by digimark » Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:20 am
I made a chuck box-like projector box to store my outdoor movie electronics. It has a pop-top to place the projector and a drop down door like a chuck-box where my battery backup, mixer, mic, iPod and DVD player go. It was the first project I built, before I tackled my cargo trailer conversion, and no one told me using 3/4" hardwood ply all around was both overkill and too heavy. The "chuckbox" weighs 80 lbs and is a bear to move around!
I also mounted handles to the sides, but didn't check to place them above the center of gravity, so when two people pick it up, it turns turtle. I had to mount two more handles higher up.
The boy scouts I camp with have multiple patrol boxes made with what looks like 1/4" or 3/8" ply, and they are plenty strong.
I use a pair of Sterilite plastic bins to hold my camp kitchen, easy enough. I printed out an inventory page for each box and taped it to the underside of the lid, so I could make sure I have everything.
I might revisit the chuckbox this summer using thinner wood!