Custom Case Ideas. (putting my woodworking skills to use for shooters)

[Kisatchie]

Well this is going to be a different kind of thread
I have always been the type of guy who no matter what I'm doing, I am always getting ideas on how to make something to improve the way I do a certain task. I like to be different than the other guys no matter what my hobby might be. A perfect example, a few years back I got really involved in tying my own crappie jigs, and decided to build a custom case for my jig tying supplies, and to contain all my tools so that I could take it along on trips if needed but mainly to save space and to have a cool case. It worked very well and I got a huge response from others who wanted me to build these for them. However, I never ventured into that area, it was only something I did for myself. Now that I am about to complete my shop and gun room I will have the facilty and room to build more goodies. I will soon be tinkering around and I have several ideas that I will be working on that are targeted toward the shooter or gun owner.

I wanted to make this post as a feeler to see what other ideas or needs shooters might find useful. If you have an idea to share or have seen something you liked tell me about it. Some of the ideas I have are:
(Custom sized carry cases for front rest)
(Range Box for cleaning and Barrel Break In)
(Load blocks or Speed Load Blocks)
This will be something I will be working on in the near future. In the meanwhile, it gives you an idea of what to come.

To give you an idea of what I was referring to earlier, here are some pics of the Jig Tying Case I built. Actually 2 of them....I had a very lucky friend that got a big surprise when I give him his very own.

 

[toothman]

Very nice. You are certainly blessed with carpentry skills (and using them)!

 

[jasonf]

Beautiful work.

Another idea would be a portable reloading box for loading at the range, with space for a press, powder thrower and scales (protected from the wind), and other bits and pieces.

 

[boltfluter]

jasonf,

Wow. Very nice work. Time to put those skills to work.

Regards, Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[Glenn Powell]

I am a wood guy too ;D . Have ya thought about dye boxes out of nicely figured wood? Goby walnut carries some really nice pieces of walnut, and other purtty wood. Loading blocks, could also be a nice. I would personally shy away from 3/4 stock for anything I plan on lugging to the range, too heavy, just an observation. If you use 1/2 inch hard wood for sides you can help keep weight down and you won't have to miter the corners, you can use rabbits, or dovetails if you enjoy being frustrated nice work by the way, keep it up, and let us see anything else ya do

 

[Kisatchie]

Thanks for the comments.
Glen, you make some good points. This project was built from scrap I had laying around the shop. I would love to get my hands on some walnut, I know I could make a beautiful pices from that. This box was just an example of some of my past projects. Glad to see another wood guy post up. I may need to pick your brain for ideas.

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[spclark]

Nice work! You obviously have a talent worth exploiting and a desire to put it towards creative projects. My suggestion might be to get your name out there for custom projects, maybe a website where interested folks could see what you've done before.

Most of the shooters I know spend their $$ on hardware and components, and getting around to matches but that's not to say a few don't have $$ they might spend on well-crafted accessories like you mention.

I made a couple 'prototype' solid walnut 'presentation grade' cases for high end shotguns about 35 years ago for a guy I was working for making collectable wooden decoys. Lost my shirt on the project, given the time I spent making spline-joint, mitered cases. He wanted tops thick enough to relief-carve & at minimum 9" wide. It was tough finding decent, wide walnut back then....

 

[tinkerer]

Suggestion. If you're going to make gun cases, makes them vertical, i.e. the gun lifts out, not horizontal, and capable of handling up to 5" wide stocks. stand off braces with velcro tie-downs. Metal reinforced corners, hasp lock capable, piano hinges. Want them pretty, walnut stain is nice, or cover with leather or canvas. Just a few ideas.

Actually, what price did you have in mind to begin with?

Larry
Tinkerer

 

[357Mag]

K -

Howdy !

+1 on what Tinkerer said.

I made my own mini-verticle case to accept an scoped H & R SB@ Ultra Rifle ( .357Max ) out of a discarded USAF 20mm canon barrel shipping " box. It was clear white pine, w/ minimal knots; and had been assembled w/ long staples.

The original box had upper and lower sections of same depth. Cut box in 1/2 ( to come up w/ 4 pcs of same dimensions ).
Only had to add 2ea end pieces, and of course some brass "furniture". Added a couple of wood " saddles" internnally, and lined w/ green felt.

I used 4ea hasps ( 2ea on sides of case ), so that lid could be removed to reveal gun sitting up-right within the lower case section.

Center-mounted carr yhandle on top lid worked well w/ balance point of the scoped carbine.For whatever reason, I wanted the cased gun to be able to fit under our bed.

I believe THAT stemmed from my once having watched Burt Lancaster extract a Sharps from under his bunk; in " Valdez is Coming " !

WiIth regards,
357Mag

 

[Kisatchie]

Lots of good ideas.
Tinkerer,
I have not gotten as far as prices yet, I'm still in the planning stages.

Spclark,
I have Plans to get my ideas out there and yes I have already thought a out a website, but for now just getting my ideas together. I hope to be up and running in a few more months. I will make an introductory post on the forum when I am ready.

 

[Nodak7mm]

Suggestion. If you're going to make gun cases, makes them vertical, i.e. the gun lifts out, not horizontal, and capable of handling up to 5" wide stocks. stand off braces with velcro tie-downs. Metal reinforced corners, hasp lock capable, piano hinges. Want them pretty, walnut stain is nice, or cover with leather or canvas. Just a few ideas.

Tinkerer

Adding to what Tinkerer is saying....

This is what is needed. Go look at the Plano Airglide for the concept, make it 2" longer and 2" taller than that. Tall scopes and long barrels along with big forearms......

Rod

 

[Kisatchie]

All suggestions are being noted, this is exactly what this thread is for. Im interested in providing the custom size and special services not available from mass production products. It is these small details that will make or break the deal for most shooters. I'm busy gathering ideas and comparison photos for items that need to be tweaked, along with a few surprises of my own. However be patient as I try to get the ball rolling. In the present time if you have examples or ideas of something you want but just cant find, feel free to email me your request or suggestions. This thread will remain and is a good place to start but I can easily be reached at bljandamy@aol.com

Thank you all for the warm welcome of my idea, and the helpful comments so far.

Sincerely,
Brandon Jennings

 

[Hombre0321]

Brandon, Very nice work. I also am in need of some case's not just for my rifles but I would like one for my Rest as well.

I have sent you a E-Mail at the address you furnished. Glad to see someone with real skills willing to do the wirk.

Roland

 

[LRCampos]

.

I would love a compact wooden case for my SEB Neo Front Rest.

It is already compact, but with a good custom made wood case, it will be much easier to carry it around the country and abroad.


LRCampos.