Post by Itrapny on Dec 21, 2005 19:20:06 GMT -5
To get five trap storage boxes from one sheet of 3/4" plywood, follow these instructions: First, cut three strips 12" wide lengthways on the plywood. Next cut one strip 10 1/2" wide, and you will have a strip that is approximately 1 1/2" wide left over--save it for making the legs. Now take one of the 12" x 8' strips, and cut it into 12" lengths. This should give eight pieces that are 12" x 12". Take another 12" x 8" strip, and cut two more 12" x 12" pieces for a total of ten pieces that are 12" x 12". These will make the ends of the five boxes.
From the remainder of the strip you just finished cutting (which is now 12" x 6'), cut four pieces that are 16" long. Take another 12" x 8' strip, and cut it into 16" lengths, and this should give you a total of ten pieces 12" x 16" long--these are the sides of the boxes. From the remaining strip (10 1/2" x 8') cut five pieces that are 16" long. These five pieces (10 1/2" x 16") are the bottoms of the boxes.
To assemble the boxes proceed as follows: Take one of the bottom pieces (10 1/2" x 16") and nail (or preferably screw) two of the sides to the opposite edges of this piece. Then fasten the ends on the box so they overlap the edges of the side pieces, and the edge of the bottom piece. When the box is assembled, turn it upside down and fasten on the short legs. These legs are made by cutting 2" lengths from the narrow strip that was left over when you cut down the plywood. These legs should be on the corners of the box about 1" in from either edge. This way the boxes can be stacked and the legs will fit inside the box below to keep the box from sliding off.
As a finishing touch, you can install rope handles on the boxes. Drill two holes in each end of the box, 1 1/2" down from the top and 3" in from the edge. The holes should be just slightly larger than the rope you are using. Insert the rope through the holes, and secure it by tying a knot in the ends so it can't slip back through the holes.
These boxes are easy to make. The cost is about $3.00 each, not counting rope, but nearly any sort of used or worn out rope will do for the handles. It is helpful if you have, or can barrow, a circular saw to do the cutting. You don't need a fancy grade of plywood; regular construction grade will do. You can also use 5/8" plywood to make boxes; just change the width of the strip you cut for the bottoms from 10 1/2" to 10 3/4". I have tried 1/2" plywood, but it does not work very well.
From the remainder of the strip you just finished cutting (which is now 12" x 6'), cut four pieces that are 16" long. Take another 12" x 8' strip, and cut it into 16" lengths, and this should give you a total of ten pieces 12" x 16" long--these are the sides of the boxes. From the remaining strip (10 1/2" x 8') cut five pieces that are 16" long. These five pieces (10 1/2" x 16") are the bottoms of the boxes.
To assemble the boxes proceed as follows: Take one of the bottom pieces (10 1/2" x 16") and nail (or preferably screw) two of the sides to the opposite edges of this piece. Then fasten the ends on the box so they overlap the edges of the side pieces, and the edge of the bottom piece. When the box is assembled, turn it upside down and fasten on the short legs. These legs are made by cutting 2" lengths from the narrow strip that was left over when you cut down the plywood. These legs should be on the corners of the box about 1" in from either edge. This way the boxes can be stacked and the legs will fit inside the box below to keep the box from sliding off.
As a finishing touch, you can install rope handles on the boxes. Drill two holes in each end of the box, 1 1/2" down from the top and 3" in from the edge. The holes should be just slightly larger than the rope you are using. Insert the rope through the holes, and secure it by tying a knot in the ends so it can't slip back through the holes.
These boxes are easy to make. The cost is about $3.00 each, not counting rope, but nearly any sort of used or worn out rope will do for the handles. It is helpful if you have, or can barrow, a circular saw to do the cutting. You don't need a fancy grade of plywood; regular construction grade will do. You can also use 5/8" plywood to make boxes; just change the width of the strip you cut for the bottoms from 10 1/2" to 10 3/4". I have tried 1/2" plywood, but it does not work very well.