Wood for Anarchist Tool Chest

[Tony Wilkins]

My next project (now that I'm finally retired and have a good place to work) is going to be a tool chest (C.S. Anarchist Style). I have one problem and one question...

Problem: White pine is scared out here on the South Plains and can only get dimensioned construction stock of low quality. Is there another wood that might work? I can get FAS Poplar in 4/4 or 5/4.

Question: How many board feet can I get?

[Jim Foster]

I think Poplar would be a great wood for a tool chest. I was considering using it myself for a tool chest. Not sure what you were asking? How many board feet to buy? I found via the "Creek" I think, a PDF of an old "Practical_Woodworker" article that provided a number of tool chest designs. One was very similar to the one you mention. Someone here may know where a link is or you may be able to google "Practical_Woodworker"

[Chris Griggs]

I would use 4/4 poplar.

[Graham Haydon]

Tony, the chest is a fun build and I enjoy using mine. I built it using the swathes of free info on line. If you search LAP blog there is a cutting list burried in there somewhere.

Poplar would be fine. I did actually use EWP for mine just so I could try I wood I was not familiar with. It's very easy working but needs very sharp edges when paring (like any pine I guess). Peter Folansbee also made a vesion of the chest, not sure what his was made from.

One thing for sure is you'll get plenty of practice on the DT's, 100+ of them!

[Steve Voigt]

I would use 4/4 poplar.

I think poplar would be great, but I'm pretty sure you want 5/4.

Chris, since I have just disagreed with you, we are going to have to have a throwdown resulting in bile, vitriol, and the inevitable locking of this thread. You better get ready--I am storing up yo momma jokes, to be deployed like scud missiles.

[Tony Wilkins]

I think poplar would be great, but I'm pretty sure you want 5/4.

Chris, since I have just disagreed with you, we are going to have to have a throwdown resulting in bile, vitriol, and the inevitable locking of this thread. You better get ready--I am storing up yo momma jokes, to be deployed like scud missiles.

If they are in fact your yo'mama jokes. Everyone knows that the style of yo'mama jokes most comfortable to use were developed in the 20th century.

<<Now that I've derailed my own thread, poplar it is>>

[Daniel Rode]

On a semi serious note, 4/4 in my area often comes rough at 1 1/8" But even at 1", I can usually get 7/8" finished from 4/4 as long it's not heavily warped. 5/4 is nice if you want 7/8 - 1" thick finished stock but it costs more. Since everything today seems to be made from 3/4" or 1/2" stock, I've been using 7/8", 5/8" and 3/8", so 4/4 is often cheaper with less waste for me.

How thick is the stock for the tool chest?

I like working with poplar and I think it would be a good choice. What I don't love is the green with purple. If you're going to paint the chest or deal with staining it, I think it's nice to work that pine. EWP is soooooo fragile. It tears rather than cuts if you're tools are not very sharp.

I think poplar would be great, but I'm pretty sure you want 5/4.

Chris, since I have just disagreed with you, we are going to have to have a throwdown resulting in bile, vitriol, and the inevitable locking of this thread. You better get ready--I am storing up yo momma jokes, to be deployed like scud missiles.

[Sean Hughto]

FWIW, the green and purple quickly turn to rich carmel and chocolate browns. The door of that wall cabinet on the left is poplar, and was green and puple when fresh (though I would have been happy for it to stay those colors too!):

[Don Dorn]

I know that it's sacreligious, but after watching his video on the 2 day chest, I've become sold that it's a tool, not a piece of furniture, and if I make one, it will probably be plywood for the carcas and popular for the skirts.

[Judson Green]

How about butternut? Its been called the poor mans walnut. Not sure if its lighter than poplar. In WI its more expensive than poplar.

Maybe basswood? Its less expensive, probably about the same weight. Has been traditionally used to make crates and boxes.

20140311201358.jpg

[Chris Griggs]

Basswoods an interesting idea Judson. Its pretty light isn't it? I'd be curious to here others thoughts on that.

[Judson Green]

Its light, has kinda weird smell if IIRC, not sure its been a long time since I used it. The dry cubic weight is about the same as poplar. The photo (info) was from this book. Cool book has a brief scientific like description of the tree and then a short story or description of what the wood or tree was used for.

20140311202051.jpg

[Tony Wilkins]

I could use Spanish Cedar and make it a combination Humidor and tool chest. No argument on the Indian food; I'm in.

So the aim is to get me banned is it; well let's at it then: The only correct chest is a Schwarz Anarchist Chest and should be filled with LN tools... or is that LV tools. And since Megan spoke up, the only good woodworking mag is Popular Woodworking.

[Chris Griggs]

I think poplar would be great, but I'm pretty sure you want 5/4.

Chris, since I have just disagreed with you, we are going to have to have a throwdown resulting in bile, vitriol, and the inevitable locking of this thread. You better get ready--I am storing up yo momma jokes, to be deployed like scud missiles.

You listen here you yella bellied, mini smoother makin, cow pie. 5/4 is completely inappropriate. You will throw your back out carrying 5/4 around...4/4 is the correct choice. 4/4 balsa to be exact...that'll be nice and light weight.

End of story!

[Steve Voigt]

You listen here you yella bellied, mini smoother makin, cow pie. 5/4 is completely inappropriate. You will throw your back out carrying 5/4 around...4/4 is the correct choice. 4/4 balsa to be exact...that'll be nice and light weight.

End of story!

Oh yeah? Well listen up pal, I may be coming to the PATINA show. And if I see you there, we are going to settle this like men…



…by exchanging vegetarian recipes.


PS Tony, sorry for continuing to derail your thread. I'll stop now.