BOX

[doc623]

Don't know whether this goes here or in the building section so feel free to move.
Would like to make a pistol box.
And I know this may not be PC, but I would like the interior more form fitting rather than just divided into compartments.This would help to keep the contents from moving around to much.
So the question is does anyone know how to do this?
A fabric covered foam? If so what type?
This is not in my area of expertise.
What materials to use for the interior?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Norskie]

I know they used velvet in the ones I've seen. They wouldn't let me take any of them apart, so I don't know what's under the fabric. I imagine a fellow could rout or carve some wood to fit. You'd want it lightweight and cheap. Maybe poplar or pine?

 

[CrackStock]

Once you have a box built, make a cut out for your gun and accessories out of thin wood stock and then cover that with cloth and cover that with velvet or silk.

Makes a snug fit and gives a good look.

CS

 

[davy]

Well if Zonie will come on here, he built one for his pistol ... he mite have some pointers for you . :grin:

Davy

 

[Zonie]

The box I built isn't a form fitting style, it is compartmentized.

Here is a link to the post I made about it:
PISTOL BOX

One thing I learned is that dealing with folding and cutting material isn't as easy as it looks.
There are a number of frinkles in my box and I can't say I'm very proud of it.

Although this is lined with velveteen ($11/yard) I have used real dark green velvet ($25/yard) in my Schuetzen case.

As you can see, the dark green looks more black than green unless it is in bright sunlite. That, and the cost is why I used Velveteen in the Pistol box.

If you can find some of the old "brocade material" that has little flowerlike patterns or herringbone patterns woven into it that was often used in pistol cases. It looks real "old time" although I don't know when it actually was used.
I used "quilt padding" under the velvet in the Schuetzen box but an old worn bedpad worked just as well for the Pistol box and didn't cost me anything.

 

[Pork Chop]

I believe what you are looking for is called a "french fit" case. Navy Arms used to (and still may) sell them for some of their handguns. I have not seen one in person, but there are several options of how it could be done. The soft wood is one way, but that can be more of a challenge than the box. Another option is to get some very stiff foam rubber and carve it, then cover it with velvet. The french fit cases I have seen are not smooth, but rather the material is bunchy due to the form fitting for the pistol.

 

[Bountyhunter]

I ran into the same problems several years ago when I made a percussion pistol and wanted to give it as a gift.

I made a complete box out of 3/8" quarter sawn oak, and then cut the lid off so that it was all square. The dilemma came with how to make the fitted interior. I finally resorted to using a piece of the blue foam insulation which I cut to proper shape and fitted it in the box. I used yellow woodworkers glue and glued purple velvet to the cut block. After about the third one, I finally figured how little glue it takes to keep it from bleeding through the material. Brush it on sparingly. Otherwise, I would have had to resort to cutting a wooden form with a coping saw. I saw the box a while back and it still looks very nice.

Afterthought. The velvet must be cut in long strips to fit the inside of the forms, then another piece very carefully cut and glued on the top so that the joint are not obvious. I used a piece of corrugated cardboard covered with velvet in the bottom so it was soft feeling.
Bill

 

[Erzulis boat]

This is an authentic (late 1800's) "French Fitted" dueling pistol box. The ribbons are to allow easy removal, much like old drafting equipment cases.

This is how it was done! The wood is tight grained and pretty soft. It is about 3/8" thick.

The pistol allocations are reinforced with paper, and the receptacle for the .45 cal. balls is backed also.

You will note the band of velvet inside the box that makes the install look very nice once everything is assembled.

It was your lucky day! as the pistols just happened to be at work on my desk today.

A coincidence?

 

[Norskie]

There! That's exactly what the goldurn museum wouldn't let me do, look at the backside! You'd think I was going to destroy their artifact.

 

[rich pierce]

I had a French fit once. I started acting all "la-de-dah" but then my American buddies straightened me out. :rotf:

 

[Erzulis boat]

Fellas-

I will leave the pistols out for a couple of days in case you might want me to photograph somthin' else, or measure something. :v

By the way, the fit is so good, that gun 1 and 2 will not swap receptacles!

The overall box dimensions might throw you for a loop too!

I will get to measuring sometime this evening (workaholic, they say :shake: ) and post if you are interested.

 

"It was your lucky day! as the pistols just happened to be at work on my desk today."

A little employee/management dispute, or do you work at a post office. :rotf: :rotf: Bill