Gerstner Box Restoration: Step 1

So the journey begins with a question. Hope someone can help.

[horacerumpole]

Get a piece of quartersawn oak veneer, overlay the missing area plus a bit more, tape in place, cut an irregular shape through both veneers.
Make sure you have cut completely through box veneer, remove the remaining cut piece, check your fit on the patch piece, tape a hinge on it and glue in place

[AJR]

Hi Phil, first I'd give Gerstner a call. The guy there that still builds/ repairs & restores toolboxes is an old timer and really knows his shit.
If you want to go it alone, you can get veneer sheets. You might need to do some searching to find a similar grain structure. Looking at the back you can see the separate pieces, so removing the bottom piece only might be a way to go. Steam will soften the veneer so it's workable, but it does expand a bit. Tape up anything you don't want to damage (by getting wet). When installing the new piece, overlap it slightly and cut through both new and old sections so the joint will match better. Good luck - Stay safe and well :)

[jonirwin]

Veneers are used on the top & back because solid wood will warp.

[seansweeney]

I believe the top of the lid is veneer too. Beautiful chests though!

[TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hi Phil,
Good to see the work has started on the restoration of toolbox No2... I was not aware of the use of veneer on Gerstner boxes...
Take care.
Paul, ,

[cgrosbeck]

I am vary late to the party but going to comment anyway for others. Keeping original is always best !!!! So the handle on top is mettle underneath the lather I would just restore to the best I could get it to and not be concerned with the crack, did not look bad enough to me for replacement. On the back at the bottom I would trim with bent mettle tin angle, this would cover and permanently protect edge.

[ericcommarato]

I agree with Chainnut’s comment, I’d try the heat sensitive oak veneer edge banding tape. Perhaps you could carefully cut and splice a patch in then apply iron heat.

[across]

Tool & Die Guy- How might we be able to reach out to you? We LOVE your work, ...a lot! :)

[MrRShoaf]

They sell flooring (Pre-finished hardwood) if you can find a close grain pattern glue up strips and make a whole new panel.

If you are looking for something to putter with. You can make up se clamping jigs and mill a kit for a nice diy build your own tool box kit.

[frankbonsignore.RochesterNY]

You could use a good quality filler and then draw the grain line in it with a fine point permanent marker.

[lloyd]

You can buy sheets of oak veneer plywood in different thicknesses. I would look at doing it that way. I'm guessing it's 1/4 inch thick, should be easy to replace.

[steveparker]

The top of the lid is verneered as well.

[ChainNut]

I would try some edge banding from the big box store, it comes with glue just heat with an iron and glue the rest down, then finish.

[chowtownfoodreviews]

Hey we were supposed to do a video together