After reading a recent thread on organising a "Man Cave", and realising the sad state of affairs, in regards to my own preps, and the haphazard, disorderly fashion they're currently scattered about in, I decided to get going on some things.
Problem 1:
Emergency Candles
I currently have tons of these things, that reside in an oversized shopping bag my wife received at her bridal shower. Very, un-cool, very unsustainable, very unorganised. I didn't want to opt for ammunition cans, as I only have four calibres of ammo, and based on the can, each is individually distinguishable.
I wanted something to stash these in, outside of the box, that was:
1) More rugged
2) More "Apocalypse-Friendly"
After perusing the usual haunts: Wal*Mart, Home Despot, Lowe's, Harbour Freight, etc., I found nothing remotely satisfactory for my needs. I suppose I could have stuck 'em in some cheap plastic tote, but that's no fun.
I began by verifying the size of the box of candles and comparing them to some scrap wood in the garage. Just barely enough room to fit, which is good, snug but not tight. Then I measured the width of the candle box, multiplied it by 10, and made that the length of my storage crate, double checking to determine that the length wouldn't be beyond my armspan and ability to lift by myself.
The sides were measured, cut, and assembled.
After some cutting, and wood-gluing, the rough box was assembled.
Once the basic crate was put together, two other pieces of scrap wood were cut to the length of the box, and used as risers.
Then, another piece of scrap wood was sawn in half, and placed in the middle of the sides, as handles.
The lid was the most difficult part, as at that point scrap wood was insufficient to span the length of the box. Two smaller strips were used for the lid, which is currently residing in the driveway to allow the wood glue to cure.
To join the lid, the two pieces were measured, marked, and drilled for dowels to span the gap/bond the two pieces. Since the lid *shouldn't* bear the brunt of any load carriage, the dowels/glue should be sufficient for my needs.
So far the "XM-100 EMERGENCY CANDLE" crate is only minus the hinges, and some paint to finish her off.
Total cost, thus far: $0.00
If my measurements & estimations are correct, I should be able to squeeze around 500 candles in this thing.
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Update 1:
With the lid glued, and hinges procured, all that was left was to attach the lid to the crate via the hinges/screws.
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Update 2::
Painted and curing.
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Update 3::
Fully cured, ready for stenciling.
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