Just because I prefer to use hand tools doesn’t mean I don’t like high technology. The Internet is one of the most decentralized ways to communicate outside the corporate channels.
So Robert Justiana’s version of “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest” is pretty cool in my book. It looks pretty standard from the outside, but when you open the lid….
I’ll let Robert tell the story instead.
“I was pleased to be invited to submit pictures of my Anarchist’s Tool Chest, but needed to include a short (?) letter.
“First, I would like to thank (Lost Art Press) all for the work you are doing to preserve our craft. A special thanks to Christopher for writing the book, which has had what is best described as a profound effect on me.
“When posting that I was on my third reading of “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest,” I was not exaggerating. My first read was educational and eye-opening. The book gave voice to the way I felt about both modern woodworking and our disposable, consumer society. Moreover, by the time I had finished it, I was determined to build the chest and change the way I work with wood. Before that, I would not have even considered building a project of this scope with mostly hand tools.
“I began working with wood about 25 years ago, but always lusted more for Norm’s arsenal of machines than for Roy’s collection of vintage tools. Until starting my chest, my experience with hand-cut dovetails ranged from terrifying to miserable. Now I actually enjoy them, finding reasons to cut more and trying to make each successive one fit better than the last.
“The second reading of the book was my guide while building the chest, and the third (and ongoing) is as I sell off my extraneous tools and round out the contents of my chest.
“Finally, I must confess one tiny bit of heresy. I was so inspired by your blog entries about painted and decorated chests, and by Peter Follansbee’s carvings that I wanted to embellish my chest. As a nod to my other skill set and to the limits of my carving, I used my small C.N.C. to carve the inside of my lid panel and to pay tribute to the book that inspired me. Thank you again.”
— Robert Justiana