Old wood Tool Box: Restoration

Neslein wood tool box restoration ‪@Instone09ine‬
Restoration project of a well used six drawer tool chest, gets restored to it's former glory!
restoring an Engineers/ machinists wooden tool box projest become my favourite restoration so far!. I paid £25.00
Neslein branded oak tool box found at a local car boot sale It was full of vintage tools and drill bits and in a very sorry state perfect so. Time for a restoration and rescue! .
These boxes were produced in the 1940s - 50s era and were popular as apprentice boxes, bought by the engineering company or by the apprentice themselves to store drills guages ,bits and bobs usually associated with the light engineering trade. Made of oak and some teak it has machine made dovetails to the cabinet edges and draw fronts.The box when found was covered in grease , oil and metal filings which were embeded to the original green baize draw linings.
The leather handle was broken and falling to pieces but still salvageable. luckily all the tiny bakelite draw handles and lock hasp are present but unfortunately we have no key!
Removal of the fittings was a simple task and all metal was dropped into a chemical rust remover which also works well in dissolving the oil and grease away ready for a gentle wire wool cleaning , the thin chrome is more or less worn away on the handle caps but these brightened up quite nicely and were deemed presentable enough for re-use.
The Neslein lock was still hanging onto some chrome finish which gave the final piece some charectar as i didnt want it to look brand new!
The smelly and greasy baize was removed completely and will be renewed with some nice sticky back green baize style fablon.all the remnants of varnish are stripped back to the bare wood using a gel paint stripper which is water neutralized.
Once the wood is dry i sanded taking care to follow the grain with a wet and dry p100 grit carbide sandpaper, taking care to keep the original logo intact although these are both worn and chipped they will be kept in place to add some character and orignality, however small they are important and worth saving.
please check out ‪@RestoredChannel‬ in my opinion a very underated creator Thanks
The door of the cabinet was warped and the joints loose and easily came apart i managed to heat up the warped wood with a steam iron and the press it flat between two scraps of wood , after a day of being tightly clamped i used some gorilla glue to re set the joinery after cleaning old residual remnants of glue from the simple slide mortice joints .
Once dusted the wood will be stained to match the darkest part of the box which was one of the small draw fronts possibly teak? and with some vintage rosewood spirit wood stain ,Label reads 34p BY HECK those were the days .When the stain dried i then used 00 guage wire wool to knock back any excess stain from the surface of the wood to reveal the grain. After this another light sand is required with 240 grit paper before using a tac cloth to remove any fine dust residue and I then apply a Liberon pale french polish with a squirrel hair mop, always try to apply the polish liberally and without using any unnecessary back and forth brush strokes.
After 4 hours in a nice warm room the polish is dry and ready to be lighty rubbed down with 240 grit fine sandpaper the dust again removed before i then apply a coat of spirit based clear varnish with a modified pure bristle brush.
This coat was allowed to dry for well over a day before sticking the baize to the draw bottoms and slide out door.
The leather handle was repaired using some scrap red leather which i dyed with a black shoe polish taking care to hide any visible red edges showing on the repair.
After we sprayed the remainders of the original handle with a thin coat of upholstery glue i was able reinforce the original leather and make a good repair the flexible steel insert gives the whole thing its strength back.
Thank you for watching please share and subscribe and maybe take a look at some of my other restoration videos of furniture, mirror frame and travel box etc .

[@sidneydawe9937]

I have the same toolbox for my engineering tools. Now retired I still keep my micrometers, calipers , drills and taps etc. which I often use on my home Warco mini lathe. It's great to see a good restoration. Well done.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you Sidney. I really enjoyed every minute of this restoration and it makes my day whenever someone comments. Have a great day!

[@loribelezzuoli9898]

How wonderful to see someone take the time to lovingly restore a piece of the past. We live in such a throw away society, it's heartening to know there are people with the knowledge and skills, and more importantly, the desire to do such beautiful work. 😊

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you so much Lori I'm so glad you enjoyd watching, have a great day😊

[@sarsarsvintagejewelry]

I have one of these. It was my father’s, from the 1940’s and it was filled with old machinists tools. I repaired the broken bits, put in new felt and use it as a jewelry box. It is one of my most important possessions.

[@reegee2729]

I have one also

[@lellavillanova7349]

Tutto stupendo complimenti, tanta pazienza, attenzione 👍👍👍👍👍 ma con i sotto titoli.

[@markborder906]

I have my fathers version of this, just differed in that the top pair of draws are deep, otherwise pretty much identical. I still keep many of the tools and bits and bobs in it he had. Used some, added some of my own. It’s very important to me as well.

[@du1987de]

I also have one I have inherited from my late Grandfather, it's in slightly worse condition than the one here but it should give me starting point to restore it myself. I can't believe this video showed up in my recommended completely by chance too!

[@cobysx7701]

Ur father will be proud and so should u 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@OmarMartinez-iq8fg]

A thousand thumbs up for leaving The original decals 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Instone09ine]

I agree Omar let's have a thousand thumbs up for the labels😊😃

[@MrLee-ue7iu]

The important thing is you had fun doing it. Thanks for letting us watch.

[@marcbolland6992]

you just it all.. Enjoy your work!!

[@imodern]

No it isn't. That's the kind of thing you say to amateurs who paint antiques and destroy them in the process. This toolbox was properly restored and is now a valuable piece of equipment. It took skills and a lot of work, and I don't really care if it was fun or not.

[@alangordon1677]

I purchased one of these when I started my engineering apprenticeship, I still have it after 58 years.

[@Instone09ine]

Hi Alan lovely to hear you kept it close How much did you pay for it back then?😊

[@ukzen9309]

@@Instone09ine Mine is 42 years old and cost me £99 from Hughes and Homes

[@geoffwheadon2897]

We were given one along with a 0-1' micrometer and a 6" engineers steel ruler at the start of your apprenticeship, 16yrs old, 1975, apprentice toolmaker, it was your pride and joy. County Durham.

[@geoffwheadon2897]

@Uncle Eidolf uncle, I served my time as a apprenticeship toolmaker, which also included learning to be a craftsman at many trades, I ended up having the choice of being a toolmaker or a draughtsman, I became a blacksmith, then joined the army, 7 th Batt the Light Infantry at 24 yrs old, it was a hard time in the then depression, and I went to everybody's university, best regards mate, from County Durham.

[@whatifitnt]

Uncle Eidolf ? “real” ? ‘Real’ is if you can do the job well. Those who are taught by skilled craftsmen know just as much if not more than what we can learn in a university... what makes someone taught by apprenticeship not a ‘real’ engineer? A self taught motivated person often knows a lot more than an unmotivated person just warming a seat in sitting in a classroom listening to an instructor who doesn’t like their job and is tired of being there... just wondering.🤔

[@stevent833]

Just a tip: this was originally assembled using hide glue which is resversible, and hence it could be repaired this time around as the joints failed saving the wood. By repairing it using polyurethane (gorilla glue) tbis will not be possible in the future as any failure in the future will cause damage to the wood Gorilla glue should not be used for joints such as this. Hide glue is the most suitable.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you Steven good explanation .A few viewers have told me not to use gorilla glue but your’e the first to explain why hide glue is best ! 😀

[@daveklein2826]

LMAO who builds things thinking of failure? Glues today a far superior to the old glues

[@bigsloppy3267]

@@daveklein2826 same reason we have fuses. Setting up a point of failure that is easy to fix prevents irreparable damage somewhere else when something happens

[@kathyk479]

But with hide which is what was originally used! Your sticking to the original which is the idea of restoration !? Right? So the next time in the future it will be easier to restore if original marital are used. Also. An added feature that some antique restoration artist's do is add an explanation of when the item was restored by whom and what materials were used. So in the future this will make it much easier for future restores to do there job!

[@fireballninja01]

@@daveklein2826 “who builds things thinking of failure” somebody who knows what they’re doing

[@FARezDragon]

I love the constant bickering over finishes we all prefer. We like what we like. Super shiny, slick, with heavy brushmarks? Heck of a look. Me? Rag application of danish oil over a couple of days. It's lazy, yet time consuming. All in all, that's some fine work. Thanks for sharing.

[@judithfairchild8620]

Beautifully finished restoration. May the tool box last another 200 years.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you Judith let’s hope it lasts that long 👍

[@adib396]

Wow, I have one of these. I was working on a building site and someone was going to throw this in a skip and I asked if I could have it...He said yeah sure. It was his Fathers who worked as an Aircraft Engineer. I now use it for storing Art materials. I may do a restoration on the box myself after watching this video.

[@Instone09ine]

That was one lucky find and rescue😊

[@ivang97997]

no music, no power sander, love it. great work!!!

[@Instone09ine]

Glad you liked it😊

[@paul-zx5du]

So patient with the sanding. 👍🏼

[@victoriawinters6573]

Really enjoyed this! Thanks for not putting annoying music on the video.

[@Instone09ine]

Glad you liked it Victoria thanks for the feedback😊

[@ChuckUnderFire]

Other than a couple lessons learned for leather work, this is an outstanding restoration. As for the leather handle, particularly the edges, a little wax and burnishing would go a long way. I gotta add. THANK YOU for lining up the knob screws horizontally. It’s the little things that go a long way with something like this.

[@Instone09ine]

Hi. i didn't expect any one to notice the screw thing! i will take the handle off and wax it as you suggest😊

[@Bmoney902]

I'm stressed as hell right now but this calmed me down for 15 minutes. The result is far more beautiful than I expected

[@fifisflowers]

Great Restoration ~ What a Beautifully Crafted box ~ Such attention to detail and Lovely Dovetailing ~ They took So Much Care in The Making~ You made it 'New' Again ~

[@Instone09ine]

Fiona C Hi thank you for your kind comment I hope you have a great day 😀

[@nathanmciver6737]

I think that was a perfect restoration only because it will be preserved. I understand how some opinions can differ because some people might restore without a clear coat, but honestly that's probably for people who can easily just buy another one anytime they want. At least this will be around and won't fall apart.

[@Ali-fq3nz]

Nathan Mciver Well said! So many people are critical about what the guy has done but he’s done it to his taste and that’s all that matters.

[@harleygould7255]

Agreed on this will be around a whole lot longer. For what it's worth, there is NOTHING in Ikea that will last anywhere near as long as this tool box.

[@imodern]

@@harleygould7255 Some Ikea plastics will last about a thousand years longer.

[@gordonclass1]

Old machinist box that's in pretty good shape for it's age. I see some people think you ruined history but these things are not that collectable and you made it look good again. Nice job. 40 years as a machinist and I've seen quite a few and most were in worse shape as they didn't hold up well in shops.

[@ironmyno]

@David curtis I have my grandfather's Gerstner box Looks just like the one in this video. He was a Tool Room machinist at Gunite Corporation in Rockford, Illinois. He retired in 1980 the box is old and to the handle gave way when we moved it and it dropped onto a concrete floor. Broke many parts including the case. It's full of cutting oil and cast iron dust. It's in bad shape. Thinking about doing something like this. For my dad.

[@carlthor91]

Iron Myno, Gerstner will rebuild it, for a price. Adam Booth had one done. Check out Abom79. Cheers guys

[@Sagir32]

I did one too! When my father in law passed away he had two that were going to be tossed into the dumpster. I took them out. I have only redone one so far. It made my husband so happy to have something of his fathers he thought was junk turned into a treasure.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you for sharing such a lovely story😊

[@JennsCorner777]

Oh how awesome, you rock! I wish I had something of my father's, all I got were his genes and his engineering type mind.

[@honestexistence]

I watch a couple of restoration channels, and it's really nice seeing this different perspective on restoration. Not to return it to immediately post manufacture condition, but holding onto some of that old story in it and just making it stable and functional again. Great work.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you for stopping by! I really appreciate your feedback 😊

[@Bluechip288]

My grandfather was a machinist in Oswego NY early 1900s. He had a similar Gerstner chest I restored and still have. I’ve been a machinist all my life as well and still have it! It’s not just a trade you learn in prison anymore. Nice job!

[@Instone09ine]

Hi Eric thanks for sharing. So nice to hear you became a machinist too, it must be in the genes!

[@ericschulze5641]

Where'd he work Hunter Arms?

[@Bluechip288]

@@ericschulze5641 can’t be sure. I’d have to look into that. I should know that.

[@rodcleaves9904]

That looks just like a tool box I bought at a government auction in the seventies for $25. What I didn't know when I bid on it, it was full of tools!

[@Instone09ine]

SCORE 😃

[@speakingforcrows5227]

What a lovely restoration. Beautiful! You're a life saver for showing the products and process, for us beginners. Thank you!

[@Instone09ine]

That’s a very kind comment and much appreciated thank you 😊

[@justmetoni1478]

Again, absolutely gorgeous!

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks Tony 😀

[@Mountain-Momma]

I think you did a great job restoring this piece! It will be ready for many more years of use.

[@Instone09ine]

Bless you ! Thank you so much Sherri , it’s my pride and joy and sits in my desk ! Have a great day. 😀

[@tbandikoota]

I had a woodshop teacher who used to slap us silly if he caught us sanding without using a sanding block. I found myself ducking several times during this video. Nice job 👍

[@Katrinagaming-en1os]

L🤣L

[@ShimmyShimmy666]

I really like the fact that you left the original labels and were carefully working around them :)

[@wwsuggs2857]

Bought this exact box with out the logo...at local flea market in 2000. Missing strap handle...but now seeing design may fab my own. Has same green felt cloth drawer liners...but apparently there was a green felt pad on the slide lock panel door... Did get a key made so it locks and latches the entire unit... Best special tools box I own. Pd 80$... great deal of the day. Thanks for putting something I treasure online to show off old school order. Can't be beat.(71 yrs and counting)

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks for the comment. I have three of these now! One has a few bits missing so im looking out for a donor box for the missing slide in draw front. I agree they are great little projects! Good luck with yours.

[@kenyork1107]

Thank you , this was very enjoyable to watch . Excellent job and it turned out beautiful . My Dad was a machinist, I turned out to be a woodworker . When he retired I got one of his tool boxes just like this one and restored it and gave it back to him . Instead of the garage he kept it in the house till he died then my brother got it and lost it in his house fire. So glad for memories . Thanks for posting .

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks Tony for the heart warming comment it’s very much appreciated have a great day regards Phil 😀

[@raycrazyraysplace4472]

I'm a 70 yr old machinist. Nice job. Bring back history

[@Instone09ine]

Hi Ray, thank you😊

[@kathrynmccluskey3207]

My dad made a case like this one when he was in his apprenticeship in the 1930’s. In his classes he went on to make the tools that are still in my brothers care to this day. As a little girl I was in awe of the micrometer and super accurate drills, chisels, rasps, planers, levels and many more. The toolbox is in great condition because he taught all of his seven children to revere well made tools.

[@Instone09ine]

That is such a sweet story thanks for sharing it Kathryn😊

[@ashleywright8686]

Love that you kept the little sign on drawer front.

[@dianeadams9537]

WELL DONE!!!💖💖💖💖💖

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks Diane 😀

[@trealkid007]

This is why I miss my dad. He would also restore furniture. Love what you’ve done with it.

[@Instone09ine]

That's very touching and thank you.

[@watersridge]

I really like how you lined all the screw slots horizontally in the drawer knobs!! Details.

[@77777aol]

The 'screw slots lined up' is reffered to as 'pub & club'. Don't ask me why but it shows great care and appreciation for craftsmanship.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

@@77777aol I was taught this at school 50 years ago - where screws are 'on show' line them up. I still do it today :-)

[@77777aol]

@@michaeltreadwell777 'Old school'; as they say ! Quality and care matter.

[@heliadias1339]

I think you justified once more why you do it and again you return to this piece the class the the old objects have. Thank you to let me have a look of your excellent work. Keep doing what you do and always better beecause you love it.

[@Instone09ine]

Wow, thank you Helia it's very kind of you to send such a nice message! I hope that you have a wonderful day regards Phil GB 😊

[@edstengel2495]

I appreciate the care that went into this restoration, a job very well done. I did a similar restoration of some cabinets my dad had in his shop for 50 yrs. The cabinets originally came from a Kodak plant and were used to store film. My Dad had them gifted to him by a friend. Two cabinets with 8 drawers each, made of oak, dovetailed drawers. Dad used them for storing drill bits, screw drivers, various parts, nails, screws etc. They had been through a lot of abuse, including accidentally leaving a lit cutting torch next to the side of one on the cabinets resulting in a deep burn mark. When my Dad died they were left to me. I had them shipped from Colorado to Houston even though I knew the value of the cabinets was far less than the shipping charge. I stripped, sanded, repaired and refinished the cabinets and was very proud of the results. I used them for the same purpose Dad had, storage for shop items. But I didn't take on the project for that reason. I wanted to preserve something that my Dad valued and to use it they way that he did. Ironically, a few years after I finished he restoration, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and my neighborhood was flooded with 7 feet of water. The cabinets were on the floor of my garage. I had some serious damage from that flood, but those cabinets were the only thing I truly regret not being able to salvage.

[@Instone09ine]

Hi Ed thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Sorry about the sad ending though. Goodness me that must have been awful to have your home damaged in such a way! Kind regards Phil

[@peggycornute2231]

I worked at smith and wesson years ago...the old timers had tool boxes like this...

[@caroldixon7796]

My late husband was a magician. He and his friends who were also magicians. Would have just loved this. In fact I remember him finding similar boxes and restoring them. You do beautiful work. Thank you for sharing

[@Instone09ine]

Carol it's lovely of you to share your memories, thank you and i hope you have a great day😊

[@brianwingo6472]

Excellent video! I have five of these chests, three wooden and two matal. I refinished two of the wooden chests. These are fun project which result in beautiful heirlooms.

[@Instone09ine]

I agree they are good fun Brian 😊

[@stepcorngrumbleteats7683]

Beautiful decoration! Especially the care in leaving the labels as they were...Brilliant ! Thank you for sharing your handiwork.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you so much 😊

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Totally off topic but in reading comments about this outstanding piece I saw your screen name and almost lost my coffee. Had a good laugh thank you very much! Lol

[@Instone09ine]

My attempt at being more "down with the kids" your the first to comment on it 😉

[@glendagonzalez2469]

Wow, that is an incredible restoration. I can't imagine it was better when it was new. It's beautiful. If only we could do that for people.

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks very much Glenda I could do with a bit of restoration on myself 😀

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

So nice to see something old restored and brought back to life instead of going to the dumpster. Bravo!

[@leonardmilner5774]

As an apprentice i made these, exactly the same , but in uk for Moore Nd Wright micrometers, still have one and a few drawers, timber was Samba or another name Limba same timber, hours on a combe jointer doing the end joints on the drawers, lovely cabinets, the one i still have my late mother used as a jewelery and odds and ends cabinet

[@Instone09ine]

wonderful story Leonard what year would this be?

[@leonardmilner5774]

I started as a five year apprentice in 1964 , as a wood machinest, the firm was Elvicta handtools at Crickhowell in Wales, we made mahogany inlaid boxes for micrometers for Starrets, rosewood and mahogany spirit levels for Rabone Chesterman and many sorts of boxes, all the rage at the time was kidney shaped mirrors set on an Afromosia frame with birch ply insert, the afromosia was evil stuff very hard and brittle and any splinters in your fingers immediately festered and hurt, i used many sorts of hardwoods including Teak and lignum vitae. The firm closed , but i had left and started and ran a joinery firm for 38 years, specialising in staircases. I still have a couple of machines in my barn and make the odd window,signs and oak bits as i need them. There is few things as rewarding as taking a nice piece of timber and making an item that will hopefully outlast you and give pleasure to all

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you for the info! It's a fascinating bit of history. Afromosia would this be the wood made popular with 70s G Plan style furniture? i have one of those kidney mirror somewhere😊

[@leonardmilner5774]

@@Instone09ine yes it was a cheaper alternative to Teak, one of the other lines they did was mahogany boxes with lids to take the batteries on electric milk carts(remember them in uk)they were dovetailed on a Brookman dovetailer assembled and dipped in heated wax, Crompton Parkinson embossed on the sides

[@peteb2]

@@leonardmilner5774 and today you buy an expensive (eye wateringly so) specific tool it comes in a silly blow-molded plastic case way too big for it with rounded edges so it can only stack flat and takes up space.

[@auntdeen6314]

I have one almost identical to this. The handle was different, though. Old, cracked leather. I wrapped the handle and lined the drawers in green velvet and it makes for a gorgeous jewelry box.

[@user-os9rh9xk6w]

Какая классная вещь. Похоже это дорожное бюро. Как мне нравятся такие вещи. Реставрация замечательная. Благодарю.

[@Instone09ine]

Спасибо, я так рада, что тебе нравится. Я использую его для хранения своих камер и гаджетов. Как приятно получить сообщение на русском языке! я надеюсь, что гугл переводчик делает хорошую работу. Хорошего дня

[@jillmenter5628]

Liked your long explanation. The cabinet looks good as old! So glad you did not remove its character.

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks for the feedback Jill much appreciated 😀

[@ekuthenoobster]

i like restoring old stuff also and i am a beginner at it... wathcing people like you restore old things makes my day.. thanks..

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you for this very nice message you just made my day!

[@ashleywright8686]

“Indian Rosewood” stain is stunning

[@wagnerbispo3776]

Not gonna lie, this thing is so beautiful that I shed a tear

[@Instone09ine]

This so lovely! You set me off when i read it😢 You silver tongued rascal😉

[@mikehillier6441]

I have a box very similar to this one (the drawer handles are not the same style) that was handed down to me. It belonged to my Great Grandfather and now I have a template on how to restore it. Thanks for posting it!

[@Instone09ine]

Hi Mike I’ve just restored another similar box and had great fun doing it ! Waxed it this time though. Thanks for watching I hope it goes well for you 👍

[@chovanectomas9608]

What a lovely outcome, ... Well done, surely rewarding, great job, great project and veejio 👍

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ralph5450]

I got one in the 70's and used it when I worked in a pattern shop. Still have it in my workshop.

[@user-lt7ds7mc9w]

Очень достойный предмет получил прекрасную реставрацию,шикарно

[@Instone09ine]

Спасибо, я ценю ваш добрый комментарий.

[@mysa39]

Nice job. And you even went to the trouble of aligning all the screws horizontally... Love it.

[@Instone09ine]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching and commenting😊

[@leisongivangomo5656]

Exquisitely done! This is piece of heritage worth owning! 💫🎊🎉

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you it's my pride and joy😊

[@shawnmcauliffe5072]

IMHO the original owner would love what you've done with it and that someone cared enough to do it.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you 😊

[@patriciahazeltine9986]

Really beautiful restore. My honey is a retired Master machinist, who has two of these he has kept in beautiful condition.

[@Instone09ine]

Great to hear from you Patricia, regards to you and your honey😊

[@jamesmcinnis208]

Isn't it "restoration"? Isn't "restore" a verb? English isn't my 1st language.

[@smickster]

I just won one of these toolboxes at auction, almost identical to this one in about the same shape. Looks like I have a few weekends of entertainment ahead of me! Nice work. Beautiful result.

[@Instone09ine]

Hi sounds like my kind of auction! Good luck and thanks for the compliment 😀👍

[@mirco1707]

Excellent restoration preserving the original characters.

[@Instone09ine]

Mirco Leo Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@Kickine]

So satisfying to watch! Specially the wood stain bit haha! Looked perfect after!

[@m1ssd1tz]

You did a thorough and detailed job this. It is super easy to arm chair quarter back. I'm just simply amazed at all the detail you put into restoring it. It looked amazing

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you Leslie. I'm Glad you enjoyed it! Much love to you and i hope your'e feeling well😊

[@peggyt1243]

Well done. Glad you saved most of the original leather handle.

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks i was pretty pleased with how it turned out, not perfect i know! but it functions ok😊

[@Vixen781]

Awesome work and the restoration is beautiful.

[@johnzielinski9951]

I'll bet that old box never thought it would one day become a piece of art.

[@eamonncockram1346]

Old school all the screw heads line up very nice

[@Instone09ine]

A joiner taught me that one Eamonn😉

[@mikeoconnell4229]

My electrical sub contractor aligns his screws vertically on all plates and fixtures. You can walk on a job and see weather he was there or not, 10 years later!

[@timburton1715]

WOW 😳 what a lucky 🍀 find... and a excellent restoration... Thanks 🙏🏻 for sharing

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks for watching It's lovely to hear from you Tim 😊

[@essexmirage]

Great video, I have inherited my Dad's old toolmakers chest and tools so will have to complete a restoration on his too, thank you for this has given me lots of help 👍

[@Instone09ine]

Glad to help Lain and it's lovely to hear you treasure it enough to do that ! Good luck😊

[@swm122758]

Little trick for wooden drawer slides.. Rub a little paraffin/ candle wax on the slide to prevent the drawer catching, sticking or binding. Nice 👌 job, too.

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks for the great tip 😊

[@paullambert7840]

I'm literally doing that today with some drawers that have become a bit squeaky or sticky...I'm using bee's wax.

[@Hollenfeuer87]

Lovely attention to detail with the flathead screws all facing the same direction. Top notch restoration. 👌🏻

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you😊

[@77777aol]

The 'screw slots lined up' is reffered to as 'pub & club'. Don't ask me why but it shows great care and appreciation for craftsmanship.

[@virginiasnow]

OUTSTANDING!

[@morecm3322]

I so admire your talent and to be able to restore to it's former beauty,simply amazing. If only you could restore me. I truly enjoy watching your videos, thank you ..

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you! Lovely to hear that you enjoyed the videos, I wish i could restore myself too i'd start with my knees 😊

[@kaybeth9181]

What a beauty. Shame everything seems to be throw away these days. I would love to find a box like this.

[@richardputz3233]

So many personal preferences out there . I would have used the same finish but my wife would want a ebony treatment the darker the better.

[@cathygilani4663]

Such patience!! Well done.

[@josephhaddakin7095]

Decal Savior. I love it. Nice finish.

[@Instone09ine]

Glad you enjoyed that bit thank you 😊

[@steveharris1695]

Nicely done. I have one of these tool boxes that I inherited from my grandfather. That I still use for my precision tools.

[@Instone09ine]

Great to hear Steve 👍

[@Alexey_ru]

Классно сделал, ещё сто лет поработает! Nice work! It will be work one hundred years more!

[@mariahinojosa4734]

How beautiful. Worth all the hard work. What a treasure. Great job!

[@Instone09ine]

Maria Hinojosa Thanks Maria nice to hear you enjoyed it ! Regards Phil GB🇬🇧

[@whatifitnt]

I bought one to hold my art tools ... I love it 💖✨💝💫 I hope to pass it down to my grandkids. 😁

[@Instone09ine]

That's a lovely idea😊

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Wow-what a beautiful piece!! I’m not a machinist, but even I would love to have that piece. Great restoration work!! 🥰

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you very much Kathleen 😊

[@barbaraanderson58]

It now looks more like a jewelry box than a tool box! Really wonderful restoration.

[@Instone09ine]

Yes it does ! Have you seen my new steel tool box video? made for jewellry ! 😉

[@essentialhandyman]

@@Instone09ine not yet. Working my way through your back catalogue from the oldest videos first.

[@ThallesValle]

Amazing come back!

[@cindyrhodes7393]

I think you did awonderful job restoring that cabinet..it Beautiful again.. Thanks for sharing. 🥰😉

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks so much Cindy 😊

[@77777aol]

I applaud anyone who does such fine restoration such as this. Magnificent. The positive aspects of history and craftsmanship must be appreciated and treasured in order that people are inspired to build on such achievements.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you! I agree. No matter how bad the shape or how modest they may seem, everything is worth saving 😊

[@evriellesmith6659]

I think a hand rubbed tung oil and wax finish would been a more appropriate look

[@SweetLoveTarot]

Exactly.

[@suet.r.4815]

That would've been nice. But since we're only voyeurs, let's enjoy how well he did on it. It's beautiful.

[@jasoncdebussy]

My thoughts too - but nevertheless a lovely job 👍

[@MrSharper802]

No it wouldn't. Shellac was the primary finish of the day.

[@urwholefamilydied]

@@MrSharper802 Ya, for furniture. This wouldn't have necessarily been shellac. Could have been an oil or wax. Either way, the thick plasticky looking poly he put on it looks kind of bad, especially since he did such a great job restoring it. It'll at least give it many years of life.

[@texas6060]

Very nice. Thank you for sharing.

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks very much for watching 😊

[@brianmccutchan9513]

I can't stop watching.

[@Instone09ine]

😃

[@kimmer6]

I have a very similar one that belonged to my dad when he worked at Warner and Swasey in the 1930's. Its full of Starrett micrometers, reference blocks, inside gauges, dial indicators, etc. I should have a closer look at it.

[@harleygould7255]

You should. You should also carefully open and photograph each of the drawer's contents. I'd bet most of the tools are collector's items...and likely still in very good working order as well.

[@jcoul1sc]

Refreshing to see the care you are taking - John Ruskin, William Morris etc would be pleased. Wrap a lint free cloth/microfibre around the cotton wool - to make a ball, much better for applying the stain.

[@MyFriendlyGiant]

I've watched this 5 times now and it's absolutely beautiful.

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you i'm glad you like it 😊

[@alphonsinelepitre1992]

what a pleasure to see such a restoration, bravo

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you Alphonsine 😊

[@Renville80]

I probably would have gone over the wood with a dry brush to get all the dirt out (after removing the baize cloth), then wipe it all down with mineral spirits to remove the dirt from handling, repaired any loose joints or cracking wood, then used some kind of wood preservative that gives a satin type of finish. The hardware I would have thoroughly cleaned and degreased before adding a touch of oil, but the handle and baize lining I would have replaced. The end result would look like an old but but well cared for cabinet.

[@cindyrhodes7393]

To bad you didnt restore it to do all that .. I think he did a mighty fine job, it Beautiful just as it is ..🤔

[@user-yi2jm8yo3i]

Конечный результат просто восхитителен👏👏👏!!!Рука не подымется складывать теперь в ящик инструменты!!!Моё сердце не выдержит😂

[@Instone09ine]

СПАСИБО, БОЛЬШЕ ЛЮБИМЫ, ЧТО ВЫ ЗАКОММЕНТИРОВАЛИ, Я ОЧЕНЬ ЛЕСТЕН, ЧТО КОРОБКА БОЛЬШЕ НЕ ИСПОЛЬЗУЕТСЯ ДЛЯ ИНСТРУМЕНТОВ, ЭТО СЛИШКОМ ХОРОШО! Извините, я оставил Caps Lock включенным! Не кричу прости 😂

[@LitoGafik]

Utterly Fantastic!!!

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you very much 😊

[@xscrollerx123]

Absolutley gorgeous, your patience is at a level I can only dream of obtaining.

[@briansworkshop01]

Fantastic job looks great thanks for sharing and your time and skill Thank You. 🍺🍺👍👍😷

[@Instone09ine]

Hi Brian thank you. Nice to hear you enjoyed the film😊

[@Slick1G3]

I love seeing things like this being brought back to life good job

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you i'm glad you enjoyed it😊

[@VioletJoy]

I do too!

[@rb962]

Beautiful job and stunning finish!

[@Instone09ine]

Thank you Rose😊

[@alanrobison3298]

Beautiful job!

[@Instone09ine]

Thanks Alan 😀