Replies

1. 
   lwj2 | Apr 10, 2005 02:32am | #1

   Mad, take a look at this site, may have some ideas for you.

   http://www.equistorage.com/

   Leon Jester
2. 
   hammer1 | Apr 10, 2005 03:51pm | #2

   One thing I've noticed about tack boxes is that they are often so large and heavy, it takes two people to move one. Most of the time folks are rummaging through them looking for whatever. Hopefully, I won't have to go on anymore show circuits but if I do, I would make several small boxes. One for tack, one for grooming, one for paper work and so on. Like a good tool box, it would be important to me, to have specific compartments for the various paraphernalia. There are usually a bunch of spray cans and when they are rolling around loose, they can get activated in the box for a nice mess. A rack for spray cans is a must.

   If the customer wants a large box, I would put some decent lifting handles on it, something like a bar for two hands. Wheels would be a plus. I think lid supports like those on a toy box would be nice. Nothing worse than a lid dropping on your fingers. Livestock shows get rather intense. People and animal nerves can be on the edge so organization of your stuff can ease at least a part of the experience. A lift out hand box that carries just the important grooming supplies would be handy. There is a need for keeping paper work accessible and clean, vet certificates, plaques, schedules, business cards, clipboards, could all use a series of pockets, maybe built into the lid.

   Most of the tack box owners I know, don't think too much about having a place for things the way toolbox owners do. It sure would make life easier. They are used for seats so a flat top is good for that. They may spend the off season in a barn so keeping them off the floor and having some screened ventilation is worthwhile. Rough handling is another thing to consider, I've found that screwed corners stand up better than dovetails or finger joints. Paneled sides and pine compartments can help reduce the weight. Hardware and surface coatings should be exterior grade.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

3. 
   forestgirl | Apr 10, 2005 08:58pm | #3

   Hammer had some excellent suggestions.  I would add, go to another show and watch the riders/groomers from the time the pull a horse out of the stall until they head into the showring.  See how they use the equipment and supplies as they're getting ready, and when they come back. 

   When I was showing, I didn't have anything elaborate -- just a huge plywood box made by a friend, with a saddle bar inside and space for the various plastic carriers I had.  Later, when I got my own trailer, I didn't need the saddle rack.  Hammer's idea of a modular design is a good one.  I suspect most riders would like to have one big box, with smaller lift-outs for grooming tools, medical supplies, clippers, etc.  Grooming tools are used several time a day, medical supplies and clippers less often.  A place for hand-wipes, whips/crops, all sorts of things.

   For a one-off project, get the rider to help you design it.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

4. 
   Patto | Apr 11, 2005 10:01am | #4

   HI,

   Ive done this stuff a lot but in the very rough world of polocrosse rather than showing (has been described as rugby at 35mph).

   The most convenient boxes are the 'tool tote' style because you can have them close to the work and see everything in them. You can also get them out of the way when things go pear shaped. (I use used grout buckets 15-20 litres). A milk crate is about the biggest volume you need at one time if you are even half organised. My shoeing box is a 3/4 pine ammunition box, only about 24" * 10" * 8". It is full of iron and a heavy lift but will hold enough gear for about ten horses - several days work for me.

   Fully concur with the idea of spray cans upright. There are also several small bits that might be organised a bit like a chisel/pliers rack on a tote.

   All this might be orgaised into a single trunk, but clothes saddles are so odd-shaed and bulky that boxing them will probably not pay off in a car/truck.(bit like putting a rectanglar box around a SCMS with nothing filling the blank space.)

   Have fun

   David

5. 
   datachanel | Apr 11, 2005 04:15pm | #5

   I'm guessing you're looking for finer woodworking options, but it may be worth looking at theatrical road cases for ideas.

   Datachanel

   Doing things the hard way

6. 
   BarryO | Apr 12, 2005 10:07am | #6

   Here's another link to a high-end box maker:  http://www.drfowlertacktrunks.com/pricing.html

   If you look at the sites, typical dimensions are approximately 36"x20"x20".

   It so happens I'm in the planning stages for one for my daughter as an 8th grade graduation present.  A such, it will be a bit more over-the-top prehaps than what a client would typically pay for: QS white oak, walnut inlay of a horse sillouette, solid brass chest lock and handles, etc.  But some perhaps notable things I'm working out are 2 removable wheels (big ones, the ground at shows can be pretty muddy), and a pull-out handle on the other side, a la rollerboard travel luggage.

   Ordered the chest handles, chest lock, and piano hinge from Lee Valley hardware catalog.   It has tons of chest hardware to choose from. They also have some clever lid mechanisms that let you raise the lid quickly, but lets it back down slowly.

   Currently working on the templates (3 of them) for the inlay, which goes on the front.

1. 
   ScottMatson | Apr 14, 2005 04:53am | #7

   Hey, thanks everyone, I'm learning a great deal about this from you and really appreciate it.Very gratefully,Dog