Pen Chest For Someone With A Lot Of Pens

[themidnightmiss]

Hello all-

 

So, I have to face reality- I have a pen addiction. I got a nice little zippered case for all my pens, but they don't all fit (it holds 48 and I have around 55, I had no idea!). I also no longer keep them all inked. I am looking for a pen chest that holds a LOT of pens, so that I needn't worry about where to keep them, or what to do if (ok- when ) I acquire more (I guess there actually is a disadvantage to liking cheaper pens). I really like the look of this style, which I think is based on the Gerstner tool chest:

 

http://collinswoodcrafting.com/140-Pen-Wood-Display-Collector-Chest-P2173842.aspx

 

I was wondering what forum members would think of that for my purposes? It's over what I'd like to spend, but I'm thinking about trying to save up for something like it. I figure any chest that holds over 100 pens will not be cheap. I also have a fair number of larger pens (like my Ahabs from Noodlers).

 

Here's one that is WAY fancier than I need (I am the kind of gal with inky hands), but it does hold more pens than most:

 

http://www.penporium.com/servlet/the-5530/100-PEN-CASE-WOOD/Detail

 

I could use some advice. I can take the plunge, eventually, on one chest, so I need to do what I can to make sure it's a good one, know what I mean? I'm not in a position to make my own, and I'm not very handy, but my ears are open to any suggestions.

 

I'm also curious where folks store their inks. I'm thinking I'd like something nicer than the cardboard box they're in now, but not sure what direction to go with that. I think finding a better place for my loose pens takes priority, but (ideally) one day, I'd like a home for my inks too.

 

Any thoughts/experiences?

[Lorna Reed]

There was a thread posted on 16th January, entitled "Pen Storage" which you might find useful. I posted a photo of my pen storage from pencase.co.uk.

As for ink storage, I don't have a huge amount of ink, so I store mine in a cheap wooden box from Amazon. Hope you find what you are looking for.

[northlodge]

I popped into our local cinema in Walton last week (Les Mis!) and noticed that the front counter was actually a superb 45 draw collectors cabinet.

 

A real waste of a piece of quality furniture, and I did wonder if I could sneak it out under my coat whilst everyone still had the kleenex to their eyes, but at 4' x 4' x18" this was a none starter.

 

Joking aside, these collectors cabinets are great for pen storage, just fit a suitable lining.

 

Or if the antique look (and cost) is not to your taste, Artists who use pastel crayon purchase narrow 3 or 5 draw storage units. These are also an ideal size for holding pens.

 

see here for an example:

 

http://www.greatart.co.uk/EMPTYWOODENPASTELBOXES-pastel-boxes.htm

 

I have one that is lined with trays from GoPens

 

 

Edited January 21, 2013 by northlodge

[Mikale]

I like the the first Chest you are considering because it is portable and looks heavy duty to protect your collection of fountain pens! The other one is more of home display type storage, and looks flimsy. I think the first chest is more practical, in the event you had to move your entire FP collection to a safer location.

 

I have a small collection of 25 different ink bottles. I use 3 tall wooden cigar boxes to store my PR, Noodlers, and Diamine inks in them, and there are all kept in a cardboard filing box with my MB inks which are kept in their retail shipping boxes. All inks are kept away from the sunlight. Eventually I would like to have a custom cabinet made to house all my inks.

 

Edited January 21, 2013 by Mikale

[matt385]

I have an antique Gerstner tool chest that I use to hold my pens and it is great. Just add some dividers and you are ready to go. Amazon has them for $299. The wide drawers hold my single pens and they are separated American made vs European/Japanese. The short drawers on the right hold my Sheaffer and Parker sets. You can hold short ink bottles in the top, except for Noodlers bottles. For my inks I use a clear plastic storage container to keep my wife calm in case of leaks. The chest is great because we have moved several times in the last few years and I just close the door and haul it off.

[Pentulant]

I bought this exact table from Pottery Barn a few years ago and now that we don't want it in our living room, I've repurposed it to hold my multitude of pens.

 

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Walnut-Cherry-Navigator-Coffee-Table/4232053/product.html

 

The drawers are approximately 1.5" deep and open from either side of the table.

 

I've lined the drawers with black velvet pen trays and while I've not put all of my pens in the table yet, I'm certain it will hold hundreds. (yikes)

 

If only the drawers were deep enough to hold bottles of ink.

 

So expensive - but wouldn't this be cool in the right space for inks?

[Mikale]

Did some searching on Amazon.com and found the exact Gerstner tool chest that you have your eye

 

Gersnter 8 drawer tool chest

 

You can buy tool box organizer foam sheets, cut them out for each drawer, and save yourself couple hundred dollars.

[Truman]

I have an antique oak tool box such as yours that I purchased with the same intent of housing my pens. I haven't actually pressed it into use yet as I have an old thread spool holder with 4 drawers that I've lined with felt and am currently using. I do love the old tool boxes though!

[FLJeepGuy]

The Gerstner USA chests are extremely well made, but you'll pay for it. Luckily Gerstner USA has a less expensive line of chests under the Gerstner International name that are designed by Gerstner but mass produced overseas and generally half the price or less than the handmade USA chests. Harbor Freight also carries wooden toolboxes similar in design to the Gerstner chests for a fraction of the cost, but I've heard mixed reviews on their workmanship and quality. Also, the chest on Amazon linked by Mikale above is NOT a Gerstner chest, but a similar design made by Windsor. It's also quite a bit smaller.

 

I personally have GI-532-B532 Large Chest and Base Set that I paid considerably less than MSRP for and absolutely love them. I purchased drawer liners from GoPens.com and can store literally hundreds of pens. One thing I'd like to stress is that I'm glad I waited and bought the Gerstner International rather than one of the cheaper alternatives. These are well built, extremely solid and will last for decades.

 

Here are a couple of pictures of my storage. The top bin is a little over 3" in depth and works perfectly for ink storage. Drawers 1 and 3 hold disassembled pens waiting for parts. Drawers 2 and 4 hold my pen cleaning supplies and other basic maintenance tools. Drawers 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are all lined and can hold about 140 pens. As you can see I have quite a bit of expansion room. Drawer 10 and the drawers in the base hold note pads and other miscellaneous stuff.

 

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/FLJeepGuy/Pens/GerstnerOpen.jpg

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb392/FLJeepGuy/Pens/GerstnerClosed.jpg

[penspouse]

 

[sdcurnow]

Here is where i bought mine: http://www.harborfreight.com/eight-drawer-wood-tool-chest-94538.html

 

It's just like the one that Mikale shows above. I would suggest going to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools (if you have nearby) to pick out your own. I opened 3 boxes before I found one with a good fit & finish.

[Ron Z]

I'm not finding it on the web site at the moment, but those of you who were at Ohio and Philly saw my machinist chest from Grizzly. Solid maple, 12 drawers, tray on top, big... $175 and very solid.

[sexauerw]

I have a Grizzly chest also, a bit smaller than Ron's. Mine is a 10-drawer model. Lots of battery chargers in the top compartment, JB's Pen Flush in the tall skinny center drawer and pens in all of the other drawers.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j66/sexauerw/GrizzlyChestClosed.jpg

 

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j66/sexauerw/GrizzlyChestOpen.jpg

[Sasha Royale]

I have four of the zipped pen cases. One remains unused. I like 'em.

I keep them in the book case, where the pens are stored nib-up.

[N2theBreach]

I guess it depends on how your home is furnished now, and where you keep your pens, and so on. I do like the Gerstner-style chests, but I'm not sure I'd put one in a Queen Anne living room. I've never seen the Grizzly up close, but I think they have a pretty good rep as a company. Just be sure they'll take it back, of course.

[N2theBreach]

 

 

Nice!

[penspouse]

Nice!

 

It is. Hubby spent many hours on it. It had to be rebuilt. Someone had taken drawer bottoms out and stuck drawers together to create deep drawers. It was being used as a tool chest. He restored the drawers to the original single ones, made the back plates for the knobs and antiqued them. Added more appropriate handles than what it came with, restored the finish, built the base and made a framework to hold the pen trays at a reasonable height. Now I need to convince him that it can be filled with pens BEFORE the "Pen Den" is completely organized.

Edited January 25, 2013 by penspouse

[my63]

Penspouse that is a fantastic piece of work by your other half it actually looks like it was meant to be on that base.

Those tool chests look excellent too I have tried to buy a few older versions in the UK but they go for silly money.

My wife acquired this for me from her school it was about to go in the skip I have grand plans to re veneer it as the sides are badly water damaged.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8413180333_06b573827d_z.jpg

IMG_9570 by my0771, on Flickr

 

As I was typing this reply a parcel arrived containing this

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8414280478_0e3c904b60_z.jpg

IMG_9578 by my0771, on Flickr

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8414286642_67a9389d99_z.jpg

IMG_9588 by my0771, on Flickr

so the other box goes further down the list

[penspouse]

my63 - Great possibilities in both boxes.

[N2theBreach]

Nice!

 

It is. Hubby spent many hours on it. It had to be rebuilt. Someone had taken drawer bottoms out and stuck drawers together to create deep drawers. It was being used as a tool chest. He restored the drawers to the original single ones, made the back plates for the knobs and antiqued them. Added more appropriate handles than what it came with, restored the finish, built the base and made a framework to hold the pen trays at a reasonable height. Now I need to convince him that it can be filled with pens BEFORE the "Pen Den" is completely organized.

 

Wow, it just got a complimentary upgrade from nice to fantastic. In addition to all the other work he did on it, that table looks like it came from the same period. I know it was no accident, of course. He did a really good job.