Restoration of a Machinist Tool Chest/ wood toolbox/ leather wrap handles/ Trash to Treasure

detailed Restoration of an Machinists Toolbox/ chest

[@hepburn118]

Most of the time a toolbox like that was owned by a toolmaker and with the amount of polishing stones that were there I suspect this was. They were made to house all a toolmakers measuring and machining gear because the standard size toolbox drawers don't really fit measuring gear that well without wasting a lot of space. It was the first thing the tradesmen had the toolmaking apprentice that started with me (I was a fitting and turning apprentice) do on his first day. Could also pssibly been an auto electricians box tool, the stones could be there to clean contacts.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Shaun this so interesting and makes complete sense now. It really did seem like it had been handmade and not in a bad way it’s just none of the materials used were consistent. Not to mention the pricey veneer that the maker used on the outside (figured mahogany). Thank you so much for sharing your insight with me. It really puts into perspective how valuable this piece was to the original owner. I love it! So what is a fitting and turning tradesmen?

[@hepburn118]

@@coloredcaboosecreations You are most welcome and I am happy to try and help out a bit. A fitter and turner uses the same machinery as a toolmaker but less often most of the time. We both use lathes, mills and grinders etc.. However, machining is all a toolmaker will do and they are exceptionally good at. A fitter and turner works on hydraulic and pnuematic installations and does welding and fabrication as well. We also work to keep heavy machinery running and factories going. I did my apprenticeship in a can (food cans) making plant and I work on rebuilding trains now. Some fitters specialise in machining too, just not all of us. Fitters like me just machine when we need a part we cant buy. Sorry about that looonnnngggg description, complex subject because of all the specialties

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Not long at all that is pretty awesome to have acquired such valuable skills. Very cool indeed! It’s kind of funny I too work in the rail industry hence my channel name. Some of the items in the reveal photo are things gifted to me by the old heads who trained me when I promoted.

[@hepburn118]

@@coloredcaboosecreations Small old world ain't it!! I worked on trains in Australia and was involved in full tear downs and rebuilds. I meant to say was before as well, the was is how I found your channel. I have been forced to give up being a fitter because I broke y ankles and after 2 fusions and around 1 operations each they cant be fixed and I am permanently disabled. So I am looking for other things to do and I want to start rebuilding furniture as a business and I am teaching myself to be a jeweller as well. What are you involed in within the rail industry?

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

I’m sorry to hear about your ankles and being forced to quit. From reading your messages it sounds like you have one hell of a fighting spirit! I’m glad that you are looking into furniture restoration I enjoy it so much it’s my stress relief. There is a whole audience out there that would love see what you have to offer I hope you consider also creating a KZbin channel. I’m cheering for ya! P.s. I’m what they call a Hogger

[@daniellehohenhaus3680]

Stunning transformation. When someone saw junk, you saw the beauty and brought it back to life. Absolutely love it.🥰🇦🇺

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much!

[@livingcreatively1]

The smaller knobs look so much better. The whole piece is beautiful

[@rollergirl55]

I forgot to say that I love the music you paired with this video. It was beautiful and relaxing. Great choice! 🎶🎼🎹

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you very much!

[@TheJcs555]

Beautiful job, Melanie! I will be back to watch more of your videos. I learned so much watching you...the leather-covered handles were a perfect finishing touch! 🙂

[@smickster]

Nice work! Love the look of that birds eye veneer.

[@peterironrope]

Wow, you surprised me with this restoration. After seeing this video, if I had a choice, it's nice to have a big-name brand machinists' chest, but I'd rather purchase a nice vintage one and have you restore it. I'm very proud of you and your work. SUBSCRIBED!!!!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I love this restoration. It looks amazing.

[@toddylu6869]

That is exquisite. In a past life you had to be a top craftsperson for a Queen or King. Such a talent. Loved everything about those handles. You inspire me to something I have been interested in for a while…. Flint napping. Who knows maybe I lived south of a glacier 45,000 years ago.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you ToddyLu68 ☺️

[@andikennedy8874]

OMG. I love this. Excellent job. I also loved all the old stuff inside. Tfs.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@abmoralesrosado]

So help me Melanie, you never disappoint! What a beautiful restoration of a much used and possibly loved tool box. May God continue to bless you and make you flourish ❤️

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much Abigail 🤗

[@paulagrootelaar9005]

I love how you take old sad unloved pieces and carefully and beautifully bring them back to life to be loved again. It's so beautiful and gorgeous handles with leather!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you Paula

[@sherriethames6503]

The tool chest was meant to travel. The rough drawer guides would keep the drawers from spilling out easily. Thus, the need for big drawer pulls. Great restoration.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you for insight and watching my video 😊

[@kitfranzman4860]

You have an amazing gift. This piece turned out beautiful, as all your work does. So satisfying to watch your videos.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you Kit 😊

[@CassandraMiles]

This has been such an amazing use of my time. Thank you so much for sharing your process! I've recently rescued a toolbox like this and it is in dire need of rescue! I'm hoping to use it as a case for my oil pastels 😊

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Truly an awesome, amazing and careful restoration. I think my favorite part are the handles on the sides. The leather wrapping 😍 Love it! ❤️

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you my friend I tried my best. The leather wrap was my attempt to save and reuse but I am also pleased with the outcome. Thanks for watching 😊

[@ReconstructingEmily]

@@coloredcaboosecreations I thought it was brilliant. 😀

[@playsball]

Amazing job and your leather wrapping was beautiful!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much!

[@brendaalbaugh8927]

Nice work and great trying something new!

[@kathleenellison6869]

Well done, your hard work enhanced the timeless beauty of this piece, I’m impressed

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kathleenellison6869]

@@coloredcaboosecreations You’re good. You had the perfect balance between restore and update. I’ve done this for 35 years and it’s always striking that balance that’s the challenge. You “ nailed “ it.

[@ricjamil3073]

Beautiful job. It looks fantastic.

[@brendaalbaugh8927]

Whatever they worked on, it was important enough to be able to cover it

[@argeliosotolongo2825]

Saludos , quedo como nueva pero con tu estilo , excelente trabajo , felicidades .

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Gracias amigo 🌼

[@elizabethsuggs993]

Great job

[@bearden3d714]

You are quite an artist!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thanks 😊

[@gailbutler3310]

I know you worked really hard on the whole chest, but I'm in love with the leather covered handles! Great job! 👍

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much I’m pretty happy with how the handles turned out too 🌺

[@kathleenhernandez2292]

It's beautiful

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you Kathleen

[@karenbearden6198]

No half measures here! What a labor of love and it turned out spectacular. I enjoyed the process and learned a thing or two, thanks. I wonder if the tool in question is some sort of key? Kinda reminds me of gas fireplace keys but not quite. Anyway, liked and subscribed. Thanks so much!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much for watching and subscribing! Glad you enjoyed 😊 Very close guess 😉

[@MB-zj3er]

The ridges in the dados were probably made by making them with multiple passes on a table or radial arm saw.

[@kopkenana]

💚

[@xjr1300extra]

Brilliant video - I learned a lot. What make is the 1/4 sander that you use ?

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Surf prep sander

[@ginger1549]

My first husband was sent to Rolls Royce Company as an apprentice when he was a child in 1948. He was given a tool box like this at that time. He treasured it and still had it when he died in 1979, & it was still like new, even though it lived in a garage. He took meticulous care of his tools and toolboxes. I hope his son has treasured it as he did.

[@CopperCactusDIY]

Have to say, how clever to use the metal cutting wheel to create a groove for getting those screws out! I never fail to learn something new every time I watch your videos Melanie. You put in so much work bringing this back to life, absolutely stunning final result! 😍

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much Jen 🤗

[@Restomaniac]

Very very beautiful 🎉😊

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much 💙

[@chrisgogreve8743]

I am new to your channel and I love how you restored this piece!!❤

[@littlejohhny42]

You took a mediocre piece that was neglected and turned it into something beautiful. The leather wrapping was a nice touch. Great job !!

[@victoriaanson8188]

Beautiful, I'm going to watch this again. Watched it while I was working on my projects. It deserves my undivided attention

[@mariedrotar3215]

I wonder what the original owner and or maker would think if they saw this chest today. It is so lovely! I would store in it exactly what you have , so as to pay homage to its original use. Well done.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thanks Marie

[@lindabeckman7723]

Are you kidding me? That handle was genius! Brava!

[@meaquindinho541]

Wow! If I had that beauty, I'd use her to house my patterns, designs and such. The lining is a nice touch I like the colour very much. Can I just mention the handles? THE HANDLES!!! I would never have known it was your first time. They turned out fabulous! I admire your confidence in handling all your tools even for the first time. Sooooo goooood!!!⭐❤️

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Mea thank you for your kind words 🌺 I like your idea of pattern storage I’m avid sewer myself. I plan on restoring an antique treadle cobblers sewing machine in the near future so stay tuned 😉

[@cindyburst]

Great work! I’d use it for a jewelry chest!

[@portialipton]

Stunning transformation. New drawer pulls lovely. Glad you kept the original suitcase handles.

[@NailahRoberts]

I would have it in a dressing room to store jewellery

[@VintageAndPainted]

Mel such a beautiful piece. Lovingly restored probably better than it was originally. Loved every minute of the video. Thanks for sharing

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you much for watching ☺️ I’m glad you enjoyed it Sarah! Looking forward to your new video the thumbnail is such a tease .

[@KimRinehart]

You are just amazing!!!! I am new to your channel and am now binge watching! Your attention to detail is beyond the average furniture flipper! You are an artisan!!!!!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much!

[@VintageAndPainted]

WHAT! You made your own shellac. You are a rock star and I need to look at doing that! Right back to the makeover

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

😁

[@dr.ritagordon4371]

Wowza, stunning! You did an amazing job on this!!!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you very much 😊

[@c.j.2576]

Have you ever heard the expression-"Making a silk purse...out of a sow's [pig] ear?" Well...THAT's exactly what you've done here! You brought this poor, sad & pitiful box...back to life! Such a great job TFS :D

[@susansmith8602]

Wow! Just found your channel. Absolutely gorgeous work!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you Susan

[@rollergirl55]

Wow! You are amazing! Such attention to detail in this restoration! I can tell you put your heart and soul into this restoration project done with such loving care. Beautiful work on the lather covered handles, repair work, staining and drawer liners. I love the new brass drawer pulls too. My dad, the tool & die sinker had a larger machinists tool chest made of wood. He also had many tools he kept inside. He passed away recently and gifted his chest and tools to my husband who wants to restore it. I will show him this video. I am not a tool expert by far, but will make a guess on the 2 tools you placed in the last drawer..is the 1st a pipe wrench and the 2nd a notching tool? I am just guessing, not being a machinist or carpenter…would love to know. Hopefully when I check back on this video you will have answered this question. Thanks for sharing your expertise with your followers. Happy restoration Melanie! I look forward to viewing many more. Oh, and I am a subscriber after watching 1 video, your $35.00 dresser restoration project. Carry on!

[@rhiannadelerres7500]

So much makeup i could fit into that puppy. Lol great job, as always.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

You could fit a ton of makeup for sure 😆 Rhianna thank you for watching 💐

[@candelasresanocrespo7032]

Ha quedado precioso. Yo lo destinaría a guardar algo más bonito que herramientas. Felicitaciones.

[@debracrews5216]

Beautiful, I’d find a place for the items I found, an homage to the original owner. You did a beautiful job

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Great job 👏! I love the drawer liner ... I make things and could really use some like that..

[@jewels7291]

Fantastic you made your own shellac finish and that wood finish just shines! You did a great job with the gel stain matching. A great sympathetic restoration, thanks for sharing.

[@lindam4006]

Great job again! Your videos contain so many creative ideas & tips! You really turned this into a beauty. Its a salute to your craft.

[@lindacsmith13]

I don't know what that is but I'll leave a comment anyway. I loved the leather wrapped handles, really nice touch. The entire piece looks great.

[@copperpenny0209]

Very cool. I'd put it in the kitchen and store eating and serving utensils. Love what you did with the leather handles.

[@pegbailey6178]

There is a spray rust resolver you can get in the auto parts stores. It’s for rusty or stuck bolts in cars. It works great. Makes life much easier!

[@MrsJax304]

This is awesome. Video and music was so relaxing too. But the finish and your attention to detail is fantastic.

[@marilynjohn17]

Your work is so amazing no detail is forgotten. You are a genius of restoration and repair! Marilyn

[@diannerumsey2171]

Looks like a chest that people that made, painted lead minatures and models used.

[@lytham1963]

Once again you have done an amazing job maybe you could all your small tools in it

[@kbreckan]

I love this! The handles are wonderful!

[@mariateresagonzalezmacias8813]

Precioso 😍

[@tia28126]

Beautifully done. Thankyou for sharing. I'm about to tackle mine. It is probably much younger than yours and made with oak veneer. I too need to repair the handle and I loved how you did yours❤

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Best of luck!

[@angelathomas7180]

Labor of 💗! Such a great find and what a Cinderella transformation 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 💖💖💖

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thanks Angela 💐

[@AskingSpot]

You did that piece justice!

[@lacigaleboheme]

A definite labor of love !!! Beautiful and tasteful restoration 🧡🧡🧡 Doing some catch up ...finally moved back to my country ... right now not much time to create for me so I enjoy watching you work 😜😉 Thank you for sharing 🦋🌺🙏🌺🦋

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Congrats on completing such a big move I bet it feels amazing to be back home! Thank you for watching 🌺🌼

[@vintagequeen-furniture]

I thought why keeping those ugly plastic handles 😅 never expected this beautiful leather wrapping, brilliant idea and it looks great!!!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Ha ha curve ball

[@thechops2000]

Oh this is SO cool to see!! I am currently in the process of restoring a vintage Craftsman toolbox and the large rolling chest it sits on. The rolling chest is handmade from wood, pretty much identical to your toolbox, it even has the EXACT same drawer pulls! I can attest to how much work it is to clean one up! Mine came from a local machine shop (only $50!) that’s been around since 1951-they make tools, cutlery and more. I actually thought the toolbox was black, but after four rounds of degreaser and scrubbing with a Brillo pad I found that it is green and all the drawers are aluminum 😂 Every drawer was full of old tools-files, deburring equipment, awls, punches, fasteners, various letter/number punches etc. What a treasure these things are to find and save. The quality of vintage tools can’t be beat 💚💚💚

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

You are speaking my language! So nice to meet other people who are fascinated by this kind of stuff as well. It may be a lot of work but so worth it in the end. I applaud you for having the vision to scoop that treasure up and give it the attention it deserves. True that current tools aren’t made to last like the vintage ones. What are you planning on doing with your tool chest once completed?

[@L0U1SE]

Seriously clever.. don’t like handle, that’s ok I’ll just whip up a leather one and hand stitch it, even though I’ve never done it before.. great job! That thing in the drawer is a thingo for a whoziwhatsit 😄

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Ha ha there’s a first for everything right 😉

[@teresadungan6485]

Jewelry box, another type of tool chest

[@sweetiepie4983]

I would store my costume jewelry in there. Beautiful piece❣️

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Great idea!!

[@sibylleherbe8260]

Another amazing transformation. Really enjoying your videos. Oh, and those leather handles? They are awesome.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thanks that was a first time leather wrap for me but I think there might be more leather wrapping in the future.

[@victoriaanson8188]

Beautiful job, I watched this while I was working on my projects. This warrants watching it again, so I can give it the attention it deserves!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Ha ha so glad you found it useful!

[@breakingbadheisenberg9703]

Simply beautiful! Your such a crafts women , that would be great for scarfs , even jewelry.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you this one was fun.

[@donnachazanov4641]

Fantastic! My father was a master woodworker. He was a "wood pattern maker". A profession that does not exist today. I think it is all computerized now. He also built his own tool box which I have. And those handles were on a beautiful chest of drawers. I have the chest of drawers in my bedroom with the same exact handles, I am sure the man who made this tool box just used whatever he had laying around his shop. My father said he never taught me how to build "because you are a girl". So nice to see a "girl" rehabilitating this old tool box!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

A pattern maker that's so interesting! I bet he could pretty much create anything with skills like that. I am so sorry that he couldn't see the value of passing on those skills to his daughter. So wonderful that you still have his old handmade tool box though. The majority of what I know in this craft is stuff that I've learned on my own so please never let that stop you. Nobody is ever too old to learn a new skill. Thank you for this comment and for watching my content. 🌺

[@IslandHeartVintage]

I watched it all and now I want to watch it again and comment as I go because there are so many moments in this video it’s like watching a feature film. Very professional and informative and I am just in awe! 🤗🌺🌴

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

It means so much to much that you take the time to pay attention to my content I do so appreciate you my friend 🌺

[@madzabinga8382]

Lovely transformation!

[@jamespierson1299]

I like the GP-9 locomotive throttle key in the lower drawer. Nice job making that handmade chest better than the original. The ridges in the drawer sides were like from the table saw blade multiple passes to make the groove.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Bingo we got a winner!! Only someone with experience would have guessed that are you a fellow hogger? I was just curious why the ridges were left. It seemed to interfere with the drawers gliding but things also might have shifted with age. Thanks for watching 😊

[@shawnas464]

That came out so gorgeous! Well done. If it was mine I would put my watercolor supplies in it!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you 😊 Yes fine paint supplies would fit perfectly !

[@catofthecastle1681]

Everyone had a can of 3 in 1 when I was growing up in the 60s! It even removed peanut butter and gum from hair and carpet!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

😮

[@momtrips6783]

You did a lovely job with this restoration. You're very talented.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

💚

[@Sofia-zp6qp]

Amazing transformation!

[@valerieroberts6869]

Another beautiful job. Thank you for sharing.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you for watching 🌺

[@susanackerman217]

Beautiful work!

[@barbaragrace1992]

Wow! What a beautiful transformation. Brilliant.

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thanks Barbara 🌺

[@antiquesrestoration3874]

Your projects are always very unique (you-nique 😉) and your work is so meticulous. You are extremely clever and creative. I absolutely love your videos. This project was one in a long line of wonderful restorations you've done. Just beautiful!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you that means a lot😊

[@melissaz1153]

A much needed beautiful and relaxing restoration, what a gift to watch you transform this. Thank you…a great start to the weekend. 😊🌺

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Glad I could help 😉 Have a great weekend 🌼

[@judymorrison4638]

You did a really good job restoring this piece. I love it!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you Judy ☺️

[@paulkalff6408]

Hello! My wife and I are new subscribers! Very nice music...so much better than the typical synthesized bass and "snapping" that gets old and abrasive very quickly....The "monkey" pipe wrench is from the Atcheson Topeka and Santa Fe (your cap)Railroad and would have been used on steam locomotives for steam fittings (globe valves, poppets, unions, and the like, and on diesel locomotives possibly for air lines, though use on nuts/bolts or other flanges would be frowned upon since pipe wrenches tend to peen over the corners of nut/bolt heads. The brass items appear to be keys for locks preventing tampering with the throw mechanisms on turnouts or for communications cabinets and the like. The third item looks like it might be a "key" for diesel locomotive throttle or electrical shunt lockouts as it is a substantial "skeleton" key blade/handle. My great grandfather was a pattern maker for Southern Pacific in Tulare, CA., and had at one time a cabinet similar to what you have, though with fewer and larger drawers. Excellent programming and instruction! Well done!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Wow thank you so much! You are correct on two of the items sharp eye. The little brass keys are caboose keys or at least that’s what I was told when they were given to me by an old head conductor. Thanks for watching.

[@paulkalff6408]

@@coloredcaboosecreations Stellar! Thanks! Yep, those keys could very well be used on entrance doors or cabinets within the "crummy." Possibly you are along the BNSF Seligman Sub? My wife and I will be going to the Lilac Festival in Rochester, NY this coming May, and will be taking the Lakeshore Limited and AMTRAK #5, the Westbound Zephyr from Rochester and Chicago, respectively to Emeryville, CA. Best always! PK

[@IslandHeartVintage]

I know ✋ it’s a thing-a-ma-jigger!🤣

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Ha ha ha

[@melanieeaton3344]

You never cease to amaze me!!! Absolutely gorgeous!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you Mel 😊

[@Railchick]

"What is this" at end of the video it's reverser. It is use to put a locomotive engine into reverse

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Ding ding ding we have a winner 🏆 Yes it’s a reverser! you are only 1 of two people who guessed that lol.

[@paulag1109]

A real labour of love. ❤

[@vintagemagnolia3471]

O Mel! You have given this unloved piece a dream life that it never could have imagined was possible! I hope this is a keeper for some of your tools. I would cherish something like this! I swear you and I are the Arnold Swarzenegger & Danny DeVito (twins) of the painting/revamping world! 🤣. Not only do we both put the time, energy & love into projects that most people would not be bothered with but hey, I've been making & using my own shellac to seal inside old drawers and as a tannin blocker also! I love it! I'm gonna hug you one day soon when I come over to visit friend! 😍

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Omg I almost spit out my coffee ☕️! I’m totally familiar with that movie it’s a classic and being only 5’2” I know which one I’d be 🤣 Get outta here you’ve been making shellac too! It’s great stuff for sure. Yes we must meet someday it would be fun. Australia is definitely on my bucket list.

[@vintagemagnolia3471]

@@coloredcaboosecreations It's gonna happen my friend! Haha! At 5ft 8 1/2" I think I know which twin I am! 😄🤣

[@susieray9267]

That is one happy little tool box 🧰, great job 👏 👍

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you

[@akmb8211]

Très beau travail.

[@krispipermel]

great result ,but I had ti turn music down ,it was putting me to sleep

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

I get tired of listening to myself when doing voice overs so I thought I’d try something different. Music is so personal I knew this wouldn’t be everyone’s jam glad you have the option to turn it down. Thank you for watching 😊

[@barbaratamez1350]

What a transformation! Did you keep it?

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Not sure yet I can’t keep everything