The
tool chest is going, going, gone! The auctioneer’s
gavel slammed home the sale. The oak tool chest
was one of the treasures of the auction and while
its life as a chest was over, it was soon
going to take on a new life as a beautiful piece
of furniture. It was soon to be on its way to
being sanded and refinished as a wooden coffee
table. It would be quite a change for the old
tool chest. Wood
is an excellent choice of material for a chest.
Wooden chests are nearly as strong and
often weigh less than comparable steel once.
A wood tool box is easy for a good craftsman
to build. It is also economical, often being
constructed from scrap materials. It can be
a work of art, often reflecting the tastes
and specific requirements of the person building
it.
Another
reason wood is an excellent choice for a chest
is because it is durable. Wood does an excellent
job of protecting most tools from dust and
moisture. Wooden trays and drawers make strong
and quiet storage compartments for delicate
tools and sensitive instruments. Strong woods
such as oak can be nearly as strong as steel.
Wood will, of course, not rust like steel.
Collectibles
and antiques often follow fashion trends, but
tool chests made from wood have been highly
sought collectibles for years. The wood can
be sanded and refinished, showing all of its
imperfections, chips, scratches and cracks.
Scratches, dings and cracks often serve to give
the wood more character, reflecting
a lifetime of service. Wooden carpenter boxes
and tool chests life second lives as beautiful
pieces of furniture in family rooms and sitting
rooms filled with other antiques and collectibles.
When
shopping for a good chest, consider wood. They
are functional and, with care, will give many
years of good service storing and protecting
tools, wrenches and instruments. And, who knows?
Your used tool chest may one day become a valuable
collector’s piece.
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