Machinist's Tool Chest Made From Scrap Pallets

A machinist's tool chest made from recycled pallet wood and scrap brass. Inspired by antique Gerstner-style tool chests.
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[@SIRRONW]

Great video. I loved the way u did those rabbits with the band saw!!

[@klaasvanmanen8214]

Over the past few weeks, I've been watching about 15 of your videos now, and I must say you're an absolute genius. Not only do you create the most wonderful things out of scrap wood, making it look like it's all very easy, although often also very time consuming, but you're a master at editing your videos too. It can't be an easy job, making the choices what to show and what not, especially because it's your own work, and one could expect you to be a bit biased, and show more than necessary, but no. We only get to see the essential things, all of them, in a nice and calm manner. Duplicate actions, showing the amount of work that's involved, are presented as a kind of time lapses. Wonderful. The density of information in your videos is therefore very high. You're not wasting time of your viewers. I've become a big fan of your channel.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much for the wonderful comments, Klaas. Glad you are enjoying the videos :)

[@girthbrooks39]

Klass, that was very well said & I agree wholeheartedly.

[@fabrizioferrari4571]

Eccellentissimo lavoro. A prescindere dagli utensili che usi, è un'ottima idea per tenere in ordine gli accessori e strumenti per il proprio hobby. 👍👍👍

[@countrylife9256]

You sir are a true Craftsman. I hope you sign and date everything you create so your work lives on forever.

[@stevenmacinnis418]

Your shop has come a long way since this video love the craftmanship

[@NKBobcat]

The value of your work far exceeds the value you can get for this masterpiece.

[@JohnnyButtons]

I found an old wooden tool chest like this at a yard sale around 10 years ago. I ended up using it to store and even display Civil War relics.

[@brentnicol6391]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin. No music, no talking just the best asmr sounds.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Brent :)

[@beksinski]

Agreed. I tend to like and subscribe to the channels that don't pressure you to like and subscribe.

[@Solid_Jackson]

Sorry Brent struggling to hear you over the brown nosing

[@georgevprochazka5316]

It's refreshing to see people who know their craft.

[@MADZIA0606]

*It is the use of material from a pool table, it's like the cherry on the cake* 😉👍

[@stevecook6505]

I just realized WHY you are one of my favorite channels. You don't say a word, you let your craftsmanship speak for you. It speaks very loudly, and in multiple languages. Another well done Epic project.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Steve :)

[@jameslong4283]

My pet peeve is some talking over the video. My favorite KZbinrs let the work speak. Thank you so much.

[@bradfry2259]

Thought the same thing and came to the comments and saw this so add me to the list. First video and subbed.

[@ryananthony4840]

I like the way you glue up the panels with the shims! No 1.4 million clamps acrobatics lmao!

[@FitzChivalry]

Everything is such a satisfying, snug fit.

[@marshallbrummel1860]

Another awesome job sir! Things I like about your channel: 1) No music. You let the tools sing to us. 2) You are not constantly asking for more subscribers. 3) You don't have the fanciest, most expensive tools, but you know how to use what you have and you use them very well. 4) Your videos look more like cctv setting in your shop, watching you work without putting on a show. 5) You do some awesome work that shows others that it can be done and not having the tools is no excuse. Keep 'em coming and thank you for sharing.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much for the comments, Marshall :)

[@gunterpietzsch3995]

And Me

[@kevinforward3249]

Also... you show how you do the first one but not all.

[@soomay9855]

I completely agree with everything you have beautifully expressed in your comment. It’s a joy to watch a craftsman going about their work without having your ears assaulted by ‘music’ or unnecessary chatter.. Nor seeking approval, patreon or subscriber requests. SO ENJOYABLE. I’m full of admiration of your skills and craftsmanship. Thank you so much

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

I agree with you mostly. Reminding people to like and subscribe is not a bad thing though. Often people want to like the video but they forget. I think a likes the least a viewer could do for the amazing videos and craftsmanship. It helps the creator make money and Epic Upcycle deserves to make some money! I'm ok with a reminder at the end to "like and subscribe".

[@LionheartRacingSeries]

First time to the channel. You know its going to be legit from a serious wood worker when you see that big of a glue bottle!

[@jamesbalafas]

Gotta be the nicest bespoke piece of tool furniture

[@Mark_1988_]

My grandpa was a woodworker and I have his toolbox he made and he drilled holes in the corners from to to bottom through drawers except for the lid and put metal rods down them then put a lock on the lid so you have to open the lid to pull out the metal rods that are locking all the drawers in.

[@ricardoabreu4153]

Your shop must be every pallet's dream; reincarnate as a perfect wood piece of furniture.

[@santuariodeabejas4453]

Hahaha! Yes...

[@Evolucion7]

The drill index inset into the top tray was a stroke of genius. Love that!

[@abebeaku8369]

The pool sacrifice was epic 😊

[@EpicUpCycling]

It did get recovered afterwards :)

[@michaellindsey1543]

Okay, I'll give you full blown EPIC on this one!

[@BuhdaPunk]

I am by no means a mushy person. However, had been told by my grandmother "In order to be a good cook, you have to put love into what you are doing" This video is clearly a great example. Well done!!

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks ☺

[@valentinivanov8703]

Ну вообще!!! День ото дня все ЧУДЕСАТЕЙ и ЧУДЕСАТЕСТЕЙ!!!

[@antoniodellungo9619]

Wow, I've watched this video at least ten times. Beautiful work, congratulations.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much.

[@JoaoCarlos-sd2gu]

Fantastic very good

[@spudeleven5124]

You, good sir, are a hero-level woodworker. Very, very impressive.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much :)

[@ragnalejl717]

I'm a machinist and a wood worker that likes to reuse and upcycle whenever I can. I must say this is more impressive to me than a Gerstner chest. Beautiful work.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much :)

[@josephhaddakin7095]

I just realized that I had watched this 2 years ago. The 2nd time was just as good, I think. I forget things easily.

[@paulshene6931]

I love the handles made out of brass bolts!

[@user-gg6zm6ft9g]

ЗДРАВИЯ ВСЕМ! ВСЕ ПРОСТО И ДУШЕВНО. СПАСИБО.

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

I literally laughed out loud when you leaned in to find an excuse to harvest the felt off your billiard table! That was indeed epic! Thank you!

[@criggie]

What is it about green felt that just finishes a thing ? Makes it go from wow nice to "WOW NICE!!!" ?

[@leonardriceiii934]

Son: Dad! Something happened to the pool table!

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

1/4"socket in the side pocket off the 3/8" combination wrench

[@nikolaarandjelovic1930]

Tbh it hurt to see you tear up a perfectly good pool table. The overall build is stunning but why not just buy a couple yards of green felt?

[@joeobrien196]

I know the video is 2 years old and there are nearly 3 thousand comments but if there were some measurements. Especially drawer measurements and their material thickness, I would extremely grateful. It is brilliant.

[@dannywilsher4165]

I watched this when it came out but I think I will watch it again.... I plan on building me one of these soon.

[@peterironrope]

That was a Masterpiece of Beautiful work done on the creation and building of the Machinist's Tool Chest. It was very therapeutic watching this video!!!!!

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much, Peter :)

[@peterironrope]

@@EpicUpCycling Your very welcome my friend!!!!

[@k.a.2442]

Never ever saw something more satisfying like that. Well done Sir. I love the little handles made out of bolts. Cant stop smiling. Either a stroke or deeply satisfied. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks K. A. :)

[@thecelt4807]

ha ha ha when the pool table cloth was utilized made me laugh excellent

[@rickstuparyk3306]

I’m a journeyman glass worker for 40 + years and over those years I have collected various types of wood from the crates of glass or windshields from other countries. This gentleman knows how to recycle and I’m so grateful to have watched him doing his craft. So just a tip = if your looking for exotic woods then hit up the glass shops in your area. We used to toss out miles of good stuff. Just saying --- Cheers 😊

[@cheeseisdelicious4627]

That's the fanciest tool chest I've ever seen. It's more like work of art than a tool chest. Done with so much warmth, talent and soul. Thank you for your great videos, I love watching people creating things.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much :)

[@yssing]

Clamping with the wedges, I would never have thought of that, brilliant idea.

[@SenselessUsername]

It saves you buying many bar clamps! You can also screw scraps to a scrap sheetwood (or long planks), and wedge against those. For one-off clamping really big projects (or bigger-than-usual, so can't justify buying & forever storing bigger materials/tools).

[@XSLUDGEYX]

A lot of guitar makers use this technique for joining soundboards and backs where the joint is only millimetres thick.

[@AzharAli-bx1nh]

@@SenselessUsername o6o6666oo66o666o6o6look66oo6oo oo oo66o6oo Ooóoo6oo oo oo oo oo oo oo6o6oo6oo oo6oo oo oo oo6oo66oóoooooooooooooooooooooooo oo oo oo6 Oo oo oo6oo66o6oo6oooooooóooóoooóooooooóooooóoooooooooooo6óóooóooóoóóoóooooooóooóóooooooóoóooóooóóooó6oooooo6ooóoo6oooooooo6ooooo66o66o6oooo6ooo6o6oooooooooóo6ooóooó6o66o6o66o6ó6ooó6oo6ó6o66oo66o6o6oo66ooo6o6ooooooooóoooooooo6o6ooo6oo6óooooo6oooòòo6o6o6ykk6u6o oo6ooooooooooooooooooooóoooooooóooooóoo Oooooooóoooo

[@dukestt5436]

It's a printers technique for setting the type in the block

[@eb9338]

On how to make something difficult look easy. Awesome work

[@grahamb007]

I bought my first house this year and have started woodworking in my garage. I built a workbench and a few different jigs, and have been getting old hand tools from garage sales and restoring them. I'm going to make my wife a bird house out of pallet wood. Your videos are inspiring, thank you!

[@brandontrueblood9798]

Watching you split a two meter board by hand on the band saw without a fence leaves me in awe. Another Amazing project.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Bill :)

[@willieckaslike]

Sir, I watched this morning (02/02/2023) your manufacturing a 'treasure chest' with secret drawers, and was so impressed, I deliberately searched for more examples of your work. I found this, and may I say what an excellent tool chest it turned out to be. Again, thank you for sharing !

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@giovanni5063]

I still have my Old Man's Gerstner machinists box that he bought in 1965. It is put together with dovetails and T&G joints. This video reminded me of his because they are of the same size and configuration. Brought back memories of bygone times. P.S. The Gerstner has a front locking cover that slides out from below to secure all the drawers.

[@jimdavis1566]

I love how you used mustard to glue everything together

[@EpicUpCycling]

Works better than ketchup :)

[@Anna_and_Tiger]

👍🐯👍Awesome tools, brilliant way of clamping the panels up. Thanks for sharing.

[@lanlantheman]

That is now a heirloom. This chest is nicer than any store bought chest! Job well done Sir! You are a true master of your craft!

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much :)

[@andrecoelho3365]

Nostalgic memories. Exelent job.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Andre :)

[@cindyharrison4191]

All I can say is wow!

[@thebeaver6596]

I’m a machinist, that has watched this woodworking video 5 times in the last couple days I don’t know why this one is so satisfying

[@timhitt9541]

you should make 1

[@ljashansen]

I love watching a skilled maker create things from scratch. Wonderfully encouraging to the rest of us watchers.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Larry :)

[@jannaparks6132]

Makes me want to do it...except i’ve got quilting (which requires a monumental amount of fabric 🤣)...knitting...crochet (both of which ‘require’ lots of yarn🤣)...cross-stitching...give me a minute, I’m trying to remember what else I do that requires lots of $$$! 🤣🤣🤣. Ps. I am still a watcher/voyeur! Pss. I’d use that box for one of my thread collections...or maybe embroidery floss...psss. Rotary cutter/quilter’s clear ruler and cutting mat for your billiard green cutting! Pssss...BEAUTIFUL. Psssss. I’ve passed it on to my woodworking sons...maybe santa might bring it one day?

[@saintuseman4140]

Genius. ....that you used the old pool table cloth!!

[@vwgolfer1873]

beautiful, i still have my grandfathers machinist tool box and i love them - matt

[@carmenbell77]

You sir are the quilter of woodworking. A scrap from here, a scrap from there, yields a fabulously awesome result. Well done 👍❤️

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much, Carmen :)

[@badoldbiker368]

Absolutely elegant design and beautiful craftmanship throughout.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks :)

[@reneboh]

next level woodwork

[@crazy8sdrums]

That end result was super nice. I would have used nicer wood, but for recycled poplar that chest looks super nice! Great job!

[@triciap1874]

In his younger days, my dad was a master woodworker like you. I used to love being in the workshop watching him create art. The smell of sawdust still takes me back. And watching you create art also takes me back. Gives me warm vibes. Thank you. Truly-thank you. ♥️

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Tricia :)

[@palmvilla35]

I want one please

[@douglasmaddox7808]

You may be using scrap wood and pallets, but your investment in tools and skills is enormous. Beautiful pieces you make.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks :)

[@ToothMolar]

Great idea attaching the cloth to cardboard first. Thanks!

[@JamesCaldwelll]

Loved your craftsmanship great job from Evansville Indiana the tool chest is as good as any ever made keep it up we need more of guys like you

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much, James :)

[@uktony1525]

You have the most inspirational channel on KZbin. Each building uses unpromising materials and create masterpieces.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much, Tony :)

[@billmorris2613]

Can’t believe I missed this one.

[@mante28]

Amazing! I think i'm going to cry a little

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

I am always so full of admiration watching your version of 'make do and mend' Eric. Its not so much 'upcycling' ... it's the creation of heirlooms. Wonderful. x

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks :)

[@gerardregnier3457]

A first-class tool chest for minimal cost. Well done!

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Gerard :)

[@jimstone3951]

I'm a custom cabinetmaker/furniture maker of 45 years. I watched your movie all and I think you did a beautiful job. Keep it up.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Jim :)

[@drewbrown3082]

The way he handles materials around the table saw puts me on edge

[@insanityisorange8659]

I'm just starting to learn to make things and if I eventually end up with a 10th of the talent you have I will die a happy woman . You are awesome

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much :)

[@jerryodell1168]

Great Job. The old master craftsmen in Chicago would use left over and scrap pile wood just like this to make beautiful tool boxes and storage lockers which are now in the hands of their descendants.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Jerry :)

[@virtualhermit]

Happy to have found someone who loves mustard more than me.

[@samanthabloggins1775]

What a lovely work of art! He can make something for me anyday!

[@thomasmchugh1499]

Beautiful! As a retired 45yr long toolmaker, I may try that. Thanks for the video!

[@AMobOGobos]

After doing woodworking for about a year now I cannot express how impressive it is to see the fit you get with your pieces. Getting that perfectly snug friction is a subtle yet challenging part of the craft.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Kenneth :)

[@Klomster88]

Now that's some nice results.

[@graemebowyer4901]

Fantastic, it's the first video of yours I've seen. Blown away, feel SO inadequate.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Graeme :)

[@brettwilson9181]

Don't try this at home lol. Not sure if too many people appreciate the hand and design skill here. Many years of practice to get everything neat, straight square and fitting like a glove. Perhaps some subtitles with a few shop notes to explain some of your techniques? But we don't want to take you away from your shed to do video editing. Thanks for taking the extra time to video it and let us see. Truly a gift to the world.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much, Brett :)

[@xrisakarioti]

I just didn't want this video to end... I really enjoy and appreciate all this wonderful process... my best greetings from Greece....

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much. Greetings from the UK :)

[@robinisrobin3327]

@@EpicUpCycling where in the UK are you located?? I have 4 good friends there! I'm in the USA.

[@EpicUpCycling]

@@robinisrobin3327 I'm in Yorkshire

[@ricksuray]

Wow. Just WOW.

[@jaybeckham]

Great looking machinist's cabinet. Always wanted one of them. So now I know what to do with some of the cherry boards I have laying around.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Cherry would make a lovely tool chest :)

[@fredvelez1964]

I've been a machinist for 49 years and there was a time when I had a machinist's tool box made of beautiful maple. I remember every little nook and cranny of my tool box and I must say that your work is a beautiful rendition of that very same tool box I used to own. And you did it all without any visible plans or drawings us machinists are so accustomed to. Bravo! A beautiful box made of what was otherwise scrap wood. Thank you for the time you took to make this project. It was a pleasure watching it develop piece by piece. Fred

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much, Fred. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Jason

[@corymcgrath5652]

I would take that over a Snap On (or any other over hyped brand name) any day. The way you did your Hardware is SICK 😷 off the charts. You created an heirloom man. Best part of it all, you made it using the three "R's" to the extreme. Well done man, I am impressed. Excellent display of craftsmanship.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks very much, Cory :)

[@stelsewhere11]

I'm jealous... I lack the patience, the eye, and the skill for that level of craftsmanship. It's a pleasure watching it though 😊

[@redtoy22r]

I watched this video multiple times. Beautiful craftsmanship. Amazing how it’s only held together with a few brads and mustard 😏 Felt on cards way easier than trying to glue directly into drawers. 👌

[@wiggle_duck9063]

There is nothing quite so satisfying as a neatly filled, well-made toolbox. The bit with the felt was a nice touch if humour!

[@thescottishdetective]

This man's work is absolutely stunning

[@cydrych]

You kept me watching to the end. I was wondering throughout the entire video what the notch in the top section was for and then at the very end you dropped that drill index in it. I had to giggle at myself for not guessing that. This is another beautiful build.

[@davidlarson2534]

This is the third time watching this. It takes me back to the 1950s when my dad made his, exactly like this. I mean, to a T. He even used the old felt from our pool table. My dad was a machinist and pattern maker.

[@oldielocks]

This is fantastic. I have my Dad's machinist toolbox that he made when in College in the 1950's. This is very similar, and is a beautiful piece!!!

[@peggyt1243]

I love your old De Walt saw. It is rare to see one like that now. Beautiful workmanship; absolutely meticulous.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks :)

[@vanillagorilla8236]

WoW ! Craftsmanship 2nd to none !

[@apbtxca]

Satisfying putting that first drawer in

[@budwoodman1716]

Outstanding !!!!! You, Neil Pask and Jimmy Diresta are my 3 favorite 'Makers'. I really enjoy your vids and look forward to them.

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Bud. I enjoy both of those guys as well :)

[@UnicornMeat512]

I was just thinking about brass splines earlier today. Wow. On a side note. You know your skills are legendary when you don't have to say a word and you're getting this many views. Well done.

[@jakemusmaximus7991]

I'm only about 1/3 of the way through watching this video, and Absolutely LOVE that Oden mallet!

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks. There's a video on my channel of me making it :)

[@ourladymelody]

All is right with the world. ✨

[@jackierudd2010]

You've done it again !!!! I WANT THIS CHEST !!! 😂 your wonderful talent never ceases to amaze me. I will never see a pallet as junk again. Great project and VERY entertaining video. Thankyou 😊

[@EpicUpCycling]

Thanks Jackie :)

[@sanskrutadhotre9799]

Shorts in that weather would absolutely KILL me!!

[@acornhomestead3575]

It's not actually as cold as you think lol

[@trythinking6676]

You get used to it. The body can regulaye itslf outdoors in colder weather for a couple minutes.

[@MichaelLee-sk7hj]

bruv!!! I mean… u truly hit it bruv! Truly a pop off ova da overs mate!! Cheers!

[@th3m4dj4ck]

That mallet is magnificent. So many stories in its faces.

[@donedoneit1355]

I can't even build a decent wood birdhouse....this is just amazing.

[@mm9773]

But that’s how you do it: you build a few shitty birdhouses until you can build a decent one, then you move on to more complicated things. This is not too far off, it’s achievable.