Welding tool storage for shop work

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as a 1st year apprentice, I have been looking into tool storage solutions for work.I don't travel with my job and generally work at a single location.I will be requiring a storage solution for all my hand tools as well as power tools like grinders.they will be supplying the welding power sources and consumables.I have been looking into 2 options for work site storage.OPTION 1:OPTION 2:the first chest style box seems like a good solution, but lacks any internal organization, like drawers.the second choice might be useful but I think the smaller drawers won't be as useful in the shop.any thoughts on this?what do you guys use in the shop? please post pics of your solutions if you have any.thanks for all your help.
Reply:I've never really been a fan of that 1st style job box as like you mentioned there's no good way to organize one. Seems like what I need is always buried under everything else. It's not horrible if you have everything in boxes, but loose tools are a nightmare.2nd style is what I have. Small drawers are good for some things, but not others. However there is a wide variety of box options out there with different drawer options. Snap-on has a big variety of possible options, even if they are quite expensive. Kennedy is another company that offers a variety of box options you can combine.Keep in mind small drawers are good for tips. collets, tungsten, as well as squares, tapes and so on. Wrenches are another thing that's always in mine. I don't need a ton of wrenches in my welding box, but ones for regs, hose connections, spanner for the grinder and so on are always getting used.For large items there are also tool lockers. I want to say I've seen some with drawers, but it's been a bit since I looked at a bunch of those. Shelves can work just as good if need be..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I saw a job site box like #1 but it was one of the one with drawers on Craigslist for $300. Should have bought it since they retail for over $1000Edit- like this http://www.knaack.com/en/view/Produc...age/Rolling/44Last edited by Letzgoracin301; 05-28-2015 at 05:00 PM.
Reply:I like these, with smaller boxes like your #2 option insidehttp://www.cpooutlets.com/jobox-1-65...FQsyaQodbnsAPQBuy them used from a company like thishttp://www.fmmafco.com/and pay about 1/2 the cost of a new one.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:I just bought this one, two grinders fit in the drawers. I like it, rolls around the shop nice. Attached Images
Reply:I have a job box for "most" of my welding stuff. It does take a little creativity to organize one but it is possible. I have the Ridgid version because the Klein available from Home Depot could not be picked up from the end with a lift. I wanted to be able to set the box and a genset in the bed of my truck so end lift capability was a must. The Ridgid also has a larger tool tray than the Klein.I store my leads in the bottom and a small hand carry metal box with 2 drawers holds my torches and regulators. That box sits perfectly in the corner under the tool tray. Chances are the leads are going to be in use when you need to take something out so placing them on top of stuff will not be that big of a deal. My regular hood, air hood & gold lens backup sit on top of the leads. I also keep grinders, gas/power/remote extensions and most important a fire extinguisher on the opposite side.If your tools will be inside a shop and locked up at night the mechanics type box might be the best bet. You will be able to use short drawers to divide all your consumables and layout equipment like small squares, levels, centering heads.If there is a slight chance of having to work in the field a job box will ensure your tools are more secure. We used to have a ton of job boxes at the mechanical shop and it was real easy to send it up a couple floors with a lull to keep from having to go up/down stairs and ladders. At night you could either lock the box in the site container or leave it upstairs because it wasn't moving down without a lift.TOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Its been decades since I've worked jobsites, but I would go with Option 1. More clutter for sure, but tools have a way of getting up and walking on jobsites and even with the Option 2 chests, they'll grow legs soon enough. The Option 3 that A DAB will do offered up, or Option1 modified to a similar design, would seem like a great work around.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:We have some of these that work great. Nice flat top to mount a vise to with large drawers . http://www.ruralking.com/knaack-clas...FQ4oaQodWqoAugAttachment 1122481Attachment 1122491
Reply:I've been thinking about this too, and I've come to the conclusion to get what I want I'll have to make my own. Check out some of the homemade ones on this site and there's a lot of great ideas. I also work inside a lot, but I need to move between 3 buildings so larger wheels rather than casters would be nice. I'm thinking more along the lines of a crash cart design but the top will be a combination light duty welding table/ engine repair stand. I've already picked up a 6 drawer tool box that may find it's way into the construction as well as receiver hitches that could accommodate a wire wheel, a vise, or a chop saw. Those SnapOn boxes are nice, but for the money I think I could build something that suits my personal needs better.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:You could take the option 1 box with the general tool storage cart and make a custom box. The general storage chest is disassembled when you buy it, I have one, and you could custom make it to fit the on the job box for a perfect fit for you. Plus with the spare components left over from the general cart you would have other options available to you.HF 90 Amp Flux Core Customized.
Reply:Take a look at this thread for some inspiration. Absolutely amazing job he did on this one of a kind box.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=434791TOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1We have some of these that work great. Nice flat top to mount a vise to with large drawers . http://www.ruralking.com/knaack-clas...FQ4oaQodWqoAugAttachment 1122481Attachment 1122491
Reply:If you go to either of those 2 styles of box, grinders and the usual tangle of cords that come with them really occupy a lot of space and make it difficult to be organized. I'm thinking that a rack should be attached either on the back or the side to hold the grinders, and have a retaining shelf under them for the cords that never get wound up neatly when you are using them.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Originally Posted by whtbaronIf you go to either of those 2 styles of box, grinders and the usual tangle of cords that come with them really occupy a lot of space and make it difficult to be organized. I'm thinking that a rack should be attached either on the back or the side to hold the grinders, and have a retaining shelf under them for the cords that never get wound up neatly when you are using them.
Reply:whtbaron. you are absolutely right. Power tool cables tend to tangle into a horrid mess. tools like that should either be stored into plastic storage boxes or hung up. maybe I should think about this:the Knaack 97-D. I like the fact that the high back could be used to suspend tools, it has good storage on the bottom, and a bottom drawer.I'm not too excited about the price, but I guess you get what you pay for...anyone else have any other options?
Reply:Maybe you buy what you can afford, but build what you need around it with a steel plate top that you can work on.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes