Cabinetmaker's Tool Chest

Build a classic tool chest with frame-and-panel construction, brass hardware, and secure storage for your finest hand tools.

This heirloom-quality cabinetmaker’s tool chest is more than just a place to store your finest hand tools—it’s a woodworking project that showcases craftsmanship at its best. Designed with traditional frame-and-panel construction, this chest features solid wood frames and veneered panels that add beauty and stability. The rich contrast of curly maple and bird’s-eye maple veneer makes this chest a standout piece in any shop or home.

Inside, the tool chest is carefully designed to maximize organization, with graduated drawers and solid brass hardware for lasting durability. Decorative bead details on the drawer fronts and panels add refined, custom touches, while the built-in lock system—including a sliding brass rod and full-mortise lock—keeps your tools secure. Heavy-duty handles make the chest easy to carry, and thoughtful joinery methods ensure it will stand the test of time. Whether you’re building it for your own use or as a generational gift, this project offers both utility and legacy.

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What You Get:

  • 15 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions.
  • Over 90 full-color photos and illustrations.
  • Additional technique guidance on applying veneer, ripping narrow strips, creating knobs with a wood inlay, and attaching all the hardware.

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