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Tool Chest Plans
A tool chest in the traditional shape: a wooden box with a lid, standing on two skids that keep it off a damp floor, with a tray that slides along two runners at the top, so you reach the deep space below for planes, saws and power tools. Enter the length, the depth and the height to get the cut list.
- Default size
- 760 × 450 × 400 mm
- Parts
- 15 pieces · 9 sizes
- Sheets (2440 × 1220 mm (4 × 8 ft))
- 1 carcass + 1 door + 1 back
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Build time
- About 6 hours
- Edge band
- 4.7 m
Cut list (default size)
| Part | Qty | Length | Width | Thick. | Board | Edges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front and back · grain | 2 | 760 | 382 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm | |
| End · grain | 2 | 382 | 364 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm | |
| Bottom | 1 | 724 | 364 | 18 | Carcass board 18 mm |
Sizes in millimetres; length runs along the grain. Edges: bold lines are banded.
6 more parts, the sheet layout and the cut order are in the full plan.Resize it to any size, print labels and save it in a project.Sign in free to open it
How it is built
- Glue and screw the walls round the bottom, check the diagonals, then screw the skids on from inside.
- Hinge the lid at the back and add a chain or a lid stay; fit iron or rope handles on the ends.
- Glue the runners level along the front and back walls: the tray slides on them.
Common mistakes
- Making the tray full length: you then have to lift it out to reach anything below.
- Setting the bottom straight on the floor: it soaks up damp. The skids keep it dry.
Tools you need
- Circular saw or table saw
- Drill/driver
- Clamps
- Square
Frequently asked questions
What size should a tool chest be?
Traditional chests are 30–40 in (760–1020 mm) long, 18–24 in (460–610 mm) deep and 18–24 in tall: long enough for a hand saw. The default is 760 × 400 × 450 mm (30 × 16 × 18 in).
Why does the tray slide?
The tray covers half the length: slide it to one end to reach the tools below without lifting it out.
Plywood or solid wood?
Plywood stays flat and does not split; pine boards are traditional. Either way, glue and screw the corners or join them with rabbets.
How do I keep tools from rusting?
Keep the lid closed, wax the tools, and put a bag of silica gel inside. The skids keep the bottom off cold, damp floors.
