A tool chest woodworking plan is a set of drawings, cut lists and construction notes for a box that holds hand tools, but the phrase covers several very different builds. A compact bench chest with drawers, a rolling shop chest, a traveling chest and a non-portable student chest differ in size, joinery, materials and skill. Choose the use first, then check the finished dimensions, the material list and the plan format before you buy.
What a tool chest plan includes
Plans come in two main formats, and the format determines what you receive and what software you need.
- Printed plans. Lee Valley and Veritas sell item 05L1601 as a printed plan that includes a full-size plan and construction notes.
- Digital plans. Woodsmith’s digital Essential Tool Chest plan includes scale drawings, a detailed cutlist and a SketchUp drawing. Opening the SketchUp file requires Google SketchUp.
- Indexed plan descriptions. Kreg describes its traditional toolbox with an indexed material list, but the listing does not state the delivery format.
Compare the main plan types
The table below puts the designs side by side. Where a plan does not state a value in the material available for this article, the cell reads “not stated.”
| Plan | Intended use | Finished size (as listed) | Construction | Materials | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Valley/Veritas 05L1601 | Compact chest with drawers for bench or shelf storage | 25 × 10 1/2 × 15 3/4 inches | Frame-and-panel case, eight drawers with tongue-and-rabbet joinery on hardwood slides | Half a sheet of 1/8-inch plywood; 15 board feet of hardwood | Printed full-size plan with construction notes |
| WOOD rolling shop chest | Rolling shop storage for commonly used tools | Not stated | Not stated in the material available for this article | A few sheets of Baltic birch plywood; readily available hardware | Not stated |
| Woodsmith Essential Tool Chest (intermediate) | Traveling chest with a deep till for planes and saws | 12 5/8 inches deep × 23 1/4 inches wide × 13 inches tall | Through-dovetailed sides and bottom; through-tenoned fixed shelf; mostly routed grooves and rabbeted panels | Not stated | Digital: scale drawings, detailed cutlist, SketchUp drawing |
| North Bennet Street School student chest | Non-portable project chest | Example: 16 inches deep × 24 inches wide × 14 inches tall; permitted maximum 18 × 30 × 17 inches | Through-dovetailed carcase; dovetailed drawers running on mortise-and-tenoned divider frames; variable drawer layouts | Maple, cherry, walnut or mahogany as the primary wood | Magazine article describing the project in Fine Woodworking; plan format not stated |
| Kreg traditional toolbox | Simple portable toolbox | Not stated | Pocket-hole joinery; described as an easy project with an angled handle | Pine boards, pocket-hole screws and glue | Indexed plan description; format not stated |
Compact bench chest: the Lee Valley/Veritas 05L1601 plan
This is the most fully specified plan among the designs reviewed here, so it is a useful reference for the questions a buyer should ask of any tool chest plan. The answers below come from the retailer’s listing. They describe this design only.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium Multi-Wood Construction - 100% solid oak drawer fronts, birch sides/backs, engineered hardwood body with oak veneer and solid oak edge banding; interlocking joint craftsmanship with wood glue assembly (no nails except drawer bottoms) ensures superior durability and heirloom quality
- 8 Spacious Drawers for Versatile Organization - Perfect for tools, jewelry, crafts, sewing supplies, office items, and collectibles; varying drawer sizes accommodate different storage needs from small screws to larger hand tools; smooth-gliding drawers with chrome-plated hardware
- Professional-Grade Hardware and Craftsmanship - Chrome-plated handles and corner protectors, nickel-plated screws, interlocking joint construction throughout; traditional joinery techniques create a sturdy, rattle-free chest that withstands daily use in workshops and studios
- Portable Design for DIY Enthusiasts and Craftsmen - Reinforced padded handle enables easy transport between workspaces; ideal for woodworkers, jewelry makers, hobbyists, collectors, and professionals who value quality organization; compact footprint fits desktops, workbenches, and countertops
- Space-Saving Elegance with Timeless Appeal - Red oak finish adds classic beauty to any room; desktop organizer maximizes workspace efficiency; perfect gift for Father's Day, birthdays, or holidays for craftsmen, tool enthusiasts, and organization lovers
How many drawers does it have?
Eight. The drawers run on hardwood slides rather than metal runners, and they are joined with tongue-and-rabbet joinery. Traditional wooden slides need periodic waxing to move smoothly, which is covered in the supplies section below.
What is the top tool well for?
The listing describes a top tool well 4 1/2 inches deep. It does not say which tools the well is sized for. Before you cut the case, measure your most-used tools against the depth and check the full-size plan for the layout of the well.
Rank #2
- Brand: Windsor Design
- Material: Wood
- Care instructions: Hand Wash
- Finish type: Powder Coated
How does the locking system work?
Spring pins secure the front cover, and the lid can also be locked. The listing does not explain how the lid lock is built. Standard hardware is not included with the plan, and the spring pins are sold separately. The retailer’s care notes also recommend inspecting the spring-pin mechanism over time.
How much lumber does the plan require?
The stated materials are half a sheet of 1/8-inch plywood and 15 board feet of hardwood. A board foot is a volume measure equal to 144 cubic inches, so 15 board feet is the total hardwood volume, not a count of boards. Convert the figure to actual board lengths and widths before you buy, because wide stock and waste from the cuts will change what you need. Lee Valley showed a price of $16.90 for the plan when the listing was checked for this article. Prices and stock change, so confirm the current price and availability before ordering.
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- PRECISION TONGUE-AND-GROOVE JOINERY – Crafted with traditional interlocking wood joints throughout the chest frame and drawers, creating stronger connections, improved stability and lasting durability compared with ordinary assembled storage boxes.
- PREMIUM OAK & BIRCH WOOD DETAILS – Features solid oak drawer fronts and solid birch drawer sides and backs, complemented by an engineered wood frame with oak veneer for a natural wood grain appearance, enhanced stability and furniture-style quality.
- SIX DRAWERS FOR ORGANIZED STORAGE – Six smooth-gliding drawers provide flexible space for precision tools, pens, craft supplies, collectibles and everyday workspace essentials, keeping your items neatly arranged and easy to access.
- DESIGNED FOR WOODWORKERS, MAKERS & COLLECTORS – A refined storage solution for woodworking enthusiasts, hobbyists and creative minds who appreciate quality craftsmanship and an organized workspace.
- COMPACT DESKTOP DESIGN FOR WORKSPACES – Measuring 11.81" W × 10.83" H × 7.95" D, this organizer is designed for desks, studios and workbenches, providing convenient access to your essentials without taking up excessive space.
Other designs and when they fit
The other plans in this comparison solve different problems. Each one changes the footprint, the joinery and the amount of hardware you need.
Rolling shop chest (WOOD magazine)
WOOD magazine describes a rolling shop chest that keeps commonly used tools close while allowing the chest to be moved. The plan calls for a few sheets of Baltic birch plywood and readily available hardware. It was featured in WOOD Issue 231, March 2015, and the WOOD web page was last updated January 9, 2024. Check current availability of the plan and hardware before you start, because the page dates from several years ago.
Rank #4
- COMPACT 4-DRAWER DESKTOP STORAGE - Measures 11-3/4 x 6-1/2 x 8-1/4 in overall, with 9.84 x 3.98 x 1.26 in drawer interiors for fine tools, jewelry, watches, collectibles and other small essentials.
- PRECISION INTERLOCKING JOINERY - Tongue-and-groove construction is used throughout the chest structure to create closely fitted wood connections, supporting a stable build and the refined character of traditional woodworking.
- OAK & BIRCH WOOD DETAILS - Solid oak drawer fronts, real oak-veneered engineered wood body panels with solid oak edge treatment, and solid birch drawer sides and backs.
- PROTECTIVE DRAWER CONSTRUCTION - Each drawer bottom uses engineered wood with green felt lining on the interior-facing side and scratch-resistant melamine on the reverse, supported by precision drawer grooves and cabinet-mounted glides.
- MADE FOR DETAIL WORK - Designed for jewelers, watch hobbyists, makers and collectors who work at desks, studios or workbenches, with a lock, leather top handle, zinc-alloy pulls and chrome-plated corner protectors.
Traveling chest (Woodsmith Essential Tool Chest, digital)
Woodsmith’s digital Essential Tool Chest plan is marked intermediate. Its deep till holds planes and saws, and two drawers sit above it. The sides and bottom are through-dovetailed, the fixed shelf is through-tenoned, and most of the remaining work is routed grooves and rabbeted panels. The finished size is 12 5/8 inches deep, 23 1/4 inches wide and 13 inches tall. Plan for the SketchUp file to be opened in Google SketchUp, since the plan is delivered digitally.
Non-portable student chest (North Bennet Street School)
The Fine Woodworking article on a North Bennet Street School project chest states that the design is not meant to be portable. Its example measures 16 inches deep, 24 inches wide and 14 inches tall. Students may build up to 18 × 30 × 17 inches. The carcase is through-dovetailed, the drawers are dovetailed and run on divider frames built with mortise-and-tenon joints, and the drawer layout can vary. Choose this type only if the chest will stay in one place and you want a joinery-heavy project.
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- MACHINIST-INSPIRED DESKTOP STORAGE — A compact furniture-inspired organizer designed for small tools, precision instruments, pocket knives, EDC accessories, collectibles, and everyday workspace essentials. Six drawers provide organized storage without taking over the workbench or desktop.
- REAL OAK & BIRCH WOOD DETAILS — The cabinet features an Engineered Wood Core with Real Oak Veneer Finish and Real Wood Edge Treatment where used in the construction. Solid Oak Drawer Fronts pair with Solid Birch Drawer Sides & Backs for a refined contrast of warm oak and lighter natural birch.
- PRECISION TONGUE-AND-GROOVE JOINERY — Precisely fitted tongue-and-groove connections are used at the drawer front-to-side and side-to-back joints, supporting structural stability while preserving the clean character of traditional woodworking techniques.
- PROTECTION IN EVERY DETAIL — Soft Green Felt Lining helps protect tools and collectibles from scratches, shifting, and surface friction. The Precision Drawer Glide System uses cabinet-mounted plastic glides with matching drawer-side grooves for smooth, stable movement designed for daily use.
- COMPACT SIX-DRAWER FORMAT — Overall size: 11.75 in L × 6.5 in W × 8.25 in H. Four small drawers measure approximately 4.13 in L × 3.93 in W × 1.13 in H, while two wider drawers measure approximately 9.8 in L × 3.93 in W × 1.13 in H. Best suited for small, flat tools, folding knives, precision accessories, coins, watches, and compact collections. Please review dimensions before purchase; not intended for large or bulky tools.
Simple portable toolbox (Kreg)
Kreg describes its traditional toolbox as an easy project with an angled handle. The material list includes pine boards, pocket-hole screws and glue. The listed tools include a jigsaw, drill, pocket-hole jig and clamp. Dimensions are not stated in the plan description, so measure your tools before you commit to a size. This design suits a lighter, box-style toolbox rather than a drawer-based tool chest.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Checklist before you choose a plan
- Tools to hold. List your planes, saws and chisels and measure the longest and tallest items. Check the depth of any till or tool well against those measurements.
- Footprint and portability. Measure the space where the chest will stay. Decide whether it needs wheels, a handle or a fixed position. A chest that moves between job sites needs a lower, lighter build than one that stays on a bench.
- Construction and skill. Dovetails, mortise-and-tenon frames and routed grooves demand different skills and tools. Choose a design that matches the joinery you can produce.
- Material list. Compare the lumber, plywood and hardware each plan requires against what you can source locally. Plans that use plywood can reduce wood movement; plans that use solid hardwood can require more material and careful drying.
- Plan format. A printed full-size plan needs no software. A digital plan may need a specific program. Confirm the format before purchase.
- Hardware. Confirm whether the plan includes hardware. Lee Valley’s plan excludes standard hardware, and its spring pins are sold separately. Woodcraft describes full-extension slides in a different chest, so slide type varies from plan to plan.
Supplies the builds depend on
Some supplies are tied to specific designs rather than to tool chests in general.
- Clamps. Woodcraft’s instructions for its chest describe dry-fitting and clamping during glue-up. Plan on enough clamps to hold the case square while the glue sets.
- Paste wax. Lee Valley’s care notes recommend periodically waxing the hardwood slides in its 05L1601 design to keep the drawers moving.
- Shellac or food-safe oil. The same notes advise finishing interior surfaces with shellac or food-safe oil to reduce rust transfer to stored metal tools.
- Stable humidity. The retailer advises keeping the chest in a stable humidity environment and inspecting the spring-pin mechanism. These are the retailer’s recommendations for that design, not independently tested requirements.
Plan-type shortcuts
If you already know the purpose, you can narrow the list quickly. A fixed bench chest points to a compact drawer design such as 05L1601. A chest that moves between job sites points to the rolling or traveling designs. A chest intended as a demanding joinery project that will not move points to the North Bennet Street School type. A simple box for basic tools points to a pocket-hole toolbox like Kreg’s.
The Bottom Line
Decide how the chest will be used before you compare plans. For a fixed bench chest with drawers, a compact printed plan such as Lee Valley’s 05L1601 is the most fully specified option. For a chest that moves, choose a rolling or traveling design and confirm the plan format and hardware. Reserve the non-portable student-style chest for a stationary build where dovetail and mortise-and-tenon work is the goal.
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