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I have more than a dozen tool rolls I’ve bought over the years to store rasps, wrenches, auger bits, carving tools and so on. They are my favorite way to protect edge tools in a tool chest – and they are essential for traveling and site work.
I’ve never bought the same brand of roll twice because I’m always looking for one that is better-made. Yesterday, I think I found it.
Jason Thigpen of Texas Heritage Woodworks makes far and away the most awesome tool roll I’ve encountered. I purchased one (full price, etc. etc.) for traveling, and I am simply blown away by it. All the seams are stout. All the stress points are riveted. And the leather that holds it all together is supple and strong – almost too nice for a tool roll.
Heck, most of my clothes aren’t made this well.
The rolls come in a variety of colors and fabrics (waxed and unwaxed). I opted for waxed as I end up loading and unloading tools in the rain and snow. Yes, they are more expensive than any other tool roll I’ve encountered, but they are far too cheap for what you get.
Jason makes all the tool rolls from scratch in his Texas shop. He also makes aprons and nice coffee mugs that are ideal for the woodshop (click the link and you’ll see why). I’ve been meaning to try out his shop aprons, but I have yet to wear out the really nice one I bought from Artifact Bags.
Get your order in now at Texas Heritage. It might take a few weeks to get one, but they are worth it.
— Christopher Schwarz
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
Thanks for informing folks about products that aren’t mass produced and sold at big box stores.
A fool with his money is soon parted. What do you give a woodworker who has everything? I’ll get one when I have everything and I mean everything. No, I’ll give that money to the homeless. Mary May uses a tool roll made from an old pair of jeans. I’ll bet her tools are top of the line.
I bought one of their coffee mugs and, while not inexpensive, well worth the cost and should last til I’m worm food.
Wood Owl envy…
One comment – I used a roll to store a sat of carving chisels (sorby’s) And after a year of on-use, I weNt to use them and upon opening the roll I found heavy rust. The roll was stored in my basement. A word to the wise – Include an anti-desiccant Pack or two in your roll or find a dry spot.