Dovetailed Tool Tote

Classic joinery and a unique drawer catch are sure to challenge your skills.

Having a place for your most-used hand tools and supplies makes every project go a little smoother. The tool tote you see here fills the bill. It’s a take-off of a shipwright’s toolbox. There’s not one piece of hardware on it, yet the drawers stay in place as you carry the box around. The secret is a lipped drawer front that nestles into a dado in the tote’s bottom when the drawer is closed. To open the drawer, just lift it slightly and slide it out. It’s an ingenious solution. The case is assembled with dovetails and the drawer boxes are made with halfblind dovetails. But don’t worry — we’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need for great results.

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What You Get:

  • 8 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
  • 29 full-color photos, illustrations and exploded views
  • Includes a simple technique for hand-cut dovetails
  • Cutting diagram, materials list, and retail sources for hardware and supplies

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