Since I turned new chisel handles from African mahogany, I’ve been itching to build a new chisel storage box for them. This week, staying indoors from all the COVID-19 chaos, I finally had the time to think it through.
I wanted to record the process but decided to try a prototype version first. As it turned out, I’m pretty happy with my prototype. So all I can show you now is a few of the final stages and pictures of the completed chisel storage case.
The Prototype Chisel Box
Well, nothing fancy about it. It’s a box that stores chisels. From the outside, it is just like any other box. Miter joints on all sides, with Pine for the body. The top and bottom were both MDF.
Then, however, I decided that the prototype was good enough, but decided to “upgrade” the MDF to thin plywood for the top, bottom, and inside. I had two thin strips of African mahogany left, which I added to the top as well.
The inside of the box is where I spent most of my time. I measured the placement of my chisels on a piece of scrap and drilled four 3/4 holes. I then split the holes down the middle and fine-tuned the height of each part with a smoothing plane.
Then, I made some dadoes with the table saw, and chamfered them with a block plane.
I attached some small hinges that I picked up from Aliexpress. These were dirt cheap, but should still hold up well for this particular box.
A small hasp, in the same “antique bronze” color, kept the lid shut. I then sanded all surfaces with 240 grit sandpaper to remove all pencil marks and imperfections.
The Finished Chisel Case
I applied some Tried & True Danish Oil, my #1 wood finish for that perfect natural wood.
It’s a pretty rough box, and I might do a proper one in the future if I buy more expensive chisels, but for now, I’m going to call it done.
All four chisels fit perfectly in my little chisel storage box. I managed to make good use of all the pieces of scrap wood lying around, and the very last of my 3mm plywood. Most importantly, I learned a thing or two.
Like it? Feel free to share and copy this design for your own use.
