How to make your tool box BETTER! // Paul Brodie's Shop

[@TheOldaz1]

Engineering a solution just because - love it. Thanks guys.

[@PiefacePete46]

Right at the start I thought "I know what he's going to do". I was totally wrong, but as I have exactly the same situation, but I don't have space for the swivelling tray, you have inspired me to progress with my concept. The lid will have a tray attached to it, and the hinges will be replaced with a four-link parallelogram. The lid (and tray) will swing up and back. This is hardly a new concept, or original... many mechanic's toolboxes used it to access tiers of trays, but I have not seen a lid/tray done that way. I am in the middle of a project just now, and by the time I finish, I will probably forgotten all about this, so don't you go holding your breath! 😜 Love your work... Thanks.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you John, I hope you do make a four-link tray for your box!

[@ratheskin58]

Setting new standards in over-engineered tool boxes! Very impressive!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Bill.

[@billyjo1148]

The time and motion man would be having a fit over this masterpiece

[@DetourswithFrank]

😂😂😂

[@dennisyoung4631]

Over-engineered? Nah - sounds like he wants it to work really good!

[@spurgear4]

Line your toolbox with cheap Canadian tire yoga mats. Nicer than the thin stuff and lots of colors.

[@alexrains1893]

Wow. I've never seen someone pretty much throw a tap into a spinning hole on a lathe with such precision and finesse.

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, I've done that for many years.. You do need quick reactions at just the right time... Thanks for watching!

[@valkman761]

These videos always reminds me there actually are other people also who enjoy spending time in the shop and doing stuff like this - totally unnecessary and money could buy you ready made solutions - but where's the fun in that 😁. I often have people coming by to my shop, looking around, rolling their eyes and asking what is it I actually do here. It's like you should have three shifts working around the clock, spitting manufactured products for sale just to justify the 40-50 year old machinery. Meanwhile they're spending 60 grand on a new car which will lose half of its value during first three years...about the same which will provide me a lifetime hobby (and therapy)

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, working in the shop is therapy for me too. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremyclark2447]

This is one of the best toolbox modifications/additions I’ve ever seen. It solves a huge conundrum that is the lid of a toolbox. I don’t think it’s over engineered at all. It’s a work of art and precision. The detail you put into your craftsmanship is much appreciated. I plan on doing the same to my old Mac toolbox. I hope I can do it half as good as you. Thanks for all the inspiration. You make me want to switch professions from expert welder to expert fabricator. I am an extremely experienced welder in all processes however I know I’m a long way from being a master welder.

[@paulbrodie]

Jeremy, thanks for watching and commenting! 😉

[@WorldinFastForward]

Watching you build something is like therapy for me 😄. It always remembers me to my early days at work, when I learned all that craftsmanships.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Martin. Appreciate your comments, and that you like our videos 😉

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Always like improvements in the shop or on the tool box! Anything to make wrenching easier and more enjoyable! Great vid!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@paulbrodie 👍🙂😉

[@laszlobacs9347]

Very smart idea and a fun project. Your skills and creativity are limitless.

[@paulbrodie]

Laszio, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@bigjim8088]

I really enjoy watching you work on different projects and seeing the enjoyment you get from it too. You always have a smile on your face while fabricating things. That's the way I am too when I'm working on most things especially when modifying an item to make it works better for your particular needs.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks BigJim80 :)

[@Kosmonooit]

There is something very satisfying sorting out your workspace with DIY innovations, and better sooner than later!

[@framolon3708]

Paul, even with furniture you're great! Better then IKEA!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you!

[@fieldlab4]

I love $2000 custom upgrades for $200 tool chests 😄

[@tinymotogarage]

Great as always. How about a cheeky detent sprung ball bearing at the 90-degree marks so it clicks into place with a satisfying sound 😀 (says he, who would struggle to even cut the plywood straight!)

[@paulbrodie]

A detent spring. Wonder why I never thought of that? Thanks.

[@savage22bolt32]

Look ma, no hands! I made a 2" thick insulated door for the bottom of the cellar hatchway, and used a spring loaded ball & detent to keep it closed. No doorknobs, just a pull handle on each side. Now when my hands are full, all I have to do is push it open. (That is, if the deadbolt ain't locked!)

[@paulbrodie]

@@savage22bolt32 Sounds good to me!

[@deemstyle]

@@paulbrodie Would love to see the update video when you add the detent ball! Would be a fun follow up!

[@paulbrodie]

@@deemstyle I'll see what I can do..

[@onboro_alfa_SGL]

It is really nice idea to make working conditions better organized and tool box more fun-to-use!!! Thanks for uploading 👍👍👍

[@paulbrodie]

I agree with you 100%. Thanks for watching!

[@sofianorca5210]

Great job thank you so much 👍

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks for watching.

[@billythebake]

Man, that Smarty Pants sticker on your toolbox takes me back. I was working down in Georgetown back when they opened, and used to eat there a bit. There and Jules Maes... man, I miss having so many good restaurants around!

[@m12345678963]

I love it, there is no kill like over kill. I have that same tool box that you have and the same lathe , I only wish that I had the same level of skill that you do. Thanks for putting the video's out.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Mike.

[@hordboy]

I love not only this project, but also seeing all the cool stuff you have going on in the background.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Kindly.

[@rickpalechuk4411]

Love it, just needs a detent for the home position. Thanks for sharing guys, Cheers

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Rick. Fifth viewer to mention detent..

[@josephpittala9146]

Outstanding work. Simple design and excellent results.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Joseph.

[@markkoons7488]

Now that's good work and refreshing to find on KZbin. Thank you.

[@paulbrodie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nathanbanke8701]

I really like the editing style on this video. Good job Mitch!

[@dubmfg]

Fantastic build fellas!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you very much!

[@brianevans1946]

Great idea, I would of put the shaft on the toolbox and the tube on the shelf...

[@836dmar]

I needed that idea! Thanks so much!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks for watching!

[@kimeldiin1930]

A wee trick . mate. I when centering stuff in the lathe have a tool I made when pressure rolling stuff over a male plug (silencer end caps in my case...)...it is simply a 50mm -ish roller bearing on a rudimentary tool holder... so of it is a round piece that is, I just put it in the chuck just tightening it a bit , then just touch it with the roller bearing , pushing a wee bit....then it is centered , one both see and hear when it centers... after which I tighten the chuck, works like a charm 4 everyday use !! If critical ,I then check it with a clock . Involves an additional tool change , but it is most convenient .......

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks for the tip.

[@davegiddings5250]

Great idea! I'm gunna steal this one. Cheers Paul and Mitch.

[@paulbrodie]

We hope you do. Thanks for watching :)

[@domenicomonteleone3055]

Paul brodie you are a creative thinker excellent work you do have a wonderful Saturday afternoon bye 👋 from 🇨🇦 #YSW Domenico Monteleone respect back to you 🙏 both

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Domenico.

[@domenicomonteleone3055]

Paul brodie you are kindly welcome 🙏 thank 🙏 you kindly for responding back to me you really 🙏 are a creative thinker look how you came up with the table top quality workmanship i want to tell you that Allen Millyard is alos following you have you seen his work that he has created again have a wonderful Saturday late afternoon bye 👋 Paul brodie Domenico Monteleone bye 👋 from #YSW respect back to you 🙏

[@chrisperry7963]

Love it! May as well add some side bins to that hefty sheet, since you bolstered that side so well.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Chris.

[@slideman.]

That's a very nice project! Very practical. Thanks Paul & Mitch!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Vlad!

[@robertholcomb6200]

Slick idea! And "that's a good fit!" Every flat surface gets cluttered up in my shop. Thank you for sharing!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Robert.

[@ponyboyjl13]

Ahh yes have to have a few grand in tooling to make stuff. So coooool

[@bradley3549]

Beautifully overbuilt. Reminds me of the swing away tables you see sometimes in airports. (And something I wish I had in my living room!) My solution was to just remove the lid from the toolbox. Though to be fair, it just made more of a mess than it solved...

[@petera1033]

As always - really enjoyable and your wry smiles make it all the more engaging to watch. Cheers Pete

[@paulbrodie]

Good to hear. Thanks Pete.

[@thedr309]

awesome! I love it... great design and execution as always.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Mitch!

[@deangiacopassi1951]

You need a spring loaded detent to keep the shelf in place. Keep up the good work.

[@paulbrodie]

I think you are the 8th viewer to mention detent. Thanks for watching.

[@Shinysideup]

I need one, I’m going to try and make one myself.

[@paulbrodie]

Ian, I hope you do make one and succeed. I really like mine!

[@tiffinthyme5822]

Hello Paul, I have enjoyed watching the meticulous way your tool box extension has worked out. I expect others will point this out too. I felt that the mechanism would benefit from a home position, not graduated at any other points as this would make the mechanism jerky to operate, simply a satisfying home position to correctly ’ notch’ the home position. Keep up the marvellous videos from Mitch and yourself. Thank you.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank youTiffin. Yes, several viewers have mentioned the need for a detent.

[@makingtolearn]

Wonderful video. Makes me want to make one for my jeweler's bench so I can set stuff on top and swing it out of the way. Might even put a little LED light strip on the underside.

[@mith5168]

A great idea…and a nice weekend project. Thanks Paul.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you.

[@mikey7278]

I love how smug to look at the end 😂 You know that's a dam fine shelf u just made 😁😎

[@chasejiannalone8763]

Everybody needs a Bultaco sticker.

[@paulbrodie]

I like Bultaco decals. Used to own a Metralla...

[@WireWeHere]

Hydraulic pipe and hose clamps quite similar to your aluminum pairs are available made out of UHMW and some other plastics too for anyone who's interested in a quick tube clamping option. The bright yellow and green ones can serve as impressive overkill for overdoing it on your residential furnace room... just because they look so good.

[@ragnarironspear1791]

You do beautiful work really enjoy your channel

[@paulbrodie]

Ragnar, thanks for watching!

[@tommytom2065]

Paolo sei un vulcano di idee brillanti 👍😉

[@kimeldiin1930]

Seems like a good idea , if n' when I get out of the wheelchair....👍👍👍

[@paulbrodie]

I hope you do :)

[@heinstrydom864]

Thank you the best content, top quality work and tips.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Hein.

[@andli461]

Great! More tips and tricks for the work shop would be great to watch. 👍 It’s a very nice piece of aluminum “just for a hinge” though. 😄 But on second thought, now you have the possibility to add even more features to that plate.

[@richardscovell6620]

Superb thanks....could you do a video on drill sharpening?

[@paulbrodie]

You are not the only one asking. I will see what I can do.

[@jobkneppers]

Nice work Paul! Maybe a small stop with a magnet to hold it in place as you move the cart along? Best! Job

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Joe. A detent has been suggested many times.

[@Jokkezation]

Brilliant idea Paul. You add a detent to make the shelf stop from spinning

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks. Yes, others have also mentioned detent.

[@tomfortson2684]

Thanks Paul & Mitch! Another fun lesson! Much appreciated!

[@paulbrodie]

Our pleasure! Thanks Tom.

[@raynyhus2026]

Very cool and useful addition. On the hinge side you could add tool holders or hooks for screwdrivers. Look great.

[@paulbrodie]

Great idea. Thanks Ray.

[@quartfeira]

Grazie Paolo Brodo! 😊✌️

[@gargoreg]

What size of engine are thinking for the tool box? That big V-twin may just fit in if you put a large wheel at either end...... you may need brakes too. Super, I just love that..... I've just spent the last few days make a puller to remove a bearing. I could buy the puller, but I have machine tools, I can make my own!

[@paulbrodie]

It's great making stuff, even if it is available. Keep it up! No engine for the toolbox, sorry.

[@MegaTubescreamer]

space,, the final frontier! nice work Paul, and the parting off tool ! first time I`ve seen you use it ,I`m sure the bandsaw is less wasteful but sometimes parting is convenient. ,this episode was a pivotal moment in `shelf life`👍😎

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you William. Great Commenting!

[@sonovoxx]

That ally plate on the side is worth more than my entire toolbox! 😂😂🤔😭😭

[@paulbrodie]

I got that plate for free many years ago, and it has sat in my shop. Glad I finally found a use for it. I would not have gone out and paid for it. I only paid for the 1/8" flat bar; everything else I already had. Perfect!

[@freiheitfur2takte354]

Eine sehr gute Idee 👍

[@christianmccollum1028]

Excellent idea! My shop's achille's heel is horizontal storage space. I'm building more wooden shelves today but I think I'm going to try to incorporate some sort of swing-away table top like this. Thank you guys!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you Christian.

[@andyscott5978]

“….and now that’s the shelf finished, of course we need to upgrade the load rating of the floor. “

[@paulbrodie]

Andy, that's funny!

[@theoldman8877]

Paul, that is a very good ( strong ) shelf support / spindle. Infact I have seen Automotive front axle kingpin bushings that are not as strong or well made from major automakers. Even if you use to support a VW Bug motor for removal / installation it will be fine.

[@paulbrodie]

Good, funny comment!

[@danmoreton1788]

I'm not sure what I like more your skills or your tools!

[@paulbrodie]

Do you have to like one more than the other? Thanks for watching.

[@londonpickering8675]

That is pure villainy! Thank you for taking the time to post this video....

[@paulbrodie]

Most welcome 😉

[@larrypalmer7136]

I started this video with some skepticism as to how it could be interesting but I really enjoyed it, found it interesting and informative. I won't be making a shelf over my toolbox as the lid is always open with sockets mounted the inside of the lid. Thanks for the video.

[@paulbrodie]

That's good that your skepticism melted away. Thanks for watching!

[@JohnSmith-ee7gf]

Have you got shares in an aluminium mill? I noticed the Bultaco sticker. My dad had a Sherpa, and a Greeves Anglian. I had a Montesa. Great days😀.

[@paulbrodie]

I had a Greeves motocross bike but I never rode it. I do not have shares in an aluminum mill.

[@quartfeira]

Sono cose che puoi permetterti di fare ad una certa età senza venire giudicato. Ben fatto Paolo. ✌️

[@wraith600original1]

Good idea 💡 ill get a couple of clamps off the net for pennies an old DJ speaker stand and some ply wont look as good though

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, mine probably was a little over engineered, but it sure works well.

[@BurtonsAttic]

Like the cable end reverse taper technique. You need to find something to add to the overkill aluminum plate on the side! Nice way to create a useable work surface.

[@yodasbff3395]

Little overkill, but very well done. Now you need to add detents so the shelf will stay in place in either position 😉. This can be done by putting notches in the top bushing with a corresponding bump in the part that swivels. Liked your universal threads. 👍

[@feltwashers]

I was imagining a magnetic stop, but this idea makes more sense to me. It’s always a pleasure to watch you make things Paul. I’m so glad you share your expertise so openly.

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you. Third person to mention detent...

[@donsipes]

Oh No! You forgot the most important cup holder. Where are you going to put the coffee?

[@jimurrata6785]

😄. And I'm proud to put my stuff in a baking tray so I can pluck it all off the cart or top box without it going everywhere!

[@PatrickPease]

Thats brilliant

[@Mad-Duk_Machine_Werkes]

When are we ever going to hear about that row of Italian Engines on the wall/shelf in the back, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the Narrow-case Ducati Single and Parilla?

[@paulbrodie]

Those were given to me many years ago, and the cases are both empty. Those are the only stories I have about them...

[@jimurrata6785]

I miss my narrow-case Diana. 🥺 First street bike I ever owned.

[@Mad-Duk_Machine_Werkes]

@@jimurrata6785 I collect (or try to) vintage Ducati's- Have 15 currently, always looking for more!

[@jimurrata6785]

@@Mad-Duk_Machine_Werkes You would have loved my little Mk III! I've owned a few wide-cases as well, both street and scrambler. Then I moved on to an '80 900ss and later a 916 Corsa. Hard to fathom that started 50 years ago. 👴

[@FearsomeWarrior]

I saw the medals and thought Nastar/Team USA but then I saw the active chairlift and mount out the window. Really really really cool to have a ski-out shop. You’re living the dream or at least my dream.

[@paulbrodie]

Fearsome Warrior, sorry, but I do not have a "ski-out shop". I do have an elevator, but that is not an active chairlift...

[@FearsomeWarrior]

@@paulbrodie oh I thought I saw it out the window. The shell cage over the lift is what it looked like and I saw people wondering by like they were skiers.

[@paulbrodie]

@@FearsomeWarrior You must be smoking some good stuff!

[@stef4801]

very good idea... bravo paul

[@paulbrodie]

Many thanks.

[@EmsillCazm]

Hi Paul, I had a similar problem & made two shelves either side of my bottom tool box, just two 18” shelves with 45° support brackets.

[@palousemoto4927]

I like how that turned out Paul, nice work. Could it include a detent if some sort to hold it square to the toolbox unless you want to move it otherwise?

[@paulbrodie]

Second viewer to mention a detent. Thanks!

[@leecurry8170]

I would have used a stainless bicycle chian for the support.

[@ccbproductsmulti-bendaustr3200]

Very flash tray , engineered to last a lifetime 👌, great touch on the lathe with ball end for the support 👌you look like you enjoy being in your shop the same as I do Cheers Chris

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks 👍 I do enjoy being in my shop!

[@zmotorsports62]

Excellent craftsmanship on even the most basic of tools Paul. Great job. Love following along and love the small details. The devil is in the details. Love seeing your lathe, mill and especially the Birmingham vertical bandsaw in your shop as I have the same bandsaw. I know you use Anchorlube for tapping but can I ask what you use for cutting lubricant when you apply with the brush? Thanks Mike

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Mike. The oil is Rigid thread cutting oil.

[@thebrokenbone]

well now my toolbox is jealous. well done paul. :P

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Peter.. Little toolbox envy?

[@thebrokenbone]

@@paulbrodie ahaaaha i couldn't make it pretty but at least i made it handy! :D:D

[@rogermacdearmid4380]

Okay, that’s just a bit too cool. Tool envy for sure. Shows what you can do with a machine shop in your garage. I’m jealous, and about to go buy a milling machine. I will be replicating this project, am going to try a couple of things different. I’m going to put the hinge at the front to facilitate “opening” the shelf but it not hitting the cabinet that the tool box it is next to. I think I might use small pillow blocks or trunion bearings for the pivot, just to see if I can make it work. Your project is a great inspiration. Thanks.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Roger. I hope you do get that Mill :)

[@Sam3LS]

Nice work Paul. With that stop watch timing yourself you seem to be evolving to the "equalizer" of the fabrication world. Now that shelf is nice but I could imagine putting so much stuff on that shelf in my shop my toolbox would tip over when I rotated it (lol). Nice work as always thanks for posting.

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Sam. I have a few drawers in the bottom box that have some really heavy stuff in them, so there is no danger of a tip over.

[@realnutteruk1]

I'd have tried some complex mechanism, where the shelf hinges off the front of the tool box lid, and magically stays level as the lid is opened.... Would probably have needed much less material, but been a whole load more complicated!

[@Paul-FrancisB]

Hi Paul and Mitch from the UK

[@paulbrodie]

Hi Paul. Greetings from Canada, eh?

[@slimdog72]

I also enjoyed hanging out with you two as well. Shop infrastructure is almost more fun to me than actually making a project. I have been taking Adam Savages ethos with F-drawers in my shop. I only have one top cabinet like you but its under a bench and the rest of my tools are hanging off walls.

[@BrainHurricanes]

Beautifull creation Paul! Now you are making me curious if and how you are going to add something to hold it in place, like others allready said. I'm thinking like drilling a hole in the tube where the bushing is, then put in a steel ball, keep the steel ball in place with a springsteel band arround the tube. First I was thinking in pulling the bar down with a spring on the bottom so it woud just move less freely. Thanks for sharing your creations!

[@paulbrodie]

Thank you very much!

[@picshooter]

That Bultaco decal brings back memories!

[@paulbrodie]

Yes, I did restore a Metralla many years ago. Never rode it and sold it for $12K.

[@picshooter]

@@paulbrodie I had a 250 Pursang, those were the days.Way back in the 70's there was a guy here in Florida that restored those road racers. Very cool machines.

[@rickfazzini22]

18:40 or so I see a fella outside your window working on a project, Maybe a shop extension?? Good work on that toolbox modification!

[@paulbrodie]

Thanks Rick. At 18:40 that is a worker on my neighbours property working on his new shop. We have the sound of construction 6 days a week.

[@hookedonwood5830]

Maybe add some spring loaded ball catch to keep it over the toolbox when it is supposed to be there. Or maybe not an issue?

[@paulbrodie]

If you are talking "detent", you are number 6.

[@spassser]

nekst time how to make a lock to your top shelf 😁

[@doacarnage]

I got another one, Take a 2 drawer file cabinet, paint it red, pop rivet a channel hook on one side and hang it off the bottom box

[@jsw5387]

Looks like it needs a stop of some sort to keep it from swinging out when you don't want it to. Any plans for that?

[@paulbrodie]

A detent has been mentioned numerous times. My floor must be fairly level because it doesn't swing out on its' own. It's fine for right now. Thanks for commenting.

[@jsw5387]

@@paulbrodie an detent would be perfect. I'd like to see how you would fabricate that

[@tomthompson7400]

Paint it red ... job done.

[@paulbrodie]

Sorry, I painted it silver so it would stand out.

[@tomthompson7400]

@@paulbrodie snap on silver ... LOL

[@krazed0451]

Nice work, Paul 🙂 Get yourself an impact driver, they don't try to tear your hand/wrist off as much when you bottom out fasteners ;-)

[@paulbrodie]

I do have a 1/2" CP impact driver.

[@krazed0451]

@@paulbrodie lol, slightly heftier than I was thinking. A low powered electric one is the go :-)

[@tonymijares5368]

I agree with alot of other comments very impressive

[@tonymijares5368]

I restore vintage speedway motorcycle in California I enjoy watching your videos I learn something Everytime I watch thanks 👍

[@lisapeters5554]

as for your support cable: why go to the trouble of the bracket? the cable has a 5/16 nf male thread, just tap the rod and screw it in.

[@paulbrodie]

I like to make things more complicated for the cool factor :)

[@hotoilhands]

Great idea Paul. I have the same problem, so this looks like a good solution. 👍

[@paulbrodie]

It sure is. Thanks for watching.

[@Uts9000]

Paul, I too have the same problem. I saved my self a lot of time and head aches by just pulling the lid off. Problem solved.

[@paulbrodie]

But then you lost storage space...

[@Uts9000]

@@paulbrodie that's true but storage space is not at a premium for me. What I did do was lift all my upper boxes about eight inches leaving a space between the lower and upper. I like your swing away shelf but still it must be moved to get into the upper part of the box and it requires space to rotate. I guess it's six of one ........