CQR Toolchest

[Jason CundallParticipant @jasoncundall54270]

Hello all

I've just purchased myself another wooden tool chest – a CQR this time round. Does anyone know anything about the manufacturer? I've never heard of CQR prior to this, and google isn't helping.

I'm planning on cleaning it up and possibly re-creating the old CQR labels / transfers on it. Finding an image online that I can nab maybe easier than trying to recreate it from the portions left on the case.

Cheers

Jason

Edited By Jason Cundall on 11/04/2020 17:12:59

[Jason CundallParticipant @jasoncundall54270]

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

There is a reasonable image of the logo here, Jason

**LINK**

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-drawer-oak-engineers-1777754807

… I just searched for “CQR” toolmaker

MichaelG.

.

P.S. ___ Oak doesn’t seem a very good choice of timber 

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 11/04/2020 17:55:04

[Mike PooleParticipant @mikepoole82104]

I have thought the same about oak for tool chests, Gerstner make American Oak tool chests but other woods are popular. As the tools will only be in contact with baize is this sufficient protection? Or does the wood generate a corrosive atmosphere? Oak is certainly renowned for not being kind to steel in direct contact.

Mike

[Mike PooleParticipant @mikepoole82104]

I have a couple of these type of chests but how far to go with the clean up? Is it just a tidy up and repair any damage or the complete refurb so it like it was made yesterday? The restorers dilemma. Mine are still original and well used but the temptation is there to run the sander over it and refinish it with all new baize. Due to it being well down the list of stuff to do it’s likely they will stay original for a good while.

Mike

Edited By Mike Poole on 11/04/2020 19:30:26

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Mike Poole on 11/04/2020 18:04:07:

… Or does the wood generate a corrosive atmosphere? Oak is certainly renowned for not being kind to steel in direct contact.

Mike

There are about 600 different species of oak. Many emit a lot Acetic &/or Formic Acid as they age but not all. Provided the chest was made from one of the suitable oaks and has been kept dry, it may be OK.

But all types of wood decays as it ages. A dry and properly seasoned chest may have been good when new but less safe today. Especially if it's ever been exposed to damp.

Maybe the drawers are lined and only the structure is oak. Try it with a test metal and see?

Dave

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

John Stevenson had several old tool chests and knew the people and stories behind each one. I wonder what's become of them?

Neil

[Jason CundallParticipant @jasoncundall54270]

Thanks for the replies – I had seen the pics of other CQR boxes, but wanted to know a bit more about the company who made them.

This is going to be a light restoration I think. I'm going to give it a good clean and treat the wood. Possibly change the baize in the drawers and do something with the top handle, as what leather was on it is pretty much gone. I think I'll wrap the handle with cord.

I doubt I'll go all out and strip and refinish like I did my Neslien.

Edited By Jason Cundall on 12/04/2020 12:07:01

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Jason Cundall on 12/04/2020 12:04:31:

Thanks for the replies – I had seen the pics of other CQR boxes, but wanted to know a bit more about the company who made them.

.

Oh well … I must have misunderstood your opening post:

” Finding an image online that I can nab maybe easier than trying to recreate it from the portions left on the case. “

MichaelG.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

I notice no drawer for machinery handbook. Of course, you just put the tablet in the bottom drawer.

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