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A few weeks ago, I posted about “Build a Viking Tool Chest,” a start-to-finish instructional DVD (also available as a download) from woodworker and blacksmith Don Weber. He shows you not only how to build the historic chest, but how to make your own period-correct hardware.
At the time, it was on pre-order; it’s now available in our store – and when you purchase through ShopWoodworking.com, you get a bonus video and parts list from Don that show you how to build an inexpensive backyard forge with items found at your local hardware store. Fun!
And while lots of folks were excited to hear we had the video coming out, I did get a kind – but rather embarrassing note – from a reader in Europe:
“I just got the e-mail about the new DVD on ‘Build a Viking Tool Chest with Don Weber,’ and had a look at the youtube videoclip. One thing that we here in Europe always have fun with is when Americans get Sweden and Switzerland mixed up .In looking at the videoclip, Don gives a bit of background to the Mastermyr toolchest, and says that it was found outside of Denmark. Well, it was found on Gotland, an island that in outside of Sweden. Just saying…. :-)”
But he also sent me information about a handcraft school in Sweden, Bäckedals Folkhögskola, that offers a course on forging and metalcraft, where one of the mandatory projects is to make the chest and hardware. That’s very cool. (In my long-ago shop class, I’m fairly certain the only real requirement was that we try our best not bleed all over the tools.)
So… apologies on behalf of Don and the video staff for misplacing Gotland. I am 99-percent confident, however, that that is the only misinformation you’ll find on “Build a Viking Tool Chest.”
