Making a Metal Tool Cabinet - Ultimate Toolbox Build

Adding extra storage space to my shop with this DIY Metal Tool Cabinet. It's a roll around mobile tool box, but built more like a safe! Is it the ultimate tool box build or just another tool chest?
Be sure to visit this link and use the promo code MAKINGSTUFF to save 10% your first order at EmpireAbrasives.com. lddy.no/stlr
🛠 Tools and Parts Used In This Video:
Evolution Chop Saw - amzn.to/3cnmQ1e
Plasma Cutter - amzn.to/36xHffO
Mig Welder - amzn.to/3kTUDS8
Flap Discs - lddy.no/tnvu
Cordless Angle Grinder - amzn.to/2LiWene
Metric Combination Drill Bits - www.banggood.com/custlink/mvv...
Standard Combination Drill Bits - www.banggood.com/custlink/Kmm...
Welding Clamps - amzn.to/3bu09HY
Mig Pliers - amzn.to/3t2dugu
.035 Mig Wire - amzn.to/2O2qmnN
Stronghand On/Off Magnet - amzn.to/3ttktAr
Welding Sleeves - amzn.to/3kVfdBH
Automatic Center Punch - amzn.to/3eidOnr
Leather Apron - amzn.to/2N2Mq1w
Mega Squares - fireballtool.com
Drawer Slides - amzn.to/38n1bng
Truck Bed Coating - amzn.to/3v4SAzl
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[@MakingStuff]

What kind of custom tool box would you build? What features would it have and what would material would you use? Let me know!

[@hardy489]

One with a top box on it like the Milwaukee one (so that you can put a laptop or more tools on it) with the opportunity to secure them from dirt. Maybe you could build one like this with showing how you are planing it? PS. Greetings from Germany and great video

[@jacoblattimore5434]

I think I would build a longer/taller toolbox, with a thick, ridged metal top. Bolt my South Bend Lathe to the top of it, and be able to store all the lathe tools and accessories in the drawers below. Would be quite the expensive project, but maybe someday I will. Great video as always, and a beautiful toolbox. love the heavy metal! 🤟

[@rickmellor]

I think I'd build a copy of yours, honestly. I have a Fireball Tool fixture plate that I'd put on top and keep my welding accessories in the drawers.

[@jafinch78]

Maybe an aluminum bed between the wheel wells or bed body unused space design?

[@MrSnipe129]

I made a two drawer toolbox for my estate car for storing tools etc needed for work & shotgun storage among other hobbies etc. The toolbox has a 66degree sloped back to match the rear seats with the top drawer having a depth of 8" and the bottom as 12" I constructed the toolbox from 1.2mm mild steel. Only tooling was basic hand tooling, only power tools a pillar drill, grinder and MIG welder. Also a box and pan folder required for folding the steel sheet. Ball bearing rollers. I plan to fit locks in the near future. I can send you some images - much much lighter in construction than this

[@Markdoubts]

Not sure where I heard this. “You can’t buy cool you can only make it.” Mad skills man👊🏻

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Screw those HF comments, your channel is called "Making Stuff". I just got my CNC plasma cutter running and found your process most informative. I would have made the same mistakes you showed here, but now I won't. Thanks for all the tips: 14/16 gauge, weld heat and truck bed liner.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@PatrickRankin]

OMG, after that paint job, that box is professional looking as hell.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@MadeInGarage]

Good job! In my opinion, making something with your own hands is always more interesting than buying ready-made. Congratulations!

[@MakingStuff]

Very true! Thanks for watching!

[@intjonmiller]

Great build! The only concern I have is the welded drawer glides because they are your weakest component. Riveted would have been plenty strong enough and much easier to work with when your son or grandson eventually needs to replace the glides. 😁

[@CaskStrength777]

Crappy toolboxes have angered me for years. I LOVE that someone finally said "NO!" to China Freight and made something better! Finally I see a good use for making a cnc plasma cutter. Fantastic work, I noticed those Fireball tool magnetic squares too...👀 I want an entire home full of furniture made like this 😍How much heavier do you imagine this would be if you used 12 Gauge sheet for all of it? Also- subbed. This is awesome work

[@MakingStuff]

Well said! Thanks for the sub. I used 1.5 sheets of 14ga just for the drawers. So figure the weight of 12ga sheet and multiply by 1.5.

[@bad_covfefe]

Harbor freight tool boxes are pretty good, actually.

[@sblspawn3004]

Everything has a reason. If a cabinet of this size made of steel were to be sold, its cost could easily around $1000.

[@mrbojangles9841]

I say yes to china freight every day. My retirement account thanks me and tells me to keep doing it and never stop.

[@1nvisible1]

*Your wife would **_NOT_** allow an entire home full of furniture like this. Signed, Your Wife.*

[@kentuckytrapper780]

You can go to a box store and buy a toolbox, but you won't get that kind of quality box,shop built is always better. Great job.

[@MakingStuff]

Very true!

[@dennisyoung4631]

Awesome toolbox! Just got done making a base for the bike stand - with three built-in drawers. Birch plywood, screwed and glued.

[@bsc40]

Watching this video really makes me appreciate the factories in China that makes tool boxes that you can buy for a good price.

[@markniblack7160]

“What’s the fun in that?” Exactly!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@Creator_Nater]

That thing is beautiful. And I know it feels better, smoother, and is about 10,000x stronger/stouter than a hf box. Good work!

[@MakingStuff]

Thank you very much!

[@FrustratedBaboon]

Looks great. You could salvage the first drawer by adding vertical dividers and several spots to pull it straight and weld a lid with some hinges to use as a screw box or parts box.

[@FrustratedBaboon]

Or salvaging may lead to more problems. Afterthoughts.

[@anonymous5095]

I’d reinforce the first drawer, and add a handle and use it as a side tray and handle for this box. Awesome build.

[@barryinn1778]

If i had your welding skills I would build one also. Instead, I have woodworking skills so I make everything out of wood. Great job!

[@MakingStuff]

Cool, thanks

[@paulluxongudza4627]

You've inspired me mate. Im looking forward to making a sizeable work bench with drawers . Thanks a lot 🙏

[@MakingStuff]

Glad I could help motivate. Thanks for watching!

[@RC-Heli835]

This turned out quite amazing. Love the quick squares!😀

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@1D10CRACY]

Several years of use? I'd say more like many lifetimes! Built like a tank and it looks outstanding!!! I'm impressed!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@johnjasinski6145]

Love the fact that its heavy duty. So many of the store bought are flimsy and fall apart too soon. Good Job. Heavy also means it will be harder to steal.

[@MakingStuff]

Yeah, good point. Never thought of the security aspect. Thanks for watching!

[@KW-ei3pi]

Awesome! I noticed that you oscillate the welding torch. That technique is usually for making heavy welds. The wider the oscillation, the wider and heavier the weld. For sheet metal, you might try a simple straight back and forth movement, or no movement at all. In addition, positioning the work so that you can make vertical down welds will also help make smaller welds and put less heat into the work. Just some thoughts that might help. Regards

[@danielmcbain7866]

Why use any motion at all. I'm not sure why, it's popular in the USA but in Australia, you fail a weld test for welding that way on steel unless it's a lap join pretty much. For heavy fab, spray arc straight ahead is a much better technique, faster, better penetrative weld , that looks nicer and is significantly less spattering. KZbin seems full of guys that weld with these weaving techniques up and down, back and fourth etc etc, I don't know why there's so little just straight ahead welding. For this light gauge stuff vertical down is all that would ever need , your right, but you'd just drag it straight down surely

[@EverettWilson]

@@danielmcbain7866 I can't speak for Australia, but spray arc is out of the budget of most of us in the US unless it's for a job.

[@theonlyshawn]

I ran to the store and bought a toolbox, which is still sitting in the box. Now, I'm looking at videos on how to build one. You're so correct....where's the fun in buying something when you could build it! Thank you for making this video! I'm sure I'll take some of your ideas.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@williamlanphar630]

I agree with your position on building. Way more satisfying. Looks very solid . Glad to see you using the Fireball squares, haha.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@pepsiatlas5452]

man! he just built that! out of of nothing! welding's amazing!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@fernandofigueiredo8417]

Absolutely agree with you! Much more satisfying ti build something with your own hands, than to buy it! Nice job brother

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@BaxterKaleb]

Awesome looking tool box, nice job!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@PeteRondeau]

Nice project. That looks awesome! I really need a CNC plasma table.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@shawnroberts8169]

That's so cool. I don't have a cnc table, but I am going to use my manual plasma cutter and build a box. I will post pics on your pinned comment when I have a finished product. Thanks

[@MakingStuff]

Sounds great!

[@cpusurgeon]

Those of us with smaller shops benefit a lot from custom made. Sometimes I don't have 36" for that cheap weak HF box and I need a good strong 30" box to fit in the only hole I have at the moment for a box. And it needs to serve double if not triple duty by also being a sturdy worktable for my 300lb metal lathe... Great looking box, keep it up.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@donnellnordin350]

Your tool box idea is great idea. And you gave some good tips. Keep up the good work.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@cranktowncity]

I've thought about making a tool box like this, but the thought of making all those drawers line up just right sounds like a dang nightmare. Good job and awesome build!

[@MakingStuff]

I cringed a little bit when I started the drawers and thought about how to get it to line up, but it was that bad once I got started,

[@blue95stang1]

Great Project, I say $300 dollar general tool box or custom 14 gauge beast.. Go for the beast!! I would add fold up shelves on the sides; as those seem to be handy for at the work station possibilities.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for your input, thanks for watching!

[@markgilder9990]

One of the strongest tool boxes ever made. Nice job.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@nairblab4061]

That was outstanding.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@markp2865]

Awesome looking toolbox. Can save money by using old bed frames and the tin from old dryers or washers that people throw out. Not thick enough for the drawers, but good for the sides. I would add a handle on one side and a folding tray on the other side. Thanks for the video! I use the door from old dryers to make folding trays for my existing rolling toolboxes.

[@MakingStuff]

I used sheet metal from microwave ovens to repair my first car. It was a 1970 Beetle. Yeah it's great when you can find scrap metal that works. Thanks for watching!

[@CS-bh4ur]

That does look like fun!!! Nice video 👍👍👍

[@MakingStuff]

Thank you 🤗

[@johngriggs5910]

Nice build and good catch with the thinner material.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@neiljensen9585]

I like the drawer pulls I made something similar out of a steel foremans desk ;I used HF end wrench set for drawer pulls.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@raulc.]

Keep on making stuff. I made a wooden tool box for my compressed air nailerd and air staplers. I made them butterfly style, when I open it up, on one side are my two air staplers and on the other side are my two nailers in between are the nails, Staples, oil and other accessories....

[@MakingStuff]

Very cool!

[@mkegadgets4380]

A beautiful build. I love to recess on a top that will stop tools and drills and taps and what not from rolling off. I would never go to that store you mentioned and buy a toolbox...

[@MakingStuff]

Cool, thanks!

[@lilithabunni]

such an awesome job! and personally i would absolutely have loved to watch you paint this lol

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@yamahaxs6501]

I miss my plasma table! Great project. That table will last for a hundred years, long after the store bought ones have been tossed in the city dump.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevenmalcomb4168]

That is heavy duty! Great build.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@amitgangs]

Wow. Nice, very simple.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@JimJimpmjj]

Very good job, great skill in making that 👍👍

[@MakingStuff]

Thank you 👍

[@theundergroundesd]

good job. I have been kicking around building a tool box out of aluminum. Keep up the good work

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks, will do!

[@piercelaw5459]

Great work!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@philippboetcher9959]

Looks great, great video!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@carbonlarge]

Brilliant, that cabinet is built to last forever

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@foxwood67]

Yes you said it.... It's stout 14g . I learned the hard way when making a 14g plasma catch pan. I warped the crap out of it solid welding it. I managed to salvage it by brute force. I liked your cut out of flat sheets leaving the tabs for easy bending. Nice idea. Box is top notch and HF model isnt nearly as well built

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@rsbharley4766]

Great video., excellent job. Thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@jonginder5494]

Sick job!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@riqueharmse9224]

Thanks for these tips

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidbajda5791]

Great looking toolbox 👍 Found your channel when I was gatherijg info about plasma cnc I'm currently building (mpcnc primo) and found a lot of interesting projects 👍

[@MakingStuff]

Cool, thanks

[@HVACRILLA]

That would make an awesome chop saw cart

[@leo150125]

Awesome work mate!!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@tanveerkhan9221]

Thats unique to you im a great believer in making ur own.

[@ConsultingjoeOnline]

Awesome build man! Subscribed!

[@MakingStuff]

Awesome, thank you!

[@blakewithadhd7358]

Bad ass fabricating. Thanks for sharing.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@red66chevy]

great job, I see you learned that stitching is best and more than adequate for sheet metal welds. I would also ad that your circular welding technique is also adding unnecessary heat to the weldment.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for the tips!

[@dougpeirce726]

Nice work.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@fishhuntadventure]

I built a steel framed 60” x 28” bottom box ~25 years ago. Steel casters and wheels, MDF top, baltic birch sides and back with baltic birch drawers with drawer fronts of red birch I cut and dried myself. Nothing has failed yet. And though some questioned my use of the wood drawers at the time, I wasn’t worried. 25 years later it’s safe to proclaim my design and construction was and is sound including the 1-1/2” MDF top as a workspace. I didn’t build it like the one in the vid, and if I had to do it over? I’d change some ergonomics and esthetic points but build it the same. A couple of modifications are about to take place: an additional 3/4” of MDF will be added for 2-1/4” total thickness, I’m mounting my 8” bench vise to it. I am scrunched into a 28’ office trailer for a tool shop at present and plan to maintain that for quite a while into the future. Spacial Efficiency is required and I’m 70/30% decided I’m going to build a self-built rugged woodworking end vise on the right side as I’ve found this cabinet maker’s tool extremely useful for sheetmetal and many mechanic’s tasks. But holding portable electric tools for intermittent stationary use - like the bench grinder, or belt sander- is my immediate motivation- not merely keeping grit and grease off the woodworking bench. Nice tool box. My methodology would be different as I don’t have a fancy metal cutting phaser, but it looks good. I’d probably just TiG the drawer slides ‘live’ and call it good. So much faster to just space and shim the drawers and the slides will just be where they are.

[@jessyjohnson6220]

Sweet box man

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@tekviper9]

Internet trolls will be trolls! Making your own gear is the way to go! Thank you for sharing.

[@MakingStuff]

You got that right! Thanks for watching!

[@koalafan1576]

I would definitely paint mine red and pretend it’s a Milwaukee box. 😂

[@DarthCircuit]

I love your videos. You do great work!

[@MakingStuff]

Glad you like them!

[@koolkats724]

Nice work!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@Bob-cd5pp]

The locks tool Boxes always suck , I know you will secure yours . Great Box

[@samuelsilas7210]

Nice work

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@sunmarkportland]

Built two sets of cabinets for my welding tables--one all 12 ga. with 3 drawers--39" wide; the other two all wood with 2 drawers each--28" wide. I put clear stained pine wood faces with full width angle iron pulls on all drawers painted blue and black. The first one was a pain--made mistakes that I corrected on the other two. Now...when do I get a CNC? That'd make the job a lot more fun.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for watching!

[@WoodNMetalWorkshop]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Nice job. The only thing I didn't like is welding the castors on, real pita when one goes bad.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks for the sub! I have found it's actually quicker to cut a bad one off than to drill and tap holes. That's why I didn't plug weld through the mounting holes.

[@starlxrd868]

thanks for teaching me

[@MakingStuff]

No problem

[@Guds777]

I would build my cabinet 2 story high with a hot tub and a barbeque on the porch... :D :D

[@4rnorthwest]

Jeeeezus! Ya I was gonna ask “why did you bother doing a full seam weld around those pans it’s gonna war......p.... OHHHH KAY! He addressed it 2 minutes in😂

[@vaibhavmhase6709]

Nice job sir

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks

[@sambakker7690]

Super cool😃

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@seanmcdonald656]

Fantastic tool box!! That's way more built then any off the shelf tool box. Have you thought of adding wood to the top so it also a work top. Maybe even add a vice. Or are you planning on adding another part to the top

[@MakingStuff]

I have plans for the top, hopefully a future video.

[@quiyoma3730]

Funny enough, Buying the tools and metal sheets to make this is probably less expensive than buying an actual tool caninet

[@BleuCollarFndryMTL]

Yours is of better quality. I need a wide one. My tools have overgrown my craftsman box

[@davidgekler]

Very cool

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@dwight9045]

To hell with what anyone else says, you did a great job 👏 👍 🙌

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks man!

[@leanmabait4650]

How i wish i have that tool drawer its awsome

[@jimhinkle7245]

Nice!!!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@Spaceinvaderzim]

This thing is fortified!!🔥

[@technicalitems731]

Badass! So, what would be a good way to add a lock? Just a rod through the front?

[@davidschwartz5127]

Wow, nice build! That cut and tab method you used for the draws is a terrific Idea! That jumps the problem that was holding me back from building my own toolbox (also building a bender) the draw bending! I believe I can achieve similar results with my 4 1/2" grinder since I don't have a table cutting system. I like the fact that you used the slides that let you see what is stored at the back of the draws, Are there any plans?

[@MakingStuff]

The 3D drawing is available to all Maker + level patreons.

[@OverlandTrailer]

This is MUCH better quality than Harbor Freight. No comparison. Love it!

[@MakingStuff]

Thank you!

[@joshsoorlin579]

Look so great u should make like a huge 1!!

[@MakingStuff]

Then I'd have to buy more tools to fill it. Sounds like a good idea!

[@prawnstar502]

sick!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Great build. Looks good and works too. I have built a lot of things I could have bought cheaper.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@DaveGee2010]

Great project as usual! and yes you might by your first welder FROM HF but there are 2 kinds of people in this world those who buy tool boxes from HF and HOPE they fit and those who make them EXACTLY to FIT (fingers crossed) lol

[@MakingStuff]

Great point!

[@stephanperreault9274]

Nice work ! You realize of course that unless you drop it off the 89th. floor of the Empire State Building this beautiful cabinet will OUT LAST you and me. L.O.L. Beautiful craftsmanship !!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@mikecurley2072]

Only 298 lbs? I'd claim victory if I were you! In all seriousness , great work. And you're right it is more fun (and satisfying) to build things yourself. Especially if you use them all the time.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍

[@Dave52732]

If I had access to all your (toys) Tools, I would create a nice roller cabinet for my radial arm saw.

[@sleekspeed22]

great project. Should sliders be welded on? That might make it hard to service. or change size of drawers.

[@MakingStuff]

Nothing an angle grinder won't fix, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@samwittstruck.6685]

Very nice!!! However I found a nce used Vidmar cabinet. You are a craftsman with skills.

[@MakingStuff]

Cool, thanks!

[@tomlee7966]

nice build, better than store bought and the pride of saying I MADE THAT!!!!!

[@MakingStuff]

You got that right. Thanks for watching!

[@GCS88]

As a DIYer yes its pretty fun, But its only fun if you have the right tools to make it.

[@Vindex0]

great build, really like it but uit would be a bit too low for me, i would build it higher and with a wooden top. thanks for your video.

[@tecnisdaimondm.g9321]

Increible muy bien 👍

[@MakingStuff]

Gracias

[@anonymous5095]

I don’t think there’s a single person who would suggest going to harbor freight and buying a cheap Chinese box. It’s already bad enough that the steel you’re using probably came from over there. Now you have quality and pride in YOUR product! Awesome job man!

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks!

[@jonathanmorgan7503]

Seasonal greetings from Wales, U.K. That's a great tool box !! If I could weld I'd go for making one like that rather than buying one 100%.

[@MakingStuff]

Thanks 👍