Replies

1. 
   Gretchen | Jan 07, 2003 03:41pm | #1

   I collect antique fishing equipment and have a nice old fishing box. It is made of a light weight stock of either pine or maple.  It doesn't have swinging tills but does have trays inside.  I'd suggest finishing with spar varnish.  Sounds like a really nice project/gift.

   Gretchen
1. 
   TOOTALL2SK8 | Jan 07, 2003 07:31pm | #3

   thanks for the feedback

2. 
   Sprucegum | Jan 07, 2003 04:33pm | #2

   If this box is going to kicked about in a boat I would suggest using a 2-part epoxy resin like they use in fiberglassing. It can be brushed on inside and out, completely sealing the wood from the water.

   If your hinges are genuine stainless steel or solid brass rust will not be a problem.

   P.S. The epoxy resin also works as an excellent waterproof glue.

   It's not what you chew, it's how you chew it
1. 
   Marcello | Jan 08, 2003 02:44am | #5

   Another thing to mention to keep those stainless steel hinges on is you will need s.s. screws as well -  "You are only as strong as your weakest joint".

3. 
   observer | Jan 07, 2003 07:39pm | #4

   I have been playing with a similar project for a while now and during field testing have run into each of the problems you mentioned plus one more - warping from sun and moisture exposure. This is how I have solved them:

   !.  I use thin hardwood plywood as a base and veneer it with an attractive wood both sides using epoxy. Construction also uses epoxy adhesives only. This makes it light, strong and very warp resistant.

   2. I finish with three coats of epoxy sealer both sides which entirely encapsulates the wood with epoxy, waterproofing it and covering up the bleed through from veneering. I use two or three coats of exterior grade poly or varnish over the epoxy to provide UV protection and function as a sacrificial layer of finish.

   3. All hardware is brass.

   Good luck, I hope this helps.

1. 
   TOOTALL2SK8 | Jan 08, 2003 12:56pm | #6

   thanks for that help mate but for the size of the tackle box, the veneer is overkill. i do like the idea of the hardwood plys and the epoxy however, as weight is my primary concern. being the 21 year old he is, im sure he would rather appreciate the tackle box for its practicality rather than a fancy veneer.

4. 
   EdHarrison | Jan 08, 2003 05:24pm | #7

   Hello,

   I saw, examined, and thought about building, a bunch of wooden tackle boxes while sportfishing off the coast of Southern California a few years ago.

   Marine plywood in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 thicknesses seemed to be the order of the day, along with layers of hard finishes like spar varnish, polyurethane or epoxy. Those tackle boxes always looked so much more classy than some of the plastic monstrocities that you would see.

   I built a small fishing boat (rowboat/ dinghy size) out of 1/4 inch marine plywood about ten years ago. Enjoyed working with it but didn't enjoy paying for it. Expensive.

   Good luck. Ed

5. 
   Elcoholic | Jan 09, 2003 12:01am | #8

   I'd go along with the marine plywood and the spar varnish camp.  I might consider oiled teak if I wanted something really special and durable.  Solid brass, bronze or stainless steel hardware are all good choices.  Beware not all stainless steels are equal, go down to the marina and you'll see lots of rusted stainless.  I'd go to a top notch marine hardware supplier.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   bill_1010 | Jan 09, 2003 05:51am | #9

   1) Mahoganies, Walnut or Teak

   2) Epoxy or Polymerized Tung Oil on all sides.

   3) Solid brass

1. 
   domermatt | Jan 09, 2003 06:53am | #10

   I agree with what was said above about stainless steel or brass and epoxy. Epoxy is not UV resistant so it will need to be protected. Jamestown Distributors is highly regarded in the marine industy. They should have your hinges and finishes.

   http://www.jamestowndistributors.com

   When people 100 years from now see my work, they'll know I cared. --Matt Mulka