Graystar
Member
I can't find a range box that fits my need, nor have I been able to find any other type of box that fits the bill. I've decided that I have to build my own.
I'd like your thoughts and experiences working with different materials and designs.
Here's what I was thinking so far. overall size is 16" long by 12" high by 12" wide. The box will have two drawers. The space for each drawer is 4", leaving 4" for a top area. Just like those 2-drawer tool boxes (none of which are the right size.)
The idea is to carry scope, eyes&ears, targets (I print my own on 11.5" x 8.5"), mags, and timer in the top where easy accessibility is important. I'd carry tools, cleaning equipment, and ammo in the second drawer.
The bottom drawer is unique. That's where the guns would be stored. However, I need this drawer to have a lid and be lockable. In NY, you must transport guns in a locked container, separate from ammo. By having the guns in an independently locked drawer, I'll be able to carry everything in one box.
That's the general idea. I was looking at either using .050 aluminum sheet material, or 1/8" "aircraft" plywood. The plywood is actually 5-ply and amazingly strong (used in model aircraft construction.)
If I went with plywood, I was thinking of joining the wood with epoxy and fiberglass tape. You just spread a 1" wide band of epoxy on the edge of the plywood, press the fiberglass tape into it, and you've got a joint.
If I went with aluminum, well, I'm not quite sure how to do it. I was thinking of actually getting a large sheet that I can bend into shape and then use rivits to join the material. But I don't know if the .050 aluminum will bend or break. and I don't know if I'll be able to get, and use, regular rivits. Those pop-rivits are terrible.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
I'd like your thoughts and experiences working with different materials and designs.
Here's what I was thinking so far. overall size is 16" long by 12" high by 12" wide. The box will have two drawers. The space for each drawer is 4", leaving 4" for a top area. Just like those 2-drawer tool boxes (none of which are the right size.)
The idea is to carry scope, eyes&ears, targets (I print my own on 11.5" x 8.5"), mags, and timer in the top where easy accessibility is important. I'd carry tools, cleaning equipment, and ammo in the second drawer.
The bottom drawer is unique. That's where the guns would be stored. However, I need this drawer to have a lid and be lockable. In NY, you must transport guns in a locked container, separate from ammo. By having the guns in an independently locked drawer, I'll be able to carry everything in one box.
That's the general idea. I was looking at either using .050 aluminum sheet material, or 1/8" "aircraft" plywood. The plywood is actually 5-ply and amazingly strong (used in model aircraft construction.)
If I went with plywood, I was thinking of joining the wood with epoxy and fiberglass tape. You just spread a 1" wide band of epoxy on the edge of the plywood, press the fiberglass tape into it, and you've got a joint.
If I went with aluminum, well, I'm not quite sure how to do it. I was thinking of actually getting a large sheet that I can bend into shape and then use rivits to join the material. But I don't know if the .050 aluminum will bend or break. and I don't know if I'll be able to get, and use, regular rivits. Those pop-rivits are terrible.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
