If you travel around often with your tools, having a tool chest that allows you to easily tote your tools with you is a must. While you can always go out and spend a lot of money on a traveling tool chest, you can actually make your own as a DIY project.
The nice thing is that if you make a DIY traveling tool chest, you can make it to your liking. You can follow a design or an idea that another craftsman has shared or you can come up with your own unique style, style, and design.
The goal is to create something that works for your tool needs and provides the space and organization that you are after. In the end, you want to be able to pack up all of your Woodjoy Tools and then travel off to wherever it is you need to go!
In this guide, we will share with you our expert tips for designing and creating a traveling tool chest for your next DIY project.
Choosing a Design
There are many different ways that you can create a traveling tool chest. The first thing you need to do is choose your design. Do a bit of research and find a design or style that will work for your needs. You can find patterns and instructions readily available online and in most supply stores as well.
Keep in mind your needs and preferences as you scope out a design option so you can create something that is right for you. Keep in mind that your needs for tool travel might not be the same as everyone else’s so you need to create something that is right for your needs.
For example, do you want something that looks more like a tool box or a chest? In this case, you probably want something that is a medium size so that you can carry it and move it on your own. You will want handles and securing lids and drawers, or whatever you decide to use as part of your design.
On the other hand, maybe you want something style more like a mobile armoire. You can add wheels and have doors that open with places to hang or place tools in an organized manner. The options really are endless so take some time to choose the right design before you get started.
Size Matters
When it comes to a traveling tool chest, you need to be reasonable about the size. If it’s too large or cumbersome, it will be challenging to travel with and move around and could also easily become too heavy to really work with.
You want a size that will accommodate the tools you need to be able to travel with but you also want to keep in mind you are going to have to be able to move or lift that tool chest as well. If you’re looking at patterns, the sizes are typically somewhat standard.
If you see a size, you want to probably work with a style or design that is labeled as a medium size in this particular instance. You will certainly find both large and small options as well. Those are great options but for travel and portability, don’t overdo it.
What Makes it Mobile?
The next thing that you need to consider is what makes it mobile. Are you going to be adding wheels so that your tool chest can just roll from place to place or you will work primarily with just handles and your own brute strength?
This is something to be aware of. If you choose a design or pattern that doesn’t have wheels but you want them, you can most likely add wheels for your convenience. Be familiar with what you want for your own aid in this instance.
How will you load it or unload it? Will you need to pull it or push it or just haul it? If it is on wheels, is there a handle or attachment to make pushing and pulling comfortable?
All of these are details you will want to consider. Ask yourself these questions and determine how much mobility you want and how you can make that happen.
Organization
What kind of organization needs do you have? Do you want to just be able to toss everything in like an open chest? Do you want drawers, shelves, hooks, or anything like that? The beauty of making a DIY traveling tool chest is that you can personalize it.
You want to be sure that you are meeting your needs and not just using a generic design because that is the first thing you find. If you are a craftsman or a woodworker, you might not even really need a pattern to follow but you can still use them for inspiration.
As you pick out a design or even create your own, just be sure that you are working in the things that you specifically want in order to be able to organize and store your tools in an appropriate way for your needs within this traveling tool chest.
Prepare and Start
Now that you’ve picked out a design or style or maybe even a pattern that you intend to use, it’s time to get prepared and get to work making your travelling tool chest. Start by gathering all of the supplies that you might need for your chest.
What type of wood and attachments do you need? What about handles or wheels? Do you need hooks, hinges, rollers, or anything else like that? Start by getting together every little piece so you can do the project all at once.
From there, you should cut your wood before you start as well. Make all of your cuts for the basic pieces and structure so that when you start assembling, you can just put it together and finish up all at the same time.
You may have to make changes or adjustments and that is ok but this at least gets you as prepared as possible.
Conclusion
There are many reasons that a traveling tool chest can come in handy. Be sure to pick out a design and style that meets your needs and then get to work creating this DIY project tailored just for you.
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