.
I have one almost identical to this. The handle was different, though. Old, cracked leather. I wrapped the handle and lined the drawers in green velvet and it makes for a gorgeous jewelry box.
Greetings from Michigan in the States. Very nice results! I see you are nearing 900k views!! Best of luck reaching your goal of 1 million. Thanks also for sharing. Be safe and have a happy day!
Great to hear from you John! Fingers crossed for the milestone mill views! Geetings from Nottingham in the U.K Have a wonderful day In the USA thanks for stopping by🗽😊
Excellent video! I have five of these chests, three wooden and two matal. I refinished two of the wooden chests. These are fun project which result in beautiful heirlooms.
I had a woodshop teacher who used to slap us silly if he caught us sanding without using a sanding block. I found myself ducking several times during this video. Nice job 👍
Спасибо, я так рада, что тебе нравится. Я использую его для хранения своих камер и гаджетов. Как приятно получить сообщение на русском языке! я надеюсь, что гугл переводчик делает хорошую работу. Хорошего дня
@@MrSharper802 Ya, for furniture. This wouldn't have necessarily been shellac. Could have been an oil or wax. Either way, the thick plasticky looking poly he put on it looks kind of bad, especially since he did such a great job restoring it. It'll at least give it many years of life.
I have a very similar one that belonged to my dad when he worked at Warner and Swasey in the 1930's. Its full of Starrett micrometers, reference blocks, inside gauges, dial indicators, etc. I should have a closer look at it.
You should. You should also carefully open and photograph each of the drawer's contents. I'd bet most of the tools are collector's items...and likely still in very good working order as well.
Nice job happy you kept its history intact and only gave it a refresh, interesting note the drawer pulls are guitar strap holders very smart idea to the maker
@@robertbeer2584 Thank you Robert I’ve had a look at the strap holders well spotted! They come in so many different designs too ! Food for thought right there 👍
I probably would have gone over the wood with a dry brush to get all the dirt out (after removing the baize cloth), then wipe it all down with mineral spirits to remove the dirt from handling, repaired any loose joints or cracking wood, then used some kind of wood preservative that gives a satin type of finish. The hardware I would have thoroughly cleaned and degreased before adding a touch of oil, but the handle and baize lining I would have replaced. The end result would look like an old but but well cared for cabinet.
My late husband was a magician. He and his friends who were also magicians. Would have just loved this. In fact I remember him finding similar boxes and restoring them. You do beautiful work. Thank you for sharing
СПАСИБО, БОЛЬШЕ ЛЮБИМЫ, ЧТО ВЫ ЗАКОММЕНТИРОВАЛИ, Я ОЧЕНЬ ЛЕСТЕН, ЧТО КОРОБКА БОЛЬШЕ НЕ ИСПОЛЬЗУЕТСЯ ДЛЯ ИНСТРУМЕНТОВ, ЭТО СЛИШКОМ ХОРОШО! Извините, я оставил Caps Lock включенным! Не кричу прости 😂
Unfortunately my dad had all his tools nicked. He built them up from when he was an engineer in the Royal Navy in the 30's to the 60's. I remember when I was a kid looking at his tools and he would let me use them. I always hoped I would be able to have them at some point, but no, some nasty theif put an end to that and took the lot. Being a girl in the 60's/70's, girls cooked, cleaned and became seamstresses, secretaries and typists. I watched my dad at every opportunity and helped or watched him fix lots of things and my brother, 7 years older was a carpenter and did metal work at school. I cried my eyes out when I was told I couldn't take these as my chosen subject in senior school, because men did these subjects, girls became wives, mothers and ran the house! I swear, if I had been able to do these subjects my work life would have been much more enjoyable. I so should have been born a boy 😂 I try to fix anything I can because I enjoy bringing things back to life, be it old toys, electrical items, washing machines, cookers or furniture. Dad died late December 2019, 7 months shy of his 100th birthday. I'm glad he let me help him when I was a little kid though.
@@kaybeth9181 I was my father's helper and wanted more than anything to be a cabinetmaker. Unfortunately there were no apprenticeships available when I got out of school in 75 - oil embargo had shut down shops and factories all over the northeast US. Good luck as a girl getting in anyway. 62 now and good at a lot of things. I did build kitchen cabinets for a while and that was fun. Lead me to a router table and I'm good to go.
Refreshing to see the care you are taking - John Ruskin, William Morris etc would be pleased. Wrap a lint free cloth/microfibre around the cotton wool - to make a ball, much better for applying the stain.
Little trick for wooden drawer slides.. Rub a little paraffin/ candle wax on the slide to prevent the drawer catching, sticking or binding. Nice 👌 job, too.
I agree. A box like that with surface imperfections and patina shouldn't be glossy. A satin or hand rubbed finish would look better imo but this is his project and it's still very nicely done 👍
He properly used shellac, not polyurethane. As left, it is shiny, but it can be deglossed with very fine steel wool. It is also possible to very easily completely remove it with just denatured alcohol. No sanding, scraping, gouging... It easily just dissolves away with no residue... completely reversible (unlike polyurethane and most varnishes).
@@jamesburkhard I do french polish technique on pieces of furniture valued over $100k and have pieces in museums. I don't care for this finish or application. Probably not the best type of polish to use for an item like this either. If he likes it, great but I don't care for it. He could have just washed it with 0000 steel wool and a non-sudzing ammonia based soap and then do sealing coat and applied his finish.
I so admire your talent and to be able to restore to it's former beauty,simply amazing. If only you could restore me. I truly enjoy watching your videos, thank you ..
Lovely job well done lot of hours gone into that. I restore old hand tools and use them.. plies of rusty rubbish to some from car boots. I clean restore and reuse the old stuff is the best not like todays rubbish they call tools. Again great vid.
Great restoration. Try rubbing some candle wax on the drawer runners, it will make the drawers move smoothly. I used to do this on the furniture I used to make.
Your patience, craftsmanship, & attention to detail are amazing & an example to all- especially young people. There are not many today who would be willing to do what you do. And that is a shame. Thank you for sharing your skills & talents with us.
I have the same toolbox for my engineering tools. Now retired I still keep my micrometers, calipers , drills and taps etc. which I often use on my home Warco mini lathe. It's great to see a good restoration. Well done.
Thank you Sidney. I really enjoyed every minute of this restoration and it makes my day whenever someone comments.
Have a great day!
Beautiful restoration! I have a couple of these.
Really enjoyed this! Thanks for not putting annoying music on the video.
Glad you liked it Victoria thanks for the feedback😊
How wonderful to see someone take the time to lovingly restore a piece of the past. We live in such a throw away society, it's heartening to know there are people with the knowledge and skills, and more importantly, the desire to do such beautiful work. 😊
Thank you so much Lori I'm so glad you enjoyd watching, have a great day😊
Utterly Fantastic!!!
Thank you very much 😊
I have one of these. It was my father’s, from the 1940’s and it was filled with old machinists tools. I repaired the broken bits, put in new felt and use it as a jewelry box. It is one of my most important possessions.
I have one also
Tutto stupendo complimenti, tanta pazienza, attenzione 👍👍👍👍👍 ma con i sotto titoli.
I have my fathers version of this, just differed in that the top pair of draws are deep, otherwise pretty much identical.
I still keep many of the tools and bits and bobs in it he had. Used some, added some of my own.
It’s very important to me as well.
I also have one I have inherited from my late Grandfather, it's in slightly worse condition than the one here but it should give me starting point to restore it myself. I can't believe this video showed up in my recommended completely by chance too!
Ur father will be proud and so should u 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Beautiful restoration 👍👍👍
A thousand thumbs up for leaving The original decals 👍👍👍👍👍👍
I agree Omar let's have a thousand thumbs up for the labels😊😃
Beautifully finished restoration. May the tool box last another 200 years.
Thank you Judith let’s hope it lasts that long 👍
Just a tip: this was originally assembled using hide glue which is resversible, and hence it could be repaired this time around as the joints failed saving the wood. By repairing it using polyurethane (gorilla glue) tbis will not be possible in the future as any failure in the future will cause damage to the wood
Gorilla glue should not be used for joints such as this. Hide glue is the most suitable.
Thank you Steven good explanation .A few viewers have told me not to use gorilla glue but your’e the first to explain why hide glue is best ! 😀
LMAO who builds things thinking of failure? Glues today a far superior to the old glues
@@daveklein2826 same reason we have fuses. Setting up a point of failure that is easy to fix prevents irreparable damage somewhere else when something happens
But with hide which is what was originally used! Your sticking to the original which is the idea of restoration !? Right? So the next time in the future it will be easier to restore if original marital are used. Also. An added feature that some antique restoration artist's do is add an explanation of when the item was restored by whom and what materials were used. So in the future this will make it much easier for future restores to do there job!
@@daveklein2826 “who builds things thinking of failure” somebody who knows what they’re doing
The important thing is you had fun doing it. Thanks for letting us watch.
you just it all.. Enjoy your work!!
No it isn't. That's the kind of thing you say to amateurs who paint antiques and destroy them in the process. This toolbox was properly restored and is now a valuable piece of equipment. It took skills and a lot of work, and I don't really care if it was fun or not.
Excellent work and a real pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
@@baltoman6709 Thank you so very much for the feedback👈😀👍
I purchased one of these when I started my engineering apprenticeship, I still have it after 58 years.
Hi Alan lovely to hear you kept it close How much did you pay for it back then?😊
@@Instone09ine Mine is 42 years old and cost me £99 from Hughes and Homes
We were given one along with a 0-1' micrometer and a 6" engineers steel ruler at the start of your apprenticeship, 16yrs old, 1975, apprentice toolmaker, it was your pride and joy. County Durham.
@Uncle Eidolf uncle, I served my time as a apprenticeship toolmaker, which also included learning to be a craftsman at many trades, I ended up having the choice of being a toolmaker or a draughtsman, I became a blacksmith, then joined the army, 7 th Batt the Light Infantry at 24 yrs old, it was a hard time in the then depression, and I went to everybody's university, best regards mate, from County Durham.
Uncle Eidolf ? “real” ? ‘Real’ is if you can do the job well. Those who are taught by skilled craftsmen know just as much if not more than what we can learn in a university... what makes someone taught by apprenticeship not a ‘real’ engineer? A self taught motivated person often knows a lot more than an unmotivated person just warming a seat in sitting in a classroom listening to an instructor who doesn’t like their job and is tired of being there... just wondering.🤔
I love the constant bickering over finishes we all prefer. We like what we like. Super shiny, slick, with heavy brushmarks? Heck of a look. Me? Rag application of danish oil over a couple of days. It's lazy, yet time consuming.
All in all, that's some fine work. Thanks for sharing.
I did one too! When my father in law passed away he had two that were going to be tossed into the dumpster. I took them out. I have only redone one so far. It made my husband so happy to have something of his fathers he thought was junk turned into a treasure.
Thank you for sharing such a lovely story😊
Oh how awesome, you rock! I wish I had something of my father's, all I got were his genes and his engineering type mind.
Great Restoration ~ What a Beautifully Crafted box ~ Such attention
to detail and Lovely Dovetailing ~ They took So Much Care in The Making~
You made it 'New' Again ~
Fiona C Hi thank you for your kind comment I hope you have a great day 😀
WOW!!!!!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!!!!!! the transformation you created!!!!!!! It is SO BEAUTIFUL now!!!!!!!
Thank you so much Gina i hope you have a great day😊
Old machinist box that's in pretty good shape for it's age. I see some people think you ruined history but these things are not that collectable and you made it look good again. Nice job. 40 years as a machinist and I've seen quite a few and most were in worse shape as they didn't hold up well in shops.
@David curtis I have my grandfather's Gerstner box
Looks just like the one in this video. He was a Tool Room machinist at Gunite Corporation in Rockford, Illinois.
He retired in 1980 the box is old and to the handle gave way when we moved it and it dropped onto a concrete floor. Broke many parts including the case.
It's full of cutting oil and cast iron dust. It's in bad shape. Thinking about doing something like this. For my dad.
Iron Myno, Gerstner will rebuild it, for a price. Adam Booth had one done. Check out Abom79.
Cheers guys
What a lovely restoration. Beautiful! You're a life saver for showing the products and process, for us beginners. Thank you!
That’s a very kind comment and much appreciated thank you 😊
My grandfather was a machinist in Oswego NY early 1900s. He had a similar Gerstner chest I restored and still have. I’ve been a machinist all my life as well and still have it! It’s not just a trade you learn in prison anymore. Nice job!
Hi Eric thanks for sharing. So nice to hear you became a machinist too, it must be in the genes!
Where'd he work Hunter Arms?
@@ericschulze5641 can’t be sure. I’d have to look into that. I should know that.
It does my heart good to watch you bring this lovely little writing chest back to its former beauty.❤
Thank you for stopping by Jeannette glad you enjoyed it 😊
You are welcome.😊
I have the same tool chest turned "shabby chic" painted in white . . use in my shop displaying items using some of the drawers ❤ your restoration USA
Thanks Roberta! Be interesting to see what that display looks like😊
I watch a couple of restoration channels, and it's really nice seeing this different perspective on restoration. Not to return it to immediately post manufacture condition, but holding onto some of that old story in it and just making it stable and functional again. Great work.
Thank you for stopping by! I really appreciate your feedback 😊
I appreciate the care that went into this restoration, a job very well done. I did a similar restoration of some cabinets my dad had in his shop for 50 yrs. The cabinets originally came from a Kodak plant and were used to store film. My Dad had them gifted to him by a friend. Two cabinets with 8 drawers each, made of oak, dovetailed drawers. Dad used them for storing drill bits, screw drivers, various parts, nails, screws etc. They had been through a lot of abuse, including accidentally leaving a lit cutting torch next to the side of one on the cabinets resulting in a deep burn mark. When my Dad died they were left to me. I had them shipped from Colorado to Houston even though I knew the value of the cabinets was far less than the shipping charge. I stripped, sanded, repaired and refinished the cabinets and was very proud of the results. I used them for the same purpose Dad had, storage for shop items. But I didn't take on the project for that reason. I wanted to preserve something that my Dad valued and to use it they way that he did. Ironically, a few years after I finished he restoration, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and my neighborhood was flooded with 7 feet of water. The cabinets were on the floor of my garage. I had some serious damage from that flood, but those cabinets were the only thing I truly regret not being able to salvage.
Hi Ed thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Sorry about the sad ending though. Goodness me that must have been awful to have your home damaged in such a way!
Kind regards Phil
Wow, I have one of these. I was working on a building site and someone was going to throw this in a skip and I asked if I could have it...He said yeah sure. It was his Fathers who worked as an Aircraft Engineer. I now use it for storing Art materials. I may do a restoration on the box myself after watching this video.
That was one lucky find and rescue😊
I can't stop watching.
😃
Again, absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks Tony 😀
I think that was a perfect restoration only because it will be preserved. I understand how some opinions can differ because some people might restore without a clear coat, but honestly that's probably for people who can easily just buy another one anytime they want. At least this will be around and won't fall apart.
Nathan Mciver Well said! So many people are critical about what the guy has done but he’s done it to his taste and that’s all that matters.
Agreed on this will be around a whole lot longer. For what it's worth, there is NOTHING in Ikea that will last anywhere near as long as this tool box.
@@harleygould7255 Some Ikea plastics will last about a thousand years longer.
This is why I miss my dad. He would also restore furniture. Love what you’ve done with it.
That's very touching and thank you.
Wow, that is an incredible restoration. I can't imagine it was better when it was new. It's beautiful. If only we could do that for people.
Thanks very much Glenda I could do with a bit of restoration on myself 😀
Thank you , this was very enjoyable to watch . Excellent job and it turned out beautiful . My Dad was a machinist, I turned out to be a woodworker . When he retired I got one of his tool boxes just like this one and restored it and gave it back to him . Instead of the garage he kept it in the house till he died then my brother got it and lost it in his house fire. So glad for memories . Thanks for posting .
Thanks Tony for the heart warming comment it’s very much appreciated have a great day regards Phil 😀
So nice to see something old restored and brought back to life instead of going to the dumpster. Bravo!
I'm stressed as hell right now but this calmed me down for 15 minutes. The result is far more beautiful than I expected
My dad made a case like this one when he was in his apprenticeship in the 1930’s. In his classes he went on to make the tools that are still in my brothers care to this day. As a little girl I was in awe of the micrometer and super accurate drills, chisels, rasps, planers, levels and many more. The toolbox is in great condition because he taught all of his seven children to revere well made tools.
That is such a sweet story thanks for sharing it Kathryn😊
Other than a couple lessons learned for leather work, this is an outstanding restoration. As for the leather handle, particularly the edges, a little wax and burnishing would go a long way.
I gotta add. THANK YOU for lining up the knob screws horizontally. It’s the little things that go a long way with something like this.
Hi. i didn't expect any one to notice the screw thing! i will take the handle off and wax it as you suggest😊
I think you did a great job restoring this piece! It will be ready for many more years of use.
Bless you ! Thank you so much Sherri , it’s my pride and joy and sits in my desk !
Have a great day. 😀
A beauty ! Bravo!
Thank you so much Roberto😀👍
Beautiful decoration! Especially the care in leaving the labels as they were...Brilliant ! Thank you for sharing your handiwork.
Thank you so much 😊
Totally off topic but in reading comments about this outstanding piece I saw your screen name and almost lost my coffee. Had a good laugh thank you very much! Lol
My attempt at being more "down with the kids" your the first to comment on it 😉
Lovely attention to detail with the flathead screws all facing the same direction.
Top notch restoration. 👌🏻
Thank you😊
The 'screw slots lined up' is reffered to as 'pub & club'. Don't ask me why but it shows great care and appreciation for craftsmanship.
I really like the fact that you left the original labels and were carefully working around them :)
nice work...love those old style tool chest
They do have a certain charm to them!
Thanks Jose😊
Enjoyed watching your process restoring this beautiful tool box. I enjoy restoration work also. Need to find a project to do.
Hi Fred. Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck hunting for your project😊
You did a thorough and detailed job this. It is super easy to arm chair quarter back. I'm just simply amazed at all the detail you put into restoring it. It looked amazing
Thank you Leslie. I'm Glad you enjoyed it! Much love to you and i hope your'e feeling well😊
no music, no power sander, love it. great work!!!
Glad you liked it😊
I bought one to hold my art tools ... I love it 💖✨💝💫 I hope to pass it down to my grandkids. 😁
That's a lovely idea😊
WELL DONE!!!💖💖💖💖💖
Thanks Diane 😀
I applaud anyone who does such fine restoration such as this. Magnificent. The positive aspects of history and craftsmanship must be appreciated and treasured in order that people are inspired to build on such achievements.
Thank you! I agree. No matter how bad the shape or how modest they may seem, everything is worth saving 😊
That looks just like a tool box I bought at a government auction in the seventies for $25. What I didn't know when I bid on it, it was full of tools!
SCORE 😃
I really like how you lined all the screw slots horizontally in the drawer knobs!! Details.
The 'screw slots lined up' is reffered to as 'pub & club'. Don't ask me why but it shows great care and appreciation for craftsmanship.
@@77777aol I was taught this at school 50 years ago - where screws are 'on show' line them up. I still do it today :-)
@@michaeltreadwell777 'Old school'; as they say ! Quality and care matter.
Nicely done. I love it!
Thank you very much😊
I just came across this video and will definitely be watching more. Beautiful work! (Montana, USA)
Hey thanks for stopping by and have a great day in Montana 😊
It now looks more like a jewelry box than a tool box! Really wonderful restoration.
Yes it does ! Have you seen my new steel tool box video? made for jewellry ! 😉
@@Instone09ine not yet. Working my way through your back catalogue from the oldest videos first.
As an apprentice i made these, exactly the same , but in uk for Moore Nd Wright micrometers, still have one and a few drawers, timber was Samba or another name Limba same timber, hours on a combe jointer doing the end joints on the drawers, lovely cabinets, the one i still have my late mother used as a jewelery and odds and ends cabinet
wonderful story Leonard what year would this be?
I started as a five year apprentice in 1964 , as a wood machinest, the firm was Elvicta handtools at Crickhowell in Wales, we made mahogany inlaid boxes for micrometers for Starrets, rosewood and mahogany spirit levels for Rabone Chesterman and many sorts of boxes, all the rage at the time was kidney shaped mirrors set on an Afromosia frame with birch ply insert, the afromosia was evil stuff very hard and brittle and any splinters in your fingers immediately festered and hurt, i used many sorts of hardwoods including Teak and lignum vitae. The firm closed , but i had left and started and ran a joinery firm for 38 years, specialising in staircases. I still have a couple of machines in my barn and make the odd window,signs and oak bits as i need them. There is few things as rewarding as taking a nice piece of timber and making an item that will hopefully outlast you and give pleasure to all
Thank you for the info! It's a fascinating bit of history.
Afromosia would this be the wood made popular with 70s G Plan style furniture? i have one of those kidney mirror somewhere😊
@@Instone09ine yes it was a cheaper alternative to Teak, one of the other lines they did was mahogany boxes with lids to take the batteries on electric milk carts(remember them in uk)they were dovetailed on a Brookman dovetailer assembled and dipped in heated wax, Crompton Parkinson embossed on the sides
@@leonardmilner5774 and today you buy an expensive (eye wateringly so) specific tool it comes in a silly blow-molded plastic case way too big for it with rounded edges so it can only stack flat and takes up space.
I have one almost identical to this. The handle was different, though. Old, cracked leather. I wrapped the handle and lined the drawers in green velvet and it makes for a gorgeous jewelry box.
i like restoring old stuff also and i am a beginner at it... wathcing people like you restore old things makes my day.. thanks..
Thank you for this very nice message you just made my day!
Awsome job you realy brought that back to a great condition job well done.
Thank you Marty😊
“Indian Rosewood” stain is stunning
Greetings from Michigan in the States. Very nice results! I see you are nearing 900k views!! Best of luck reaching your goal of 1 million. Thanks also for sharing. Be safe and have a happy day!
Great to hear from you John! Fingers crossed for the milestone mill views! Geetings from Nottingham in the U.K Have a wonderful day In the USA thanks for stopping by🗽😊
Not gonna lie, this thing is so beautiful that I shed a tear
This so lovely! You set me off when i read it😢
You silver tongued rascal😉
Excellent video!
I have five of these chests, three wooden and two matal. I refinished two of the wooden chests.
These are fun project which result in beautiful heirlooms.
I agree they are good fun Brian 😊
Beautiful! Nice job.
YThank you very much Donna😊
I had a woodshop teacher who used to slap us silly if he caught us sanding without using a sanding block. I found myself ducking several times during this video. Nice job 👍
L🤣L
Wow-what a beautiful piece!! I’m not a machinist, but even I would love to have that piece. Great restoration work!! 🥰
Thank you very much Kathleen 😊
Какая классная вещь. Похоже это дорожное бюро. Как мне нравятся такие вещи. Реставрация замечательная. Благодарю.
Спасибо, я так рада, что тебе нравится. Я использую его для хранения своих камер и гаджетов. Как приятно получить сообщение на русском языке! я надеюсь, что гугл переводчик делает хорошую работу.
Хорошего дня
Absolutely beautiful.
Thanks very much Martin😊
Well done!!!! I love when people bring back to life old trinkets. Less waist and makes us take care of what we do have 😌
Very wise words indeed thank you😊
What a beauty. Shame everything seems to be throw away these days. I would love to find a box like this.
I think a hand rubbed tung oil and wax finish would been a more appropriate look
Exactly.
That would've been nice. But since we're only voyeurs, let's enjoy how well he did on it. It's beautiful.
My thoughts too - but nevertheless a lovely job 👍
No it wouldn't. Shellac was the primary finish of the day.
@@MrSharper802 Ya, for furniture. This wouldn't have necessarily been shellac. Could have been an oil or wax. Either way, the thick plasticky looking poly he put on it looks kind of bad, especially since he did such a great job restoring it. It'll at least give it many years of life.
I got one in the 70's and used it when I worked in a pattern shop. Still have it in my workshop.
What a lovely outcome, ... Well done, surely rewarding, great job, great project and veejio 👍
Thank you so much 😀
This is a great video, so relaxing. No talking. Five stars!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!😊
I know how much time this took and its a beauty. I would have gone with a low gloss but that me. Nice job!! Do another one
Thank you! Will do!
I have a very similar one that belonged to my dad when he worked at Warner and Swasey in the 1930's. Its full of Starrett micrometers, reference blocks, inside gauges, dial indicators, etc. I should have a closer look at it.
You should. You should also carefully open and photograph each of the drawer's contents. I'd bet most of the tools are collector's items...and likely still in very good working order as well.
IMHO the original owner would love what you've done with it and that someone cared enough to do it.
Thank you 😊
Wow this one really took off👏 Congrats mate and thanks for the mention, I really appreciate it 🙏
Thank you . I was truly blessed with this video and i hope you get the recognition you deserve too!
Nice job happy you kept its history intact and only gave it a refresh, interesting note the drawer pulls are guitar strap holders very smart idea to the maker
@@robertbeer2584 Thank you Robert I’ve had a look at the strap holders well spotted! They come in so many different designs too ! Food for thought right there 👍
I worked at smith and wesson years ago...the old timers had tool boxes like this...
I probably would have gone over the wood with a dry brush to get all the dirt out (after removing the baize cloth), then wipe it all down with mineral spirits to remove the dirt from handling, repaired any loose joints or cracking wood, then used some kind of wood preservative that gives a satin type of finish. The hardware I would have thoroughly cleaned and degreased before adding a touch of oil, but the handle and baize lining I would have replaced. The end result would look like an old but but well cared for cabinet.
To bad you didnt restore it to do all that ..
I think he did a mighty fine job, it Beautiful just as it is ..🤔
So satisfying to watch! Specially the wood stain bit haha! Looked perfect after!
Wow! Awesome box!
😊
My late husband was a magician. He and his friends who were also magicians. Would have just loved this. In fact I remember him finding similar boxes and restoring them. You do beautiful work. Thank you for sharing
Carol it's lovely of you to share your memories, thank you and i hope you have a great day😊
So many personal preferences out there . I would have used the same finish but my wife would want a ebony treatment the darker the better.
Конечный результат просто восхитителен👏👏👏!!!Рука не подымется складывать теперь в ящик инструменты!!!Моё сердце не выдержит😂
СПАСИБО, БОЛЬШЕ ЛЮБИМЫ, ЧТО ВЫ ЗАКОММЕНТИРОВАЛИ, Я ОЧЕНЬ ЛЕСТЕН, ЧТО КОРОБКА БОЛЬШЕ НЕ ИСПОЛЬЗУЕТСЯ ДЛЯ ИНСТРУМЕНТОВ, ЭТО СЛИШКОМ ХОРОШО! Извините, я оставил Caps Lock включенным!
Не кричу прости 😂
Looks good, I’ve got my dads set, very similar from napiers where he did his engineering apprenticeship, however unchanged
Unfortunately my dad had all his tools nicked. He built them up from when he was an engineer in the Royal Navy in the 30's to the 60's. I remember when I was a kid looking at his tools and he would let me use them. I always hoped I would be able to have them at some point, but no, some nasty theif put an end to that and took the lot. Being a girl in the 60's/70's, girls cooked, cleaned and became seamstresses, secretaries and typists. I watched my dad at every opportunity and helped or watched him fix lots of things and my brother, 7 years older was a carpenter and did metal work at school. I cried my eyes out when I was told I couldn't take these as my chosen subject in senior school, because men did these subjects, girls became wives, mothers and ran the house! I swear, if I had been able to do these subjects my work life would have been much more enjoyable. I so should have been born a boy 😂
I try to fix anything I can because I enjoy bringing things back to life, be it old toys, electrical items, washing machines, cookers or furniture. Dad died late December 2019, 7 months shy of his 100th birthday. I'm glad he let me help him when I was a little kid though.
@@kaybeth9181 I was my father's helper and wanted more than anything to be a cabinetmaker. Unfortunately there were no apprenticeships available when I got out of school in 75 - oil embargo had shut down shops and factories all over the northeast US. Good luck as a girl getting in anyway. 62 now and good at a lot of things. I did build kitchen cabinets for a while and that was fun. Lead me to a router table and I'm good to go.
No annoying repetitive music and no inane chatter plus a great restore. Perfect.
connie arancivia Thank you Connie😊
Absolutely beautiful job
Thank you so much 😀
I love seeing things like this being brought back to life good job
Thank you i'm glad you enjoyed it😊
I do too!
Классно сделал, ещё сто лет поработает!
Nice work! It will be work one hundred years more!
Refreshing to see the care you are taking - John Ruskin, William Morris etc would be pleased.
Wrap a lint free cloth/microfibre around the cotton wool - to make a ball, much better for applying the stain.
Engineers wooden box restoration what a beautiful job love it well done ole buddy
Why thank you kind sir😊
@@Instone09ine that's ok young man
Gorgeous
Little trick for wooden drawer slides..
Rub a little paraffin/ candle wax on the slide to prevent the drawer catching, sticking or binding. Nice 👌 job, too.
Thanks for the great tip 😊
I'm literally doing that today with some drawers that have become a bit squeaky or sticky...I'm using bee's wax.
Looks really good a lot of time & effort went into it but it’s a labor of love for restoration work 😎👍
Thank for that Miley😊
Instone09ine your welcome keep up the good work 🙃
I preferred it without the varnish, I would’ve stopped before that and left it looking less glossy. Nice job though.
OK, OK. I would have chosen stain. His box ,his rules.
I agree. A box like that with surface imperfections and patina shouldn't be glossy. A satin or hand rubbed finish would look better imo but this is his project and it's still very nicely done 👍
He properly used shellac, not polyurethane. As left, it is shiny, but it can be deglossed with very fine steel wool. It is also possible to very easily completely remove it with just denatured alcohol. No sanding, scraping, gouging... It easily just dissolves away with no residue... completely reversible (unlike polyurethane and most varnishes).
@@jamesburkhard I do french polish technique on pieces of furniture valued over $100k and have pieces in museums. I don't care for this finish or application. Probably not the best type of polish to use for an item like this either. If he likes it, great but I don't care for it. He could have just washed it with 0000 steel wool and a non-sudzing ammonia based soap and then do sealing coat and applied his finish.
@@ddd228: He did use a stain!
WOW. STUNNING
Thank you Andy😊
I so admire your talent and to be able to restore to it's former beauty,simply amazing. If only you could restore me. I truly enjoy watching your videos, thank you ..
Thank you! Lovely to hear that you enjoyed the videos, I wish i could restore myself too i'd start with my knees 😊
Lovely job well done lot of hours gone into that. I restore old hand tools and use them.. plies of rusty rubbish to some from car boots. I clean restore and reuse the old stuff is the best not like todays rubbish they call tools. Again great vid.
Cheers John I'm always looking for old tools too! I scrabble around in those boxes on the floor looking for little gems, it's great fun 😉
Great restoration. Try rubbing some candle wax on the drawer runners, it will make the drawers move smoothly. I used to do this on the furniture I used to make.
Thanks for the tip!
The turntable at the end is a nice touch to show of the iridescence of the finished wood.
Agree with you there😊 it made it pop!
Your patience, craftsmanship, & attention to detail are amazing & an example to all- especially young people. There are not many today who would be willing to do what you do. And that is a shame. Thank you for sharing your skills & talents with us.
Wow, thank you! That's so nice of you im very touched! i hope you have a wonderful day 😊
Well done. Glad you saved most of the original leather handle.
Thanks i was pretty pleased with how it turned out, not perfect i know! but it functions ok😊