The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: MikeBjerum on October 11, 2015, 09:28:59 AM

Title: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 11, 2015, 09:28:59 AM
With just hours to spare, and the loan of a base pattern by some very good friends, Prototype #1 is ready for the day.  Five hours and 20 minutes invested - If I had taken an extra 10 minutes I would have avoided one hinge location ooops that is only visual but not functional.  It does not have poly finish yet, because I didn't have cure time, and I missed one spot with stain - Right on top of the handle where I see it every time I walk up.

(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e330/m58/th_gun%20cart_zpsu8ebcfkv.jpg)

This is a take down cart that stacks in the vehicle in a space of 4' x 2' x 8" + wheels.  Throw the range bag and guns on top, and you can carry three sets in the trunk of an average car.  This one is going in the bike trailer today  ;D

If I had known it would go so well, and come out so well, I would have picked up new plywood, instead of old junk I've had for years, and I would have taken a little more time.  But, it was intended as a prototype to base my dream on.
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 11, 2015, 10:33:56 AM
Packed and ready to roll! ... Harvest dust and all dirty rig.

(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e330/m58/th_Trailer_zpsq1ox47mb.jpg)[/URL]

(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e330/m58/th_loaded_zps9jfz48v6.jpg)[/URL]
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: PegLeg45 on October 12, 2015, 02:53:03 PM
Cool, dude!!!

I have a set of wheels that would work on a rig like that..... I may have to dust off the saws and drills!!
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: Rastus on October 14, 2015, 06:16:43 AM
What?  No place for a long wooden box?

That's not like you.....   ;D
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: TAB on October 14, 2015, 12:00:12 PM
you should be able to make that out of 1 sheet of plywood with only really skill saw, drill and some sand paper.  having a router  would be nice, but not needed.




Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 14, 2015, 12:43:33 PM
you should be able to make that out of 1 sheet of plywood with only really skill saw, drill and some sand paper.  having a router  would be nice, but not needed.

Less than one sheet of plywood.  Circular saw, jig saw, drill, and sander.  Took two hours to trace pattern and cut out.  The next evening was half an hour of tweaking the slots and tabs.
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 14, 2015, 12:46:18 PM
What?  No place for a long wooden box?

That's not like you.....   ;D

The reason I needed to build this one in a hurry is that the plan is to build a long wooden box this winter.  That will happen, and there will be a special trailer for it as well.  This one will be a nice second for times I host others, share, or am going somewhere with limited travel space.

Watch this winter for the special box that will roll with Coffin Filler  ;)
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: TAB on October 14, 2015, 12:59:47 PM
Less than one sheet of plywood.  Circular saw, jig saw, drill, and sander.  Took two hours to trace pattern and cut out.  The next evening was half an hour of tweaking the slots and tabs.

yeah with some tweaks getting 2 out of a sheet should not be a issue( I just hate projects that use 1/2" for most things then use 1/4" for 1 part) if you were going to mass produce them it would be a big deal.  for one, spend the $35 and get a decent sheet of ply form one of the box stores and be happy.


if I was going to do that would make a templet for the curves and go to town with a router.  hell I might even be temped to draw it up in g code so I could have them mass cut by a cnc router.
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 14, 2015, 03:23:02 PM
Water jet would be the way to go with this.  There are a lot of corners that need to be sharp 90.
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: TAB on October 14, 2015, 03:31:47 PM
can't do water jet with plywood.  it will separate the layers.  a cnc router can't cut inside corners smaller the bit, but you can build that into your g code.  not really a big deal.
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 14, 2015, 06:33:07 PM
Wrong TAB.  Waterjet works great on plywood, it is less expensive than laser, and more precise and flexible than router.
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: Timothy on October 14, 2015, 06:34:52 PM
A laser does do a nice job though!  I've done a ton of plywood in my years driving a laser!
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 14, 2015, 06:38:34 PM
Correct Timothy.  However, waterjet is far less expensive than laser while offering almost identical results.  Laser's advantage comes if you choose to carve rather than cut.
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: Timothy on October 14, 2015, 06:48:43 PM
I use them both, Mike!  No argument here.
Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: alfsauve on October 22, 2015, 07:40:10 AM
This was my, very crude by your standards, prototype #2.   Non-folding.   I made it narrower than the first one so it would fit through doorways and added the bench/shelf/seat.

(https://sauve.smugmug.com/Gun-General/i-cGxpjWQ/0/L/cart-L.jpg)


Sad to say, but I've gone to the standard, folding, canvas wagon.   It fits in my little Leaf and is much lighter.


Title: Re: Prototype #1 Done
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 22, 2015, 09:44:37 PM
Looks good Alf!  I'm looking to pick up one of those three wheel converted strollers for USPSA and Sporting Clays.  The modern styles are reasonably priced.  However, SASS is another story.