Gerstner & Sons Tool Chest Restoration

I got to meet and talk with Master Craftsman Paul Martin of Gerstner & Son's about the restoration processes on their wooden chests. Paul performed a beautiful restoration job on my Gerstner chest that was built in 1965!
Gerstner & Son's would like to offer a 20% off discount to all Abom79 viewers! Use promo code "Abom79" on their website for all Made in USA Products , excluding on sale items. For the month of July they are running a sale for all of their Replacement Hardware.
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[@artemiasalina1860]

Not only is Mr. Martin a great craftsman but he's also very good at expressing the romance and soul of an heirloom piece such as a tool chest "coming home" to where it was born to get a new life. That was very enjoyable!

[@Kucklehead223]

A couple of the things that really got me is when Paul says "this box has come home, these walls have seen this box before" and where he points out the fingerprints on the bottom of the drawers. Wow, those were some "hello my old friend, hows life been treating you?" type of moments where a Master Craftsman, very simply and poetically, teaches us that these aren't just inanimate objects. We share parts of a common soul with them. Beautiful work Paul and congrats Adam on the box. Also, nice series Adam, thanks for making it and letting us tag along :)

[@IntegraDIY]

Hey abom79 my brother use to always love watching your videos, he was a huge fan. He passed away July 9th so I’m watching for him.

[@petesmith13]

Paul seemed very genuine and you could tell that he loves his job, reminds me a little of our favorite youtube shop teacher Mr Pete

[@davidmicheletti6292]

Mr. Martin is a real asset to the company he works for. It wonderful to hear someone who loves his job.

[@komradebob]

I'm a hard core computer technology entrepreneur by day, but a secret machinist and woodworker in my spare time. A while back I took a one year sabbatical off after selling a startup, went fishing with my dad, decompressed, and worked as the 'chairman' of restorations at a little antique restoration place in town where I could take the time to do things right like Paul does. We tried to honour the previous owners of many of our items, whether the item came from the antique shop down the street who was flipping it, or, many times brought in by the child, grandchild, or great grandchild of the original owner. The greatest compliment was always 'I can't even tell what's old and what's new'. I think I spent 10% of my workday listening to people tell stories about this or that mark, scratch, dent, or whatever that Great Aunt Sally inflicted upon it by accident. Many times, counseling them to write these down or share them with their kids so the stories are not lost. Imagine the stories these boxes could tell of the machinery built using the tools stored in them. Many no doubt contributed to a war effort or two, and all of them saw food put on the table to feed families. A new Gerstner is 't cheap, and I'm sure they never have been. One of these was a big investment for a starting machinist, never mind the tools to fill it. But they were just that, an investment which told your co-workers, your managers, your customers, and yourself that you were committed to putting the best into your work. I just wish I could find the one my grandfather no doubt owned from the late 20's. I'll have to settle for restoring the 1940's vintage one that has come into my hands recently. Just a matter of do I do it myself and pour a bit of my soul into it or ask Paul and Gerstner to take it back for a visit. If the latter, I'll ask him, like a watchmaker, to sign his work someplace inside, if he doesn't already.

[@mathurm100]

in todays disposable society the 'soul' of a tool or chest like this is not something people even think of. i love how they try to keep the character of the original owner with the restoration, i usually seek out old tools and 'vintage' items for that reason. what an awesome video!

[@physicsguybrian]

Thank you Adam for another excellent video! Not your usual subject matter and still a stellar job with content and production quality!!!

[@Abom79]

BrianRDub Thank you 👍🏻

[@Jonnyb1925]

There is something special about seeing something old become new again.

[@bcbloc02]

It looks great a big thanks to Gerstner for letting you film it and their factory! So much history has gone thru that building and so many great products have come out.

[@bernardwill7196]

Hi , can you get a 1965 edition of Machinery Handbook ? I thought that the best to fit in that Gerstner box I'm on it with any cost

[@OldtimeIronman]

I have to admit I got a bit teary eyed when you showed the rebuilt box. Thanks, Paul and Adam for making my day! Made in USA, back when people took pride in what they did...

[@1flatlander380]

And have a respect for those who came before.

[@ericduvelsdorf8296]

I really love how these craftsmen understand that there is a "soul" in these boxes. These boxes helped build people's lives and its great to see how they cherished not only the boxes but the people that used them.

[@abrahamd2k]

NIce box Abom. I like when Paul says, "This box has come home. These walls have seen this box before."

[@normesmonde5332]

How could you not enjoy the enthusiasm of a master craftsman like Paul. I wish there were more like him.

[@douglaspierce316]

A men

[@Abom79]

Yep, we need many more people like him in our presence.

[@kennethbell7318]

"Awesome" That Paul is a true Master Craftsman for sure. Thank You

[@stevemurray6543]

Pride. From manufactur, to tradesman who used it to its restoration. Pride.

[@robertevans6481]

Paul you sir are a true craftsman....well done

[@the_hate_inside1085]

These shop-tours have been a real treat to follow. Its nice to see a company that sticks with its roots, instead of outsourcing and modernizing, until their product has almost nothing in common, with what made the company great in the first place.

[@coreyferguson401]

This video speaks volumes on what kind of company Gerstner is. I personally couldn't stand working hard in my shop and not having a crafted chest like this to put all my good tools. It would make me feel so good every time I opened those drawers. So so worth the extra money.

[@sandy1653]

Wow that box looks damn nice at the end there. Paul did a bang up job and clearly takes a hell of a load of pride in his work.

[@jdhalvo]

I love this guy's philosophy of keeping the signature wear marks of the original owner with the box. I would never want to see a restored box look "factory fresh."

[@jackdotzman2908]

Beautiful. Thank you for keeping a tradition alive for both the box and the person who made his living using an American tool icon. Thank you Adam. Jack/Missouri

[@jimsmall1580]

What a beautiful, well edited informative segment. I have a couple of these chests and cherish them...great job...you ought to be proud.

[@davidmcduffie1398]

Excellent job that Paul did restoring your box. He is truly a Master Craftsman. I love the way it turned out ! Thanks you for sharing the videos about the Gerstner Company and tour and restoration, amazing !!!

[@harbermachineworks3927]

Great video and awesome workmanship on the restoration love that they leave as much of the history with the box as they can!!!! Have to say I think they are 2nd to none!!!

[@william_mason]

1965 edition Machinist's Handbook for the book drawer in the middle? What a work of art. Paul is a Master indeed.

[@crazyg74]

definitely needs that!

[@wphubert]

Paul is a highly skilled craftsman, but far than that. He really is an incredible asset in so many ways. Hope to see more of him!

[@thomasarussellsr]

I kind of wonder if he may have had a hand in the original build. Do you know how long he has been with that company?

[@larrysnyder3475]

Absolutely beautiful. True craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@dwtim172]

That was epic Abom, old school cool! I love the old tools still being used and the mentality of the craftsman to keep as much of the history in it!

[@darylnicklen3685]

Thanks for sharing your experience of restoring old 420 back to her former Glory. Thanks Gerstner & Sons for the years of heritage in you shared with us all.

[@dalebullock7835]

I used to work there, have a W-42, bought on a payment plan. then went in the Army and retired. my W-42 still looks new today almost 40 years later

[@reddye2331]

We need some pictures. Or a video would be nice. Sure we be able to feel the life and blood of her drawer box. Chainsaws are my past time hobby but for whatever reason these style boxes have grabbed my attention for sure.

[@Laneythekid]

His passion for what he does is so admirable. It was a pleasure to watch

[@viboquet]

Hi Adam, really a beautiful renovation of this goldsmith piece that has been repaired by a person so know it and the metrics in the gesture is remarkable.Personally I could use it for fear of the damaged it is so beautiful I wish that Mr Paul shared his knowledge with other young people in order to perpetuate this beautiful company. A + Adam and good continuation

[@patrickboyd6486]

Hi Adam it's great to watch someone like Paul who with his hands and eyes and mind plus years of knowledge. Restore and repair your wooden tool box as it was first made my thanks to people like .Master craftsman Paul.

[@regmigrant]

Bits of me droop and rub after 50 years :) great video, love to see craftsmen at work

[@chuckwin100]

That is so cool that the original tools used to build the box over 50 years ago will be used to restore it. Its not very often that one can see this. Very nice tool chests overall and harkens back to the days when trades were taken more seriously and tradesmen were proud of their work. Good job!

[@TRKGL1800]

My Dad was a master carpenter. He built beautiful furniture. He always signed and dated his work somewhere out of sight. I wish you had signed the bottom of the box and dated it before it was clear coated. That would have been a nice touch to the history and preservation. maybe you can install a metal tag inside with your information.

[@deemstyle]

I'm sure you meant that it would have been great for the restorer, Paul, to sign it- and I couldn't agree more! I was actually a bit surprised that he didn't.

[@TRKGL1800]

That would have been great also, but the original owners name is in the bottom, so I thought Adam's name should be in there also after the restoration.

[@paulcopeland9035]

That restoration did not have any "clear coat". The inside of the box was left alone and nothing but lacquer (as is the old furniture tradition) used as a finish.

[@MaistoHelix]

I really love these chests, and the story the restorer is telling about what he sees when looking at this box and how he is all Sherlock Holmes on it and how he is going to fix it without losing the soul. That's pretty unique in these times of mass consumption.

[@GCraigmile]

WOW!!! That’s a VERY VERY VERY Nice box👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻.... 10000% OUTSTANDING a true American company with OUTSTANDING people..

[@tonyfrederick2715]

Happy to see that you kept the original hardware and wood surfaces.

[@garybrenner6236]

I have the exact same style Gerstner box, I bought it in 1963 and it is still in like new condition.

[@Abom79]

That’s awesome! Cherish that one!

[@motor1395]

Got to love some of the delivery companies. I had a friend send me a nice cast iron table top horizontal milling machine all crated in a custom built plywood box. The guy must have rolled it off the back of the truck. He rang the door bell, wanted a quick signature and was gone with the box in the street. The box was broken and the little mill was damaged. Great video Adam. Thanks for sharing!! All the best, Norm in Arizona

[@gregmiller2217]

I have the same exact tool chest. I got it from my grandfather when he passed away. I love it.

[@BobWiersema]

Same here. My grandfather gave it to me when he retired in 1975. I'm now motivated to do a bit of restoration on it.

[@donstor1]

Something you will not see again in the coming years. American craftsman in an American company working by hand, with pride to make something fine that people of the world can use. I can remember when a lot of things were made this way. Now, I’m watching it all disappear. Thank you Adam.

[@binderstem31]

“These walls have seen this box before.” I love it.

[@MrBanzoid]

What a beautiful sympathetic restoration using as many original parts as possible.

[@--Zook--]

I wish Paul made videos of his restorations

[@HammerPowered]

The job that Paul did on that chest is just amazing. Came out so good. And all of the Gerstner content was interesting and they are artists at what they do.

[@stewartew]

Great looking job, that just goes to show you when you buy quality products, yes they are more expensive, they last forever. You said it they can be handed down from one generation to the next and so on. It was great they allowed you to film and observe in their factory, you got some great video.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Paul did a great job Adam .. ENJOYED !! .. Thanks man

[@charlescompton4495]

As far as I'm concerned you are welcome to Ohio anytime Adam. There are a lot of old buildings that show how the old guys were proud of their crafts and that continues to this day. from tool boxes to court houses...we have them. If you had traveled on up the highway you may have seen a museum of old airplanes. Also, the Air Force museum is located near Dayton. My dad was a B-24 pilot in the Pacific in WWII. His uncle was an aerial photographer in WWI and my grandfather was an ambulance driver in WWI. I would love to see a photo of one of those ambulances as I was an EMT and drove the modern versions from time to time. Sorry for the long comment but I'm proud to be a Buckeye, Christian, Father, Husband, Bricklayer, Ham Radio Operator...AMERICAN! Greg

[@wvrockcrusher]

Very nice video Adam! It was wonderful to see the Gerstner factory still in operation and in the same building as always. Gerstner is a national treasure as well as true craftsmen like Paul. These treasures are far and few between and it was nice of them to let you document all of this for us to be able to see. I especially like the original tools of yesterday still being used to manufacture the chests of today. Very nice looking job Paul did on the box and I'll bet he may be busier than usual after people see this!

[@sandy1653]

That box will last until the day your kids retire at least Adam. There’s nothing quite like the beautiful work of a skilled craftsman, that’s for damn sure.

[@marshallmoneymaker8322]

WOW!!! Not only great craftsmanship, but true artistry. That box is one year older than I, truly amazing. The ONLY thing that could make it anymore special is to have the original people reassemble it that made it 54 years ago. Either way you have a piece that few... very few people could tell a story about. Good for you!

[@TristanJCumpole]

She's an absolute beauty Adam. The ray flake on the front panels, sides, etc. is difficult to find across that width in that quality these days. Mostly because sawmills don't want to quarter cut Oak to just to express that....most of the time the best bet is to split logs yourself....anyway. I've got my eye on an old Oak phamacist's cabinet here in Finland which is along these lines; wood selected for appearance and placement, original brass hardware and hand cut dovetailing where it needs the strength. Unlike your tool chest though, it shows the wear of a lifetime (not it's lifetime!) of use. That's something I want to preserve and keep as-is; unless something becomes fragile or breaks, I'd rather keep in that patina and history to the piece. Restoring your Gerstner chest was the right decision to make, and I know it'll receive the same care and reverence that you do with your work. Beautiful, man, beautiful.

[@kindjalkazad]

That is simply wonderfull :) I'd love to meet some of these old craftsman

[@jjwouters6436]

Great video Adam, it was cool seeing that chest come full circle.

[@cgrosbeck]

Totally agree KEEP as much of the individual, use, and age as possible! That keeps the history and tradition of that craftsmen alive and also drives the new owner to strive for there best in what they do!!!!

[@ajwilson605]

In 1970, I purchased a Gerstner chest from a guy who was retiring and had no family to leave it to. The chest was made in 1952, the year of my birth. I was working in a union shop and in 1977 we went out on strike. I lived in an apartment so I didn't have a place to keep it. I rented a small storage space in which to store it along with my Kennedy roll away. The strike lasted 10 weeks. About 8 weeks into the strike I was called by the owners of the space I had rented. There had been a fire and 16 spaces had burned. Mine was one of them. I was doing precision work and had bought the tools I needed to do the job. Most of my measuring tools were TESA or Browne & Sharp. I lost it all. Over $6500 worth of tools and the insurance paid me only $700, even after I showed them the receipts for everything I had purchased. Sometimes.....life just isn't fair.......

[@dayday_13]

I kinda want to cry hearing this. That really hurts.

[@RookieLock]

Wow, now that was a special treat! What a beautiful product. Adam thanks for taking us along ! Amazing Before & Afters

[@jeffreydelallo7311]

My dad had a gerstner tool box just like that he used it for almost 30 years he was a tool and die maker after he passed away as a memorial to him I restored it it came out great I still have that tool box to this day I restored it in 1980

[@chieft3357]

I had a great time watching the tour and how restorations are done. Now you have a restored Gerstner tool chest that you can put your most prized tools in. I think it's great. :-)

[@spidersinspace1099]

Adam, to preserve the metal parts on your chest and prevent them from rusting, try using Renaissance wax. It's a very high quality product that can be used on metal, stone, and wood. It would work especially well on the wood portion of your chest. You can buy it on Amazon in a 65ml size that will last a long time. I have the same chest as yours (model 52) I inherited from my father-in-law in 1981. It was given to him brand new in 1965 by someone who appreciated his skills. He worked at Ladish Co. in Wisconsin all his life as a die sinker. He loved that tool chest so much he kept it at his home so it wouldn't get beat up. It's 54 years old and looks brand new. I am a retired business owner with a back ground in tool & die making and I keep all my precision tools in it. I have a grandson I intend to pass it onto. Love your channel, keep up the good work.

[@Abom79]

Thank you for sharing the story of your own tool chest 👍🏻

[@SuperAWaC]

using renwax to preserve metal is like using wd40 as a lubricant. it'll kinda work, but it generally ends up causing more trouble than it's worth. there are much better ways to preserve metal. we figured this stuff out 100 years ago, and despite what the people selling renwax want you to believe, some random museum conservator didn't discover the miracle cure-all metal preservation technique upending hundreds of years of wisdom. just because something is expensive, doesn't mean it's good.

[@StraightThread]

@@SuperAWaC So what is your recommendation?

[@spidersinspace1099]

SuperAWaC Yeah, I’m sure there are many other ways to prevent raw metal from corrosion but I know that renaissance wax is used by custom knife makers who’s knives cost thousands of $. What’s your miracle solution?

[@Abom79]

Super, don’t criticize someone making helpful suggestion. If you have a tip then send it but picking someone’s comment apart is pointless.

[@ecleveland1]

Paul did a great job bringing your box back to original. What an amazing restoration.

[@enterBJ40]

''This box come home''...really well spoken .

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Beautiful job on the restore. Great box for your shop.

[@Abom79]

Randy Richard In The Shop Thanks Randy! 👍🏻

[@michaelhudson7861]

My father was a machinist since the 1940’s. In about 1965 he purchased a Gerstner box. He made his living with about $50,000 worth of tools collect over a lifetime. That box was to be mine upon his passing. We just celebrated his 98th birthday. Sadly that beautiful box was destroyed in the “Camp” Fire in Paradise California last year.

[@jdhalvo]

My heart just broke, but happy to hear your dad is still with you!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Glad your dad made it through the fire. So heart-breaking to hear his beloved tool chest was not so lucky. Maybe if you can afford it, you can buy him a new one for his next birthday or "just because". I'd bet he would love that.

[@michaelhudson7861]

jdhalvo thank you for the kind words.

[@michaelhudson7861]

Thomas Russell as much as he would love that, it wouldn’t be the same. You see that was an anniversary present from my mom at 25years.

[@thomasarussellsr]

@@michaelhudson7861 yeah, definitely wouldn't be the same. If he is still able, maybe the two of you could build a box/chest similar? Keeping active, I'm sure, is part of what has kept him going this long. A father son project could be another great memory, for both of you. Again, sorry for the loss of such a cherished gift for him. Hope he has many more years with you and the rest of the family.

[@zedo5851]

Paul is a master craftsman did a beautiful job also love that apron Paul was wearing.

[@MrZX1206]

Paul is seems like a hell of a nice guy.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

I hope to one day own a Gerstner tool chest. Great to see this video of the restoration.

[@MegaAndroyd]

Good for another 50 years.

[@fbtool]

I'm a proud member of The Gerstner Owners Club and Paul's work is amazing. Everyone there puts their pride into every product they make. My first Gerstner (same model box as the one in the video) I bought new in 1977 and still have it today. Since then I have bought many Gerstners and just love them and their history. If you ever get to Dayton Ohio The old Gerstner factory is a must see!

[@thomasarussellsr]

He did a tour video for those of us that can't get by there.

[@lqueryvg666]

Loved the video - thanks to you and G&S - Now I did visit their site and the ONE item that caught my fancy is the 1403 Aficionado - Travel Bar.......now trying to convince the wife is the next step!!!! Maybe I will add a jewelry box to make it a better deal! ;)

[@jakemoeller7850]

Nice piece of art. Glad that you took the time, effort and $$ to bring this box back.

[@leeklemetti1887]

Beautiful restoration. A real keeper. My box is a new Harbor Freight Tools box that was damaged and I got it for $50. Fixed it up, but now I'm jealous though.

[@leeklemetti1887]

If You are jealous too, thumbs up, or thumbs down if not.

[@oldpup2182]

Very nice tool box there. Something to be cherished, used and passed down. Thanks for the videos on this.

[@CA10Z]

I was in ICU when this came in but my goodness what a beautiful chest. Not a box but a beautiful tool chest.... You are going to put tools in there aren't you? I was as excited to see it unwrapped as well... Thanks for the whole production of the factory and you project..

[@USARealMan-ls3zj]

Glad to hear you're out of there and doing well

[@CA10Z]

@@USARealMan-ls3zj Thanks..appreciate it..

[@PristineTX]

These Gerstner chests are amazing. I had never seen one before your videos.

[@pacountryboy90]

I would love to hear Paul Martin's story. He seems like a great guy.

[@NicolaP269]

Hi Adam, congrats for the amazing video. It reminds me of a visit from a classy tailor who explains to you how the dress you will wear will be hand-sewn, its finishes, its accessories. Something out of time in this age of speed. Really very beautiful and perfect restoration.

[@adrianblack7966]

It's only finished once you've filled it with Starrett, Mitutoyo, Brown & Sharpe & Moore & Wright.

[@r.miller4810]

Wow! Terrific job refurbishing your Gerstner!

[@stephengent9974]

Love those Gerstner boxes. Still looking for one at a price I want to pay. Will have to make do with my vintage Kennedy

[@revtmyers1]

This turned out absolutely beautiful. So happy for you.

[@tabajaralabs]

What a piece of art...I confess I felt in love with this tool chest. So bad I'm so far away to buy one... :( But wait! I have a bench saw, some wood and glue =D I'm not a master craftsman...But I can learn =) CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! =D

[@sheep1ewe]

Let's do this!

[@SuperSwitched]

Fantastic work carried out

[@jesondag]

If it's box 420, it definitely needs green felt. :-)

[@amateuranth2796]

For sure 🤣😂

[@mtcruse]

A proper, sympathetic restoration. Well done.

[@marklindquist6905]

That was awesome Adam. Just Fantastic. The whole process, the deconstruction to reconstruction, finishing and polishing - everything about it was fantastic. Paul did an awesome job. I especially liked the end part of the video - the stills set to music. Very poetic and touching. You continue to improve your skills as photographer and videographer. Great job Adam - something to really be proud of. Thanks as always for your great documentation work that is not only educational, but entertaining as well. Mark

[@cschwad559]

You said it all and perfectly, Mark.

[@Abom79]

Thank you Mark! 👍🏻

[@ezequielortega7238]

Beautiful tool chest. I will be on the lookout for one. I may even buy a new one from them. Thanks for sharing.

[@charlesdefrancisco5056]

So abom I have the exact chest and I bought it in 1972 or 73.....the front lid separated and not by abuse just age Mine is like new and as I said after seeing your video I called them and they were very nice and accommodating I sent them photos and will most likely drive from Asheville to their factory I won’t get the deal you got but their fees are mire than fair I also have my 1973 detomaso pantera that I bought about the same time So thanks for making me to get it repaired at the best possible place

[@Abom79]

That sounds great! 👍🏻

[@jamesrobinson9494]

it took a long time I have been waiting for ever to see it finished

[@wayned1807]

I had one just like that that was passed down from my Dad that I passed on to my Nephew 40 years later to keep it in the family. I think my Dad purchased it used in the 50's or 60's. It was in really bad shape when I got it but I continued to use it for another 40 years. I inquired once about getting it restored by Gerstner but the price was as much as a new one. I'll passed this video on to my Nephew so he can decide if he wants to restore it. Personally, I don't think they're as great as they say. They had their place 60 years ago when shops were not climate controlled like they are today. I remember seeing old photos of factories during WWII and every bench had one. They are beautiful though when cleaned up or new.

[@jsteifel]

That looks awesome. i am very impressed, because it is so easy to sand through the veneers and ruin it. So well done. I love the figured wood too. Glad you kept the old hardware, it adds to the history, and is still beautiful.

[@nbrowser]

My word Adam, the restoration is just beautiful, simply stunning. Take care of it so it lasts a lot more decades.

[@willjosephson]

I swear I can smell the lacquer as you unwrap that thing...such a beautiful pice of craftsmanship.

[@stefinatrix3426]

That restoration came out wonderfully. The wood still has the character of a box that was built 55 years ago and well used during it's lifetime. Paul absolutely killed that restoration.

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Looks like one built 55 minutes ago

[@chrisjamz2206]

Thanks for sharing this process. Some people dream of restoring an old Porsche, I dream of restoring an old Gerstner someday. What a beauty!!

[@Redmech80]

I’d love to see a tour of the box once you get tools moved into it. All measuring stuff, some hand tools, wrenches, tool box tours are always interesting to see what people use.

[@rodneywroten2994]

What a wonderful restoration job. so beautiful