As with many of my posts they come from requests I get in my email or from the various forums I subscribe and contribute to. Now someone has asked for a closer look into my drawers…those that hold my tools…err my scale modeling crafting type tools that is.

Over the years I have worked from a converted fishing tackle box that I picked up at the local dime store…man does that date me! To the one some would say is an elaborate setup which I now have. Understand that I didn’t go out and purchase the tool chest and roll cab I am now using just for my modeling. No it was first used as a means to hold all of my mechanics tools. I used to turn wrenches as a mechanic, service manager and manufacturers rep in the outdoor power equipment arena.

I prefer drawers to open shelving and pegboard…even though I have used both on many occasions, drawers offer more protection. First, I generate a lot of dust when I am scratch building. We also have small grandchildren that come to visit. Even though the workshop is secured when they are visiting, there are times when one forgets to lock the door.  Some who use drawers also find it a great way to keep things out of sight, especially when those of you who fall under the rules of a SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed). Fortunately that isn’t the case here…just ask her!

I keep the most used items closest. My top drawer of my roll cab which sits directly under my work surface, I keep my Dremel and rotary tools/bits. Sanding and polishing sticks. Putty. Craft sticks. A small self healing pad and a few other frequently used items.

In the drawer below that I have my clamping supplies as well as my Chopper and TruSander. One can never have enough clothes pins both standard and miniature. Office clamps are also useful as are the small QuickGrip clamps made by Vise Grip. There is also a contour gauge there as well.

Again we step down one more drawer and find where I keep my masking tape. Which is very important to keep sealed in plastic bags. This keeps the sides of the rolls from picking up debris and dust. Nothing worse than finding fine hair and lint on the tape as you unspool it to apply. I also keep extra empty jars, eyedroppers, paper index sized card stock (for masking and template making) and my Silly Putty. Then below this drawer I keep my sand paper, which I keep laid out flat. More on this later.

Now I am going to shift over to the tool chest which sits on the left side of my workbench. In the upper section under the lid (which stays open) I keep recycled saline bottles that are filled with my most commonly used liquids. Alcohol, Water, Windex, Simple Green, Lacquer Thinner, Hawkeye’s Thinner and other large containers of liquids I might occasionally need.

In the top two drawers I keep my jars of paint. One is dedicated to enamels the other to acrylics. The next is where I store my airbrush and airbrush accessories. Then we hit the intermediate chest and it holds a majority of my hand tools.

I also keep a paper towel dispenser handy. Mounted above the bench so I can grab some in a hurry! Sometimes I will have two such dispensers mounted in strategic locations…bench and paint booth.

Did I mention lighting yet? Get as much as you can. Full spectrum is best and have a variety of types of lamps. If you just have fluorescent light you might find yourself slowly living in a dim world. An standard light bulb in a spot lamp can come in handy. Clamp on lights are easily relocated, such as to the outside of your paint booth for those times when you need more light.

Inventory your tools and supplies regularly…no you don’t have to list everything but do photograph it occasionally just in case of a disaster. It helps with the insurance claims. Also by doing an inventory you can inspect your stuff to see if anything is a foul. Just read a recent post about a gentleman who has some rust issues with his Waldron punch set. A leaking jar or bottle can cause much hidden damage if it is tucked away behind something…whether in a drawer or on a shelf. So inspecting often is a good idea to keep you tools and supplies in tip top shape.

That’s it for this installment, I’ll be continuing the tour soon. If you missed the first installment you can find it HERE.