Since a family member recently purchased a pistol for a part time job, he has no choice or personal inclination to carry/store it with him wherever he is..and funds are somewhat scarce. When someone is not home, where to put the gun? Some hiding place?? Prefer a small, tough safe. From what I've seen and experience with, the tough are expensive, the cheap little better than hiding it under the sofa. What I do have is some 1/2" thick (i believe) by 8" steel plate and access to welding equipment. My goal is to build a basic box with a lock (heavy gauge). the object is for the CASUAL thief to be discouraged by the WEIGHT of the thing (picking it up, exiting the house, running thru neighborhood). not worried about aesthetics, rusting, padding, emergency access, screwed down (maybe a cable screwed into wall stud?). I'm having a bit of trouble coming up with a proper (yet easily and readily avialable) hinge mechanism and lock. Would be nice to be able to use handcuffs (and keys) somehow. Any recommendations/specs/suggestions would be appreciated. The thing here is finances and what I have on hand to help. I know what to do with alot of money. thanks.