Gerstner & Sons Tool Chest Restoration

[@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.

[@jimwalker5941]

This is a great episode! It was a great pleasure seeing Master Craftsman Paul Martin restore this tool chest. Kudos for you for realizing that you could create a fantastic video by looking at a subject not central to your main theme of metalwork. That took some vision and the results are fantastic. You captured something essential about American craftsmanship here, and I think people will be commenting, positively, about this video years from now. Well done, and Thank You!

[@Abom79]

Jim Walker Thank you for seeing what I was shooting for here. Gerstner has been a major player with machinist and machine shops for 100 years and I thought it would be great to visit their shop and see where their legacy started! 👍🏻

[@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.

[@milkyfishh]

Fantasic Video! My first box was a Gerstner. I lived just 25 miles North, in a crappy little town called Piqua. It seemed as if most Machinist's and Tool Makers back home had at least one Gerstner. Now that I live in Seattle, I see more of them up for sale, than being actually used. I had mine stolen, along with my roll around and riser. It really broke my heart, being it was a gift from my Mentor and Grandfather. I have just had a very hard time buying another one. It is not that I don't want another, I really do! Its just a weird inner thought about replacing the most prized possession I have ever owned. I was actually devastated for months after losing it. That is how much us "Buckeyes" love our Gerstner & Son's Tradition in the Miami Valley. You really brought back some great memories with these videos Abom, Thank you so very much for them!!!

[@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.

[@samrodian919]

A brilliant restoration Adam, you got just the right amount of "new" with the original and it comes out reborn for another two lifetimes of work, coz we all know you will want to pass it on down now! Great video thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@UnbeltedSundew]

This guy is really interesting. Also these Gerstner videos really make me want to have one of these chests, even though I have no earthly reason to use one lol. High quality workmanship and beautiful.

[@backtoearth1983]

You can't use it, you may have a grand kid one day who can. The chest will still be in great shape, there real family heirlooms

[@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!

[@izzynutz2000]

Growing up having a grandfather who was a master Machinist and my father who was a tool and die maker / salesman my grandfather's tool chest was a Gerstner,, his I believe went back to the teens... All of that stuff for me is long gone I never got to meet my grandfather, but I follow in their footsteps..my machining ability I can walk into anyone's machine shop I know the proper nomenclature and how to properly use their equipment although I must say my 4 jaw truing skills were little if next to nothing before the Advent of KZbin and your channel and even though I haven't touched a lathe in over 20 years due to your tutelage Adam I am confident I could indicate a project now.. "loosen your lows and tighten your highs" This video reminds me of my grandfather's machinist chest. And I believe that when I do a project in an antiquity'd area I am sure that they are guiding me through it I'm sure they are still passing on their knowledge.. thank you Adam for this wonderful video and thank you Gerstner for your time honored tradition of Machinists tool boxes.. Todd Greenwell Tampa Florida

[@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

[@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.

[@jrkorman]

“These walls have seen this box before.” Said by a man I can believe who sees little reason to retire. I can see that as a job that one looks forward to going to work each day!

[@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.

[@SaposJoint]

Very nice to see a craftsman in another art. Thanks very much, Adam.

[@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 👍🏻

[@tomoakhill8825]

It is beautiful. This is so wonderful. There is such an overlap between master woodworkers, and master machinists. Both love the joy of producing a beautiful object. Adam says, "They are still using the same tool that they used in 1965." Adam is still using the same tool that was used in1943 ! They have been there since 1906, but of course. Excellence lives forever.

[@shrodingerschat2258]

Adam, this was a great tribute to a fantastic company, and to you your father and grandfather as well. It is nice to see there are companies around that still take pride in their work not just in their new pieces but the legacies pieces as well. Very touching video. Well done to all!

[@mikecnelson]

Thanks for posting this, I had recently gotten a tool box from my father-in-law, who got it from his father. I examined it after seeing this video and it is a Gerstner! I sent photos to them and confirmed it is a Model 31, made between 1951 and 1958, trying to talk the wife into letting me get it restored as well!

[@alflud]

I'll tell you what Adam, you sure do put some _quality_ content out man. The vibe of this entire video is top quality, the toppest of the top! Better than anything tv ever produced! Real treasure :)

[@Abom79]

Thank you! Really appreciate that man 👍🏻

[@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

[@davegower123]

All I can say is "WOW!" Paul seems like an awesome guy and craftsman! The care and thought he puts into every job is obvious. I'm sure Mr. Clapper would be very pleased with the restoration.

[@JohnBare747]

Great to see there are still a few old school craftsmen at work. Great video Adam.

[@Jonnyb1925]

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

[@georgeruppert7542]

Paul's attitude was amazing and he truly loves what he does

[@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.

[@Stevie75]

Ooh that turned into a beautifull chest . And you can see Paul just loves his job .

[@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 !!!

[@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.

[@jdhalvo]

Adam, thank you for keeping the original hardware with the box.

[@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.

[@stevemurray6543]

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

[@edstuff1198]

Mr. Martin is obviously a man that loves his job and he is a true craftsman as well. It's so good to see that kind of passion in today's day and age. Thanks to you, Mr. Martin and Gerstner for sharing this experience with us. Great stuff.My father was a watchmaker and I worked for him for years. I learned a bit about watch repair and jewelry repair and jewery making. I have my father's watch repair bench, still full of watches, small tools, and tiny parts. I can appreciate craftsman of any kind. There is a great satisfaction in creating beautiful, useful things with your hands. Watching skilled people doing it is a great pleasure as well.

[@kennethbell7318]

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

[@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.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

A true piece of American history. Cheers from Tokyo!

[@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.

[@robertevans6481]

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

[@Marcywm42]

Restoration of items like this that people used over many decades is truly a treasure. Their memory carries forward. Thank you for sharing Adam.

[@QuadDoc]

The beauty and majesty that Paul brought back to such a prized possession is a once in a lifetime experience! Your picture montage at the end almost brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for sharing this experience! I was already on the hunt for a Gerstner & Sons chest before your video was over! THAT is what taking pride in your work does!! Thank you Paul for allowing Adam to share your work as well! Magnificent!

[@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."

[@larrysnyder3475]

Absolutely beautiful. True craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@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

[@dawsonian2000]

Loved that you chose to keep the original hardware on the chest and had it buffed and polished. I will be doing the same with mine.

[@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?

[@p3th3t1c]

My 2nd most prized possession is my great grandfathers Gerstner Chest that he bought either in the late teens or early 20's, he was a gold smith and jewelry maker and the chest is what he used to store his tools and merchandise when he would travel, my 1st is the gold ring with a 1kt yellow diamond offset with 2 smaller stones, one on each side, he made the ring in the late 30's but the diamond was a gift he bought my great grandmother. The family stories go that great grandma used the diamond during the great depression to feed the family, she would hock the jewel at the local pawn shop and when great grandpa would sell items she would go get the ring back while he made new merchandise and money wasn't coming in between sales.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@keymasterken]

You may want to write in the inside of the bottom of the chest "Restored by Paul Martin of Gerstner & Son's for Atom Booth with Date" and include your "ABom79" heat stamp. You must load it with your instruments in order to be functional and complete. If you desire, Gerstner has washers that can be installed behind each drawer knob to eliminate wearing away of the varnish. Enjoy using your instrument chest.

[@franknovak8060]

In these days of quick profit and lesser workmanship, it is nice to see a quality product that is still around, and still supporting their customers. I think I will have to look up this company for my shop needs, thanks Adam, for sharing this.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Yeah, it's awesome to see there is still an American company who has pride in their products and the skill to make an heirloom quality piece of furniture grade chests for the working man/woman.

[@dessilverson161]

Proper craftsman. Lovely job. Here's to the next 50 years of use before the next refirb !!!

[@Laneythekid]

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

[@bobjohnson6743]

Hi Adam, you said the box was a 1965 model, you bought it used. My box is a 1965 model. I bought it NEW in 1965 and am the ONLY owner. I bought it on sale for $2 off, it cost me $58, I still own it. I WAS a machinist/moldmaker, retired 15 years now. I do not like Oak, mine is Walnut. Really great video and channel.

[@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.

[@tjnak]

American Craftsmen helping American Craftsman. Bravo @GerstnerUSA

[@jerremyvinson6310]

Such a beautiful toolbox. The care, workmanship and quality that is put into that box is spectacular. You can tell they really enjoy and take pride in their work.

[@jesondag]

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

[@amateuranth2796]

For sure 🤣😂

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Have to agree with everything you said. What a beauty!! Thanks for the video and all the contributors.

[@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

[@2012Guardian]

Makes me appreciate mine that I inherited from my Father that much more.

[@tonyfrederick2715]

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

[@marloweschumacher2553]

What a great entertaining video, I own a Gerstner leatherette box, same size as the one in the video. I purchased mine in 1972 from a fellow employee that was retiring, not sure how old the box is, going to have to do some research. Used my box on a daily basis at work for 46 years, and now the box is at home on my work bench. I am sure I will watch the video again. Thanks again.

[@toolbox-gua]

Super nice work by G&S, and applause to you for doing the right thing to a fine piece of equipment. It looks beatiful.

[@aforman1951]

Great video Adam. One of my favorites. Great to see that high quality is still done in the USA. You gotta pay to play.

[@simoncarney9944]

You may not even see this comment but I’d just like to say how much I enjoyed this video. Being from the UK I didn’t know the history behind this toolbox but I can appreciate the quality and history behind Gerstner. It made me quite emotional to see the end result and how pleased you were with it.

[@molaisonmaker6896]

Paul is a true craftsman. Your chest looks amazing! You should a nice Abom brand on that bottom panel just as the original owner left his mark. Thanks for documenting this journey and thanks Gerstner for allowing you to film some of the process.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MrBanzoid]

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

[@regmigrant]

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

[@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!

[@HobbyChicken]

Great job!!! I have two of these tool boxes full of my grandfathers machinists tools. I can remember always pulling the drawers out when I was in his basement. He would tell be to be careful with those... they’ll be yours someday. I think after watching this video, I’ll have to have them restored. Thank you!

[@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.

[@martineastburn3679]

Glad to see the same box Dad and I bought in 1952. It is in Black Silk. I have reason to believe it was once destined to be on a WWII or Korea Production line. We bought it in the 3rd basement of a large hardware store in Sacramento Ca. along with a Sheldon L-44 lathe. Both are in my shop. I'm 72. Thanks for the trip!

[@karirautio]

I was born in 1952 in Finland.

[@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..

[@leroyc179]

Adam, As a master craftsman myself all I can say is WOW, you could not have asked for a better job in restoring this chest!!

[@martinklaus2203]

I have that exact same tool chest, and it looks about the same as yours. My dad was a tool and die maker, and I inherited it.

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

That's cool!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Family heirlooms like that are worth so much more than money.

[@warrenjones744]

Paul Martin is a man one can appreciate. While I am usually not all that sentimental about things, I do regard my tools as special. Especially the tools and two Gerstner chests that I have that were owned and used by men who are retired or gone now. When I use a tool with a company name or a mans initials engraved in it, I wonder what they may have made with them. Did those parts fly on a plane or rocket? fight a war at sea? was the guy a tool maker? Perhaps he was production or job shop machinists? How long did he own these tools? It's fun for me to think about such things as I make my parts I need. I have always held the craftsmen that came before me in high regard. I can see Paul Martin does too. A beautiful job sir, well done. Thanks Adam for making this happen, for me it ranks up there with the Large Lathe Work video as the best Abom79 episode ever!

[@hobbit321a]

a company where i worked as a machinist after you were there 5 years in good standing they bought you a Gerstner box sized to your station starting with the 52 and all the way up to the largest at the time my first chest i believe was the 2111 or one close it was in the late 70s when i received mine every 5 years after you had choice to up grade to larger chest or add to what you had i made it 12 years and opted for a bottom box omg did it work and look good i would still have it but it was destroyed in a shop fire i was very sad to loose it

[@keithhansen3963]

Awesome, been waiting for weeks for this grand finale. I have a Journeyman 052 -#367. I have hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of machines and tools but I have always felt this chest was the pride possession of my shop.

[@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

[@dezfan]

If only all companies had as much respect for the products they produce and the people that make those products. 👍🏼

[@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

[@billbaggins]

Great result, something to treasure for at least the next 50 years. Can't help thinking that Paul would have been a better host for the tour, his knowledge and passion seem so much deeper than at management level.

[@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.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

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

[@echoewest2685]

Hard to come up with any adequate words for this except Wow, thanks for sharing.

[@gayle3860]

Beautiful restoration on the wooden toolbox. Thanks for the Gerstner Shop tour video!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

Adam, make sure to write in your name and the date of restoration inside the box. Someone 50 years from now will appreciate that information.

[@RookieLock]

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