Dutch Tool Chest Project

A couple of weeks ago my son and I saw Christopher Schwartz's version of a Dutch Tool Chest. I was impressed, but there was a problem. My truck has a canopy over the bed and his 24" tall chest would have to be laid down to fit under it because the canopy will only allow for 21". Bad idea, all my tools would bang into each other, defeating the purpose of the chest. 

What to do? I thought about it for awhile. I really liked the slanted top. Working out of a box with four high sides seems a pain to me. What appealed to me was the ability to see and access the tools I store in the top......                         My wife suggested making it into two boxes, and that got me to thinking about campaign furniture. So out with the sketch book and here is what I have decided: Build the chest to be 32" tall on the back side and 24" on the front. I must admit the reasoning for the sizes. I could have gone bigger but in my enthusiasm to get started I cut the sides to a tad over 32" and I am too cheap (on some things) to start over and waste wood. Besides, bigger just means heavier and I am not getting any stronger as I age.........

Another reason for the size, the back will consist of four 8" wide tongue and grooved boards which when put together will equal 32" and the front will have basically 3", minus the 1 1/2" to 2" board at the bottom. This just seemed right.
The hinges are due next week, I contacted John Switzer to make me a set just like I saw on Chris's. A note about John, it has been a pleasure doing business with him. I have no doubt the hinges will be just what I expect. I had expected the hinges by the end of the month but got an email yesterday stating they are being shipped tomorrow. Hand made and fast.
My new design posed another problem. Schwartz's boxes had slats inserted from the top, this isn't possible with the new design. My solution at the moment is a surface lock. I went to White Chapel Ltd. to find it. It will work basically the sames as Schwartz's with the cleats holding the bottom in place and the lock acting as the slat to lock it in place.
So why am I spending so much time and money on this? The last chest I made was 20 years ago and it has been a constant reminder that I can do better. I know many that think a tool box is some wood quickly nailed together and why bother making it nice. I say why not? I have used my Frank Klauss inspired workbench for 20 years and never have I regretted taking the time to do it right. So now I plan to get all my tools in a proper tool chest.

More later.