This project was commissioned by my best friend’s girlfriend FOR my best friend (who I have been friends with since 2nd grade).
I was told that he liked the ‘gun cleaning kit’ in the Cabella’s catalog and wanted one for Christmas. Well, she decided to commission me to make one instead of ordering it from the catalog. I told her that if she would pay for the materials I would do the work for free, which also left more room in her budget for better materials.
Here is the Cabella’s version:
Here are my Sketchup drawings:
The main difference in design is the way the lid opens. I plan to make my lid open like two wings. This will allow for a larger work space to set cleaning supplies (and keep them off the bench). I will also engineer the hinges so that when you open the two lids the arms which hold the rifle automatically swing into place like a pop-up book.
My box will also have a locking lid and a brass rod which slips through the top of the box down into the drawer fronts to keep them locked much like a craftsman tool box. The rod can only be taken out when the lid is open. All hardware will be premium solid brass.
I chose a piece of Bloodwood 3/4”x13”x5’ for the project. I am trying to expand my working knowledge of different species of hardwoods. I have never worked with Bloodwood before. Its gorgeous but not cheap.
I spent quite a bit of time sketching and drawing the joinery and proportions on paper before I made the Sketchup computer drawings:
Here it is cut into the main dimensions for the sides of the box:
I had to stop because I realized that my new jointer is not set up and that would have been the next step. Like always, I’ll keep posting the progress.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
15 comments so far
lew
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4494 posts in 652 days
posted 361 days ago
Looking Good, Blake!!
majeagle1
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430 posts in 393 days
posted 361 days ago
Can’t wait to see the finished product…......... You will love the bloodwood, it finishes just like glas and is really nice to work with.
-- Gene, Majestic Eagle Woodworks, http://majesticeagleww.etsy.com/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/majesticeagle/
Peter O
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1024 posts in 771 days
posted 361 days ago
Looks good – be sure to post lots of details so it’s easy for me to steal your idea!
-- http://www.north40custom.com -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --
Karson
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25803 posts in 1297 days
posted 361 days ago
Blake a nice looking creation.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Woodhacker
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1145 posts in 620 days
posted 361 days ago
Very nice Blake. Others may have had different experiences but you may want to give the glue joint areas an acetone rub/wash to remove some of the surface oils to make stronger glue joints. I’ve also done this just prior to finishing too. I agree with Gene, it finishes very, very smooth.
-- Martin, Kansas
oldskoolmodder
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707 posts in 576 days
posted 361 days ago
Very nice design Blake. Can’t wait to see the end result. I too am interested in your experience with the Bloodwood.
-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric
Todd A. Clippinger
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5648 posts in 996 days
posted 361 days ago
Looking forward to seeing another great project from Blake!
Have you considered using something like leather where the gun contacts the holders? It may provide some padding to the gun and protect your project.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Blake
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2760 posts in 771 days
posted 361 days ago
I use leather on almost all of my boxes. This one will feature lots of leather too. Thanks for the suggestion of using acetone on the joints, I hadn’t thought of that.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
rikkor
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11335 posts in 771 days
posted 361 days ago
Wonderful design Blake. Any interest in sharing your SketchUp files?
woodyone
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234 posts in 488 days
posted 361 days ago
wow cool , look forward to seeing finished piece.
Woody.
-- Woody, UK
Tomcat1066
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776 posts in 692 days
posted 361 days ago
Wow! Very nice design. Like everyone else, I’m looking forward to seeing the completed piece.
After that, I might have to rip you off for my own gun cleaning case. Tackle boxes just ain’t cutting it anymore, you know? ;)
-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!
Beginningwoodworker
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4195 posts in 569 days
posted 361 days ago
Looks good Blake.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
James Lango
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80 posts in 430 days
posted 360 days ago
Great way to change a design and make it MORE practical to suite your needs. Great looking so far, cant wait to see some more pics..
-- Longovette@Roadruner.com
Bill Akins
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236 posts in 595 days
posted 360 days ago
So far so good. Looking forward to the grand finalle.
-- Bill from Lithia Springs, GA I love the smell of sawdust in the morning.
CaptainBijus
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1 post in 343 days
posted 343 days ago
How do the “wings” of the lid stay open against the weight of the firearm resting on the “arms?”
I’ve been searching for build your own cleaning box plans. I need something a bit simpler. I’m not an expert. Very impressive project.
-- James