Component Storage Cabinet

[waldo1979]

Here in Washington state the law requires that over 25 lbs (up to 50lbs) of smokeless powder be stored in box with 3/4" plywood on all 4 sides:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.74&full=true#70.74.340

So i decided to build a cabinet with some left over multi-ply i had laying around. I ended up having to add some home depot birch plywood to finish off the job. I laminated some cherry strips to the plywood door to protect the edges and put a cherry top on it. Finish will end up being wiping polyurathane since i'll have to finish it indoors (spray finish isn't an option).

 

[Dusty Stevens]

That sure is nice. Do yall have powder nazis coming to check on your powder storage?

 

[waldo1979]

Not yet but i live in Seattle and now that we have a bullet tax you never know whats next. Also, I imagine the law exists for a reason. In the event of a fire, the cabinet should slow down the eventual rapid ignition and help prevent resultant injuries. E.g., If a fire fighter was inside the house it could be hazardous to have containers strewn about ignite. At least this way the cabinet has to be engulfed in flames before the powder will ignite and i will stick a combustible/flammable icon on the face of it.

 

[chkunz]

Good job! This is important not only to comply with code but also as a personal safety consideration. In addition to the legal code it is also important to your home owners insurance. If you have a claim it is important to be able to show that you have followed the rules in this regard but others as well like the proper storage of other flammable such as gasoline.

 

[nmkid]

I went to Lowe's today and purchased wood, hinges and glue today for mine. I will build it in the morning. Oh. It will in no way resemble your craftsmanship.

 

[dedogs]

With the price of powder continuing to rise the way it is.....I'm considering making room in my gunsafe

 

[Dans40X]

Nice looking cabinet!

Glad I don't have to comply with Washington State(lower 48) B.S.-I'd need a concrete reinforced revetment, located outside of city limits just to store primers.

 

[waldo1979]

With the price of powder continuing to rise the way it is.....I'm considering making room in my gunsafe

The problem with storing powder in a safe is that even though it's fire rated you're creating explosive conditions in a metal enclosure. Not sure if it's an issue, sounds like a job for myth busters. Besides who has room in their gun safe =D

A friend of mine reenforced his cabinet with drywall. Supposedly the fire rating on dry wall is pretty decent.

 

[JRS]

NFPA outlines the rules for the storage of smokeless powders. A metal enclosure is a bomb in the making.

 

[watercam]

The trick with metal containers is a) needs to be lined with wood and b) can not be pressure proof ie: no hasp or lock. I purchased a smaller (2 cu. ft.) commercial metal powder top loading container so that if there is a fire pressure escapes unimpeded.
Your wooden cabinet looks great!

 

[hunter243sgk]

If you lined it with 5/8 type x drywall it would really slow down the burn rate. That is what we hang in commercial building to comply with fire codes.

 

[JRS]

It isn't the burn rate you have to worry about. The major concern is an explosion created by trapping the gases in an enclosure not designed to allow the gases to escape. It's the very reason a wood enclosure is mandated. It allows the panels to separate, thereby venting the gases.

 

[bill123]

I'm planning on building one myself. As I read it, SAAMI guidelines specify 1" thick material for the box. See here: http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/SAAMI_ITEM_200-Smokeless_Powder.pdf
Really nice looking box though.

 

[memilanuk]

Huh. Started thinking "maybe I better go build a dedicated powder cabinet". Then I started reading the text of that WAC rule... it's got a *lot* of holes.

...quantities over twenty-five pounds but not to exceed fifty pounds shall be stored in a strong box or cabinet constructed with three-fourths inch plywood (minimum), or equivalent, on all sides, top, and bottom.

Quantities in excess of one hundred fifty pounds of smokeless propellant or twenty-five pounds of black powder as used in muzzle loading firearms shall be stored in magazines constructed as specified in the rules and regulations for construction of magazines, and located in compliance with this chapter.

So... if I have more than 50 lbs, but less than 150, I don't need the cabinet, right?

Also... someone better tell the local gun stores that they can't have those evil 8lb 'assault containers' on display...

Not more than seventy-five pounds of small arms smokeless propellant, in containers of one pound maximum capacity may be displayed in commercial establishments.

 

[EWaugh]

I found these cabinets at an auction. They work ok for storage.

 

[JRS]

Unfortunately, those double wall steel flammable cabinets are designed for flammable liquids.

 

[waldo1979]

So... if I have more than 50 lbs, but less than 150, I don't need the cabinet, right?

The limit for residential in WA is 50 lbs. I've always wondered why established stores like adventure sports never have 8lbs kegs, now it sort of makes sense.

I also have a flammable liquids cabinet were I store some wood finishes. The university of Washington surplus has had these in stock a number of times. They've even had plywood cabinet variants as well.

 

[waldo1979]

I'm planning on building one myself. As I read it, SAAMI guidelines specify 1" thick material for the box. See here: http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/SAAMI_ITEM_200-Smokeless_Powder.pdf
Really nice looking box though.

My guess is that plywood burns a little slower than wood and therefore can be a little thinner. It also probably fragments differently. I like how the SAAMI guide recommends that one side be loosely adhered to allow pressure venting. The back of my cabinet is held on with nails and a small amount of wood glue.

 

[memilanuk]

The limit for residential in WA is 50 lbs.

Where does it say that?

I've always wondered why established stores like adventure sports never have 8lbs kegs, now it sort of makes sense.

Seen them at Sportsman's Warehouse at multiple locations...

 

[Jay Christopherson]

The limit for residential in WA is 50 lbs.

Where does it say that?

This passage might be a little confusing, but I don't read it as "limit of 50lbs".

Small arms smokeless propellant intended for personal use in quantities not to exceed twenty-five pounds may be stored without restriction in residences; quantities over twenty-five pounds but not to exceed fifty pounds shall be stored in a strong box or cabinet constructed with three-fourths inch plywood (minimum), or equivalent, on all sides, top, and bottom.