How to french fit tools for tool box?

[leathertools]

I am trying to french fit some hand tools for leather working into a case. I am looking for ideas on how to french fit these into a try in the tool box. Idea is to have something like a machinest tool box with drawers and then put like styrafoam in each draw and fit the different tools into it. Tools would be like edgers, overstich wheels, ect. The the plan is to cover this with a piece of hand tooled leather with the tools cut around the french fitted foam. Looking for ideas on what to use instead of the foam. I have heard some custome gun case makers use redwood and then french fit the tools into this. I am looking for some ideas for materials to use for this that is easy to work and will not have any moisture to rust the tools as they will be right against the material. Someone mentioned to line each cut out with thin leather. This would work on the sides, but if I am going to fit the round part of the handle the bottom of the french fit area would also need to be round.

Thanks for any ideas.

leathertools

[TwinOaks]

I am trying to french fit some hand tools for leather working into a case. I am looking for ideas on how to french fit these into a try in the tool box. Idea is to have something like a machinest tool box with drawers and then put like styrafoam in each draw and fit the different tools into it. Tools would be like edgers, overstich wheels, ect. The the plan is to cover this with a piece of hand tooled leather with the tools cut around the french fitted foam. Looking for ideas on what to use instead of the foam. I have heard some custome gun case makers use redwood and then french fit the tools into this. I am looking for some ideas for materials to use for this that is easy to work and will not have any moisture to rust the tools as they will be right against the material. Someone mentioned to line each cut out with thin leather. This would work on the sides, but if I am going to fit the round part of the handle the bottom of the french fit area would also need to be round.

Thanks for any ideas.

leathertools

A couple of options come to mine- Using wood, you can do it by layering the wood. Cut each layer using router cuts/plunges to make the size cutouts you need. Another idea is.....well, foam. Instead of trying to cut out the foam, build it up. Wrap the tools in plastic wrap, lay them in a tray (same size as the box) and apply Dap Latex foam (or similar product). This will expand, so don't over do it. It will give an exact molding of the tools and their position. Then, remove the tools, and cut the top of the foam down to where you want it. End result is a layer of foam X inches thick with precise molding for your tools.

[leathertools]

Mike, thanks for the ideas. I did not think of the expanding foam. Might be an option. Same thing with the layering of the wood. Both good idea. It sure helps to get other ideas.

Edited January 19, 2010 by leathertools