Function or display: The woodworker's tool wall

Rex Kalehoff's Sculptural Tool Wall. Photo: Rex Kalehoff

For woodworkers, a tool wall can be much more than a functional storage area. As workshop focal point, tool walls are an adornment in their own right and their design reflects the personality of the maker.

Rex Kalehoff’s tool wall is an example of utility combined with his own sculptural artistry. He writes: ‘Consisting of individually carved fumed oak components attached to a plywood backing, each piece is removable and interchangeable, allowing for upgrades and changes in tooling and organizational needs. Each tool is custom-fit and displayed on its own uniquely carved sculptural form, inviting close observation and careful interaction. The forms are soft, rounded, and voluminous, designed to enhance the experience of using my treasured instruments, making me want to return to them again and again, for countless hours of joy in making.’ Learn more here.

Robert Howard’s tool chest has been the backdrop to more than one issue of Australian Wood Review. In 2016, the image above featured on the cover of issue 91 and earlier it was shown on the cover of issue 73. Much earlier in 2008, Robert wrote about ‘the fine art of nesting’. This turned out to be one of the most ‘controversial’ articles ever run in the magazine. He took a more functional approach in a later article.

Jim Howell’s tool cabinet was also a focal point when it appeared on the cover of issue 78 in the photo taken by Greg Howell shown above. You can read an article he wrote about his cabinet here.

The Studley tool chest is legendary in its genre, however closer to the present you also see a video of Patrick Damiani’s fabulous creation at this link.