Oak Tool Box

[stevasaurus 22,723]

After seeing what Cas did with one of these and with Cas' help and instruction, I also have  (actually 2) of these boxes that I wanted to bring back to life.  I inherited these from my Grandfather, who was a big truck mechanic in Chicago.  That is why they look so oily and dirty.

   Here are some before pictures...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took off the lid, front clasp and the one handle, and started cleaning the lid 1st.  On the main box, the wood was splitting where the wood screws hold the one side of the hinges.  You could look in the screw holes and see light on the other side.  I mixed some oak sawdust with Elmer's glue and filled the holes and cracks.  Then I managed to back with some strips of wood and and a bunch of clamps to squeeze it together.

   This is the lid (just cleaned) used paint thinner and a green scrubby.

 

 

 

 

Then looked at the bottom and all of the nails holding that in were rusted and the wood was all cracked and broke.  Pulled out the bottom.  I had some old, ruff sawn pine, so I cut the pieces, glued it together and then cut the rabbet on the table saw.  It fits great, but I have not screwed it in yet...still a couple of thing to do, but the tool box is cleaned and finished with 3 coats of 1 part Boiled Linseed Oil and 2 parts Paint Thinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I need to find a couple of antique looking handles yet.  Thanks Cas.  

 

edit...I just want to give credit where credit is due.  Here is the thread that was the inspiration for this.  I consider myself a "rough carpenter"...Cas is a "Master Furniture Carpenter"...big difference !!!

 

[formariz 11,987]

Great job on the restore Steve. Box has incredibly beautiful quarter sawn white or live oak. If you want them I have the proper handles for it. Your choice of which pair or both since you have two boxes. Top pair is cast iron. Bottom pair are steel. I do have more of bottom pair. You may want to build a till for the inside. Looks like it had one. Those boxes obviously have a special meaning for you. Fill them with tools specially if they are from your grandfather and pass them on to the next generation.

 

 It’s a great feeling when one is able to instill what one loves and one’s knowledge in others. There can be no greater thank you. 

[Jeff-C175 7,201]

I've read about cleaning up old wooden objects with "GOOP" hand cleaner.

 

I haven't tried it myself, but keeping it in mind if the need ever arises.

 

You guys ever try this, or even recommend it?  Does it work?

 

 

 

 

[stevasaurus 22,723]

Never heard of or tried Goop Jeff.  I do have a 4 drawer high filing cabinet made out of Mahogany that I started refinishing some years ago.  At that time, I used some kind of paint remover, that you lather on, let work for a time and wipe off.  Kind of messy, but the drawers still look like new.  That stuff is a lot of work.

   Cas, I had a feeling you might either have or know where to find handles.    How about 2 of the bottom ones??  I think if I tried the cast iron ones, I'd want to fill the chest with Pieces of Eight, Pearls and Jewels.   

 

[formariz 11,987]

18 minutes ago, Jeff-C175 said:

I've read about cleaning up old wooden objects with "GOOP" hand cleaner.

 

I haven't tried it myself, but keeping it in mind if the need ever arises.

 

You guys ever try this, or even recommend it?  Does it work?

 

 

 

 

One can use a variety of things to clean wood objects. The purpose of object and of cleaning is important. Essentially the idea when cleaning a wood object is to remove the grime and the dirt loosely adhered to it without changing the character of the wood underneath it ,and very importantly without adding anything else to it.

 

 Speaking specifically about Goop the following is true. It is a paste with waxes or oils and colorant in it. It will imbed itself in pores and leave all those ingredients which will definitely alter woods character and may detrimental to many additional finishes one may want to use on it. It will be hard to clean it off the wood without rinsing it which obviously one does not want to do.

  Paint thinner or mineral spirits is a tried and true method of doing it. It will leave nothing behind and it evaporates fast and totally. It will not raise wood’s grain. While wet it will give you a very good idea on how wood will look if one wants to oil it. It will loosen and remove most imbedded dirt without altering patina if used properly. What it does not remove is probably best left alone. After all if what one wants is a new look then sanding is in order.

[formariz 11,987]

13 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

 Cas, I had a feeling you might either have or know where to find handles.    How about 2 of the bottom ones??  I think if I tried the cast iron ones, I'd want to fill the chest with Pieces of Eight, Pearls and Jewels.  

 No problem. Do you want two or four to do the other chest? Can you wait until show or do you want me to mail them?

 Where did you get the Pirate’s sword?

[SylvanLakeWH 25,547]

[stevasaurus 22,723]

Well, at this point, here is a couple pics of the second box.  This box has no handles and may not have had any.  I believe this box to be in better shape wood wise then the first box.  After seeing how the first one turned out, I can't wait to get into the second one.  Cas, did you notice the leather wrapped handle on the pirate's sword??  I actually found that in a field when I was working for the phone company.  It was a little rusty, but cleaned up OK.  I think it looks great myself.  I'll PM you about the handles.  That is a heck of an offer on your part...Thank you my friend...for your knowledge and help.  

   BTW Cas, take a look at the old plane in the lower pictures.  Is there a way to fix the missing handle on that so it is useable??

 

 

 

[Snoopy11 5,714]

41 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

 

 

 

Steve... why do you have BBT's sword?

 

@ebinmaine ...better file a police report... 

 

 

Don

[SPINJIM 1,981]

Nice work!  The trick is to clean it up without making it look completely refinished.   You've kept the old, antique look just right.

 

My grandfather had a similar tool chest with all of the trays and compartments.  When he passed, my grandmother sold it, along with his garage full of tools, for $100.  I was really upset when I heard.  Wish I had that tool chest now.

     Jim

[stevasaurus 22,723]

@SPINJIM  That is exactly what I am worried about...ie...my wife or kids not knowing what something is worth, not necessarily for money, but for sentimental value.  Not getting the chance to be able to save something dear to you is sad.  It becomes more important to let others, you love, as we get older know what your wishes are.     It's happening more and more.  We collect all these things, and then we pass...can't take it with you.  Bargains at estate sales or pass it on to those that may appreciate it.  That becomes the mission.  My advice...don't collect stamps...no body cares.  Want to see my wine collection???  Now you are talking. 

[8ntruck 6,998]

Steve - what did you apply the linseed oil and thinner mix with?  If you used a cloth, I hope you did not crumple it up and throw it in the trash.  That mixture in a crumpled up rag will self ignite under some conditions.

[Jeff-C175 7,201]

27 minutes ago, 8ntruck said:

used a cloth

 

Even a brush in a confined space can spontaneously combust.

 

 

[formariz 11,987]

44 minutes ago, 8ntruck said:

Steve - what did you apply the linseed oil and thinner mix with?  If you used a cloth, I hope you did not crumple it up and throw it in the trash.  That mixture in a crumpled up rag will self ignite under some conditions.

 Good of you to bring it up. Second nature here but important to remind everyone. Place the oily rags in a metal can filled with water and put it outside Don’t think about reusing them for the next coat. It can happen within  30 minutes. 

 

[stevasaurus 22,723]

I read the directions on the labels.  Rinse and wash out clothes and spread out on concrete to dry.  I used a cloth to spread the mixture.  Glad you guys asked that question...it is something to be aware of.  As oil dries, it heats up.  That is why it can burst into flames.  

[ebinmaine 67,454]

Beautiful pieces Steve! 

[Jeff-C175 7,201]

3 hours ago, formariz said:

It can happen

 

Indeed!  When we were kids Dad was refinishing some furniture with Linseed oil.  He tossed the used rags into a cardboard carton.  It wasn't a half hour and I saw smoke coming from the carton.  I was old enough to know to grab that carton and get it outside.  As soon as it hit the ground it burst into flames.  Exothermic reactions are dangerous!

 

Be careful with ANY oil!  Even shop rags have the potential...

 

 

Edited June 3, 2022 by Jeff-C175

[Horse Newbie 7,069]

4 hours ago, 8ntruck said:

Steve - what did you apply the linseed oil and thinner mix with?  If you used a cloth, I hope you did not crumple it up and throw it in the trash.  That mixture in a crumpled up rag will self ignite under some conditions.

 

4 hours ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

Even a brush in a confined space can spontaneously combust.

 

 

I keep oily rags in a metal pail with a metal lid that slides on tight…

Edited June 3, 2022 by Horse Newbie

[formariz 11,987]

11 hours ago, stevasaurus said:

Then looked at the bottom and all of the nails holding that in were rusted and the wood was all cracked and broke.

The bottoms in these boxes always suffer the most damage because they are always on the floor absorbing moisture and being dragged around. That is the reason why they are all installed in this manner. Simply nailed onto the sides of box, rather than fit into grooves on sides. This way they are easy to replace. 
 One way to avoid moisture from ruining bottoms and keep airflow underneath is to make a couple of “stands” to raise box from floor.  Here is one made by my father when he was a young man with such stands. They also display box better if kept inside house. 
 

 

[stevasaurus 22,723]

The trays were so nasty, they just didn't look good with the newly finished chest, so I went and cleaned and finished the trays also.  Here is a before picture and then a few of the cleaned up trays.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,454]

Steve ole buddy I think that looks just fantastic. 

[Handy Don 12,216]

Some stories that box could tell, eh?

[formariz 11,987]

Trays are also built from the same type quartered oak . Looks like the bottoms maybe Ash. Who ever built it has great taste in wood choice.