I finally got some time to get this posted. I have been using this set up for a while and really like it. I have three Systainer/Sortainer stacks that contain all the basic tools that I use on site. But they not only transport the tools , they also are completely organized with immediate access to any and every item.


It took a little experimenting with different units to get the best stack height and combination. The nice thing is that rearranging is no trouble as needed to get things dialed in. I finally settled on a height of about 16" for easy carrying. 20" would have been OK too, but the 16" was just a little easier for lifting over truck sides and negotiating peoples houses.

So I have two stacks that consist of a Sys - I on top of the Sortainer with two large drawers, and one stack of a Sys - III on top of a regular height Sortainer.

Here they are set up on a folding (fold in half) table. The table was a planned part of the set up and combined with an MFT gives me a portable shop in a very small foot print , right in the room I am working in.



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The next series of pics shows the contents. There is a lot of stuff in them with room to spare.

Stack #1--






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Stack #2








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Stack #3


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By making use of the lids a lot of tools that could end up in a jumble have instant access too.

Combined with the CT Mini and my pneumatic Systainer on a roll board I have built in rolling transport when needed as well. Here is a pic with everything ready to move---




Including the time to walk in / out of most places my set up and take down time is about 10 - 15 minutes. From the truck to ready to use portable shop. This does not include miter saw or additional tool set ups. And you will note the lack of other power tools such as sanders etc. But with all of those in Systainers they just get carried in and placed under the table and MFT.

Also the systainer - III with the hearing protectors is purposely almost empty. I planned in this space for add ins such as other power tools , hand tools, job specific items, hinges, hardware, stain, whatever, etc. That way I can add quite a few items with out adding an additional container to carry.

Any tools tat are in the travel kit are duplicates of what I have in the shop. That way I can grab the Systainer stacks and not worry that I forgot anything that is not job specific.

Seth

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Great post Seth!

Your set up is clearly well thought out, and it looks very neat and handy to use.

I'm sure a bunch of us are going to benefit from the R&D you've done.

Thanks a bunch!

Nice job! I like your blade storage under the first lid -- sweet! I've been interested in the under-lid inserts that you have in the other two. Which of these do you like better? Are they worthwhile?

Seth,

This is a nice, efficient setup. That folding worktable is a great reminder. I need a portable worktable right now and have of those folding guys, but it never clicked to use like this. Duh!

A question about the one with the (presumably) black foam bottom and white "X" used for?

Thanks,

Dan.

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Great setup Seth.
Taking a few extra minutes at job sites initially allows you to work much more efficiently and comfortably almost like having your shop setup while away from it. You probably know intuitively how to stack them, I might be inclined to label them with small numbers or letters so they "automatically" get stacked the same each time, knowing just where to reach for a tool.

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Cool! What's that neat thing holding the screwdrivers and pencils in the lid?

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I don't have as many Festools as Fred

I like them both, just depends what you want them to hold. They are not inexpensive for what they are, but having them ready to fit the lid makes them extra nice.

Also the clip style one is actually two of them. I found that it was not strong enough to hold heavier screwdrivers. But I liked the way it worked so I added a second for more holding power. It does a really good job now.

The blade storage- I had some flat plastic cable clips that were just right for holding the blades. I just built up the inside of the lid were I wanted to attach them (to even up with the ribs) and super glued the clips on. Works great! I have one handle that fits all three blades.

Seth

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Yup, those tables are handy. With the tool chests on them I do a lot less bending to get things plus they double up the use of the floor space because I can put things underneath (like the CT) as well. I have several of the tables - very handy when you want to pop one up somewhere on a job site.

The foam in the bottom is very dense , more of a protective pad than cushioning. Its thickness equals the height of the raised X to even up the bottom. I used it in that one because the Microplanes are in it (behind the white divider). I don't really need it , but it was a good place to try it out. The rest of that space is unused real estate waiting for a tool to fill it up.

Seth

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Yes, everything comes in before I start work. No running out/in to get things. Especially nice in bad weather. Numbering would be a good idea, especially if I end up adding more. For the moment the tool labels differentiate them for me.

Seth

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If you know where it's comin' from ...... You can tell where it's goin'. ========> ======> =====> ====> ===> ==> => > > >>>

Tanos tool holder. Two of them really, I found that one did not have enough holding power. They are a metal channel with springy plastic loops all pushing against each other. The tools get pressed between any pair. The fact that they are loops makes it so you can drop screwdrivers through from the top instead of clipping them in. They will fall out in that configuration if the lid is closed , but it becomes a handy tool holder when open. Clip them in for transport. Drop them through when in use.


Seth

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If you know where it's comin' from ...... You can tell where it's goin'. ========> ======> =====> ====> ===> ==> => > > >>>