Moving crates

Moving a woodworking shop begins with what else than a woodworking project.

Too heavy for boxes, I needed something sturdy to transport the shop. I looked around for some wooden crate designs but I guess no one makes these anymore. I found some apple crates online, most of which are selling as antiques or novelty decorating items. Seem, though, that they are perfect sizes for not only apples, but bookshelves, seats etc.

Why re-invent the wheel?

I stole the measurements from the apple crate and it is indeed an ideal size. Inside measurements are 21”x14”x10”. The depth is smaller than its apple crate cousin, mainly because I had 10” wide boards lying around. The size is also nice because all the parts could be made from standard width boards. The sides are 10”, the bottoms are two 8” boards. The end boards are one 6” board and a 3 1/2” decking board. All the pine is 1” thick, probably more than needed but what was available.

My buddy Moshe (moshel) was kind enough to cut these up for me as they came as part of the crate made for the Peterson sawmill I purchased earlier and came 6m long ( ~ 20ft) stored at his place. The wood is mainly rough sawn pinus radiata( Radiata pine or Monterey pine). The handles are recycled decking, probably some kind of eucalyptus.

Nothing fancy about the joints. These suckers were nailed and screwed together.

I made 8 of these in total and highly recommend the size. If you can, save buying plastic bins and a barrel of oil and bring back the art of the crate!

-- Steve, New Zealand, www.steveracz.com