I cleaned out my recently revamped tote that holds the my key leather working tools. It was good to see the bottom of the box again and pull out the non-essential items. The less used items have their own canvas tote bag of similar proportions.
The above photo shows how the handle removes to access the full box when working. This old English design is seen on boxes like this through the colonial period in the Americas.
The shoemaker’s tote is essentially done and I had the chance to get a couple photos over lunch. I will be adding more leather pocketing to hold tools but wanted to wait until I knew where things should be.
Laying out the tools
This is the inside of the side panel. The tools that I know for certain need to be handy, not rolling around on the bottom of the box.
Test fitting a couple tools. The strap was cut 1 1/4″ wide and is not as long as it should be. I am using carpet tacks as I had some laying around. Note that the inside has been given a coat of boiled linseed oil prior to placing the leather.
The essentials in place. The bent awl is a little too deep and barely touches the floor of the box.
I used a few pan head screws I had handy. They work as bumpers. The box has been oiled at this point with boiled linseed.
And the other side.
If you didn’t see the previous post, this is the plan photo.
Three rectangles, two pentagons, and a handle of choice.
Final dimensions are 14 5/8″ long, 9 1/2″ wide, 10 3/4″ tall. I wanted to be able to comfortably fit a twelve inch ruler in the bottom.
