I recently decided to spend some time building some tool chests for the garage workshop. The vast majority of my tools have been in cardboard boxes ever since moving to Florida 6 years ago.

Even though the boxes are all well marked, getting a tool out when needed was always a hassle! Another motivating factor was that we have been renters all 6 years and have moved 4 times!

So the goal was 3 fold:

• Easy access to tools
• Ease of moving to the next house!
• A nice bench top …. eventually!

After drawing the chest in Sketch Up, I used Cut List Optimizer to produce an optimzed cut list for both the 3/4 and 1/2 plywood used for the build. Then  I built one “prototype” to see if I liked how it turned out.

Unfortunately I didn’t take any photos along the way, but only a few (bad ones) of the finished build!

With a few modifications and the decision to build 4 more cabinets with some different size drawers, I went back to SketchUp and Cut List Optimizer and created new documents for the next build.

As luck would have it we did move to a new home shortly after I finsihed these and I decided to wait on building the bench top for them until after the move.

They did come in handy for moving all my tools!

A while later after we settled in at the new home, I was able to work on the bench tops.

3/4 plywood with a second layer around the perimeter. Bondo filled and sanded smooth.

Then laminated with a grey Formica trimmed flush, and a hard wood edging installed.

Then the T Track was installed.

The split down the middle allows me to use them in the back to back configuration shown, or to put all 4 in line along a wall. Not sure what I’ll do in the long run, but for now I like them as shown. When I build my out building workshop, I will have more room and may try them inline.

I’m pretty happy with the final results! Only 2 things I would do differently:

1. The drawer slides I used are rated at 100 lbs and have a slight detent when closed, but they don’t always stay shut. I’m not sure if it’s the weight that’s in them or just that the detentes are cheap. They are Accuride 22″ light duty full extension with lever disconnects.
2. The drawer pulls are constantly getting hooked on my shorts! I did not like the idea of a cut out in the drawer front for a finger pull because I don’t want a lot of dust getting into the drawers. So I’d look for some other way.