| Project by whit | posted 06-22-2011 02:46 AM | 3052 views | 0 times favorited | 7 comments |  |
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This is a small box used to verify handgun sizes for IDPA shooting matches at one of the GADPA (Atlanta, GA) local area matches. If the gun fits in the box (and complies with the other requirements for the guns based on division), the shooter can use it. So, to paraphrase the inimitable Johnnie Cochran, if it doesn’t fit, you can’t shoot it.
I made this one out of bamboo flooring that’s been planed to ~1/2” thick. My next one will probably be made out of oak. I’ll stick with the same thickness but go with finger joints instead of mitered corners. The hinges and handle are made out of bamboo, as well, but the grain direction is different. The logo is engraved on the cover.
Lessons learned:
Bamboo makes splinters – lots and LOTS of splinters.
You can’t use lateral laminations of bamboo oriented parallel to the hinge pins for hinges. Well . . . you CAN, but you shouldn’t. There’s not enough strength to hold everything together. For you folks who have been down this path before, that’s probably a no-brainer. For me, it was a “DOH” moment. NOW it’s a no-brainer.
Making wooden or, in this case, grass hinges is a trip. I originally tried using the Jointech jig but I like the Incra jig better. The Jointech jig I have is good for two diameters and 1 width; the Incra jig will make 4 different diameters and up to 10” wide. Being of simple mind, I confuse easily, so I can’t blame all this on the jig.
WOW!! Three projects in 1445 days. Guess I better get busy!!
-- Even if to be nothing more than a bad example, everything serves a purpose. cippotus
7 comments so far
dakremer
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2756 posts in 4099 days
#1 posted 06-22-2011 05:18 AM
That is one cool looking box!! I can’t wait to do stuff like this. The tools that are available to me are old and not very precise. I can’t make perfect mitered corner for the life of me! Some day…..some day.
Great project! Great box! Really cool hinges!! Thanks for sharing
-- Hey you dang woodchucks, quit chucking my wood!!!!
MichaelA
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#2 posted 06-22-2011 05:34 AM
Nice box whit.Those splinters can be as nasty as a porchipine quill ouch!!!!
-- The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. "Helen Keller"
Ian Hawthorne
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#3 posted 06-22-2011 07:40 AM
Very neat and clean work well done.
-- Worlds Best Box Hardware! https://www.facebook.com/NeatHardware?ref=hl
Ken90712
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#4 posted 06-22-2011 10:11 AM
well done, looks great
-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"
Richard
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297 posts in 3545 days
#5 posted 06-22-2011 01:23 PM
I am such an idiot. When I saw “GADPA” on the top, I thought it was a nick-name for GrandPa.
I would never put something as bumping and damaging as a handgun into such a beautiful box.
Fine looking hinges and complete piece.
Thanks for sharing your talent.
-- 'I sand, therefore, I am'. Richard. PNW.
Willie1031
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141 posts in 3545 days
#6 posted 06-22-2011 04:36 PM
Wiggy, don’t feel bad…I thought the exact same thing.
Whit, nice box. I can’t imagine that bamboo is the easiest.
-- A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval. -- Mark Twain
Joshuah
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#7 posted 06-23-2011 05:23 AM
real nice hinges!
-- -Joshuah
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