Description
Build Your Own Gerstner Masterpiece
Unleash your creativity with the Gerstner 2609 Master Craftsman Chest – DIY Kit. This hands-on project allows you to assemble a timeless wooden tool chest that combines beauty, function, and tradition. Once completed, you’ll have a durable storage chest for your tools, collectibles, or delicate keepsakes—crafted by your own hands.
Inspired by Gerstner History
The design of the 2609 kit draws inspiration from the Style 72 MasterCraftsman chest, originally created in 1976 by Jack Campbell, Gerstner’s President at the time. That chest became an instant favorite among craftsmen. Today, the 2609 offers the same classic look in a slightly smaller size than the 2610 Journeyman Chest, yet it still provides generous room for tools and collections.
A DIY Kit for Every Skill Level
The 2609 DIY Kit is designed to be accessible for beginners and satisfying for seasoned woodworkers. Because all of the joinery is pre-machined, you can achieve professional results regardless of your experience level. With basic tools and a weekend of work, you’ll create a functional and elegant chest that reflects your craftsmanship.
More Than a Project
This DIY chest is more than just a woodworking kit—it’s an experience. Building it offers a sense of accomplishment, reduces stress, and enhances dexterity. It also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys woodworking, DIY projects, or heirloom-quality craftsmanship.
Customize to Your Style
The unfinished wood allows you to personalize your chest with your choice of finish, hardware, and detailing. Whether you prefer a natural look, a stained finish, or a unique custom design, the 2609 DIY Kit lets you make the chest truly your own.
A Legacy You Build Yourself
For over 100 years, Gerstner has built tool chests that stand for quality, tradition, and American craftsmanship. With the 2609 Master Craftsman Chest DIY Kit, you become part of that story.
Key Features
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DIY Kit – Assemble your own Master Craftsman chest
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Inspired Design – Based on the 1976 Style 72 chest by Jack Campbell
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Generous Storage – Slightly smaller than the 2610 Journeyman, but with ample space
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Beginner-Friendly – Pre-machined joinery for easy assembly and professional results
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Customizable Finish – Personalize with your choice of stain or detailing
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Hands-On Experience – Build in a weekend, relax, and enjoy the process
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Heirloom Quality – Durable, functional, and proudly part of Gerstner’s 100+ year tradition
Order your Gerstner 2609 DIY Kit today and experience the pride of building a chest that will last for generations.
NOTE: We utilize some computer‑generated images to help show standard views.
Martin Justis (verified owner) –
I was able to add the Master Craftsman chest to my collection of DIY kits from Gerstner. I thoroughly enjoyed building this chest. There is quite a bit more work to be done on this than there is on the smaller boxes, but it is well worth the time. As with all other DIY kits I’ve done, everything just fit and fit perfectly. All the joinery is superb and there isn’t much work involved in getting everything square and true. If you have some clamps and a little time there is no reason you can’t have a beautiful chest ready to work in your shop. I spent some extra time working on the finish on my box (cherry wood with brass hardware) and it was worth every minute of time put in to get the look I wanted. As with all the other DIY kits, you can do the most simple rub on finish and it will look amazing, or go the extra mile and really make it stand out. It’s up to you how you want to finish it. I personally think the DIY is the way to go as I know my chest is just a little different than any other one out there, but it’s still a Gerstner at the end of the day and anyone can take one look at my box and know it’s a Gerstner. My only complaint on this box (everything can’t be perfect, right??) is that you can’t pick the hardware, I would have preferred the nickel hardware with the cherry wood. I understand that’s just the way it is and I’m okay with that. The brass does look amazing with the cherry, but I would have liked to see a choice there. I understand that may drive up the price somewhat though. If you check their website often you can catch it on sale and really save some money. I keep checking as I may just purchase another one, can’t have too many you know. Everything that is included is top notch and fits perfectly. All the felt is cut exactly to fit and all you need to do is glue it in.
As with all the other DIY kits I really enjoyed doing the easy work with my own hands but leaving the difficult joinery to the experts. They really do an excellent job of it. If you are in the market for a nice tool chest to last a lifetime and that can be passed down I would highly recommend this kit as it doesn’t get much better than this!