I'm in the process of selecting a wooden box maker to manufacture some attractive quality wooden cases for my eyepieces and accessories. Personally I'm after 3 boxes - one for a set of LVW's, another for a set of LV's, and a third box for accessories such as star diagonals, LED torches and so-on. While I'm prepared to do this as a one-off for myself, if others are interested there is some point in making this a bulk order.
Currently I'm considering two box sizes, internal dimensions 330 long x 150 wide x 80 high and another 330 long x by 120 wide x 60 high, ideally constructed from A-grade ply, mahogany or similar, dovetail or finger joinery, with decent brass hinges, catches and carrying handles and a high-grade exterior finish with felt lining. The idea is to have a selection of racks or trays to suit different eyepieces, diagonals etc, a pocket for end caps and plugs, and there is the possibility of including soft internal LED illumination or a heating element.
The likely cost per box will be in the range $100-200 depending on quantity.
This might drum up some interest for you, so here is one I made earlier!
One side of the main box cavity (rear) has a felt-lined wooden insert drilled with 1 ¼” diameter holes for 1 ¼” eyepieces.
The (front) side has a removable dense foam strip drilled with 1 ¼” inch holes that can be replaced if my eyepiece collection changes.
The left hand side of the main cavity is partitioned off so that the lid stay will not come down on my eyepieces when the lid is closed. This small partition is useful for filters, batteries, etc.
The lid insert is useful for also carrying eyepieces and eyepiece illuminators and again, is fabricated from dense foam so it can be easily replaced if my gear changes.
Leave some space inside for a desiccant pouch, lens pen, blower brush, lens tissues, etc.
This is definitely something that I would be interested in. I currently have a mid-size Pelican case that I sqeeze all my pieces into. Something organised would be much better.
A great idea, and assuming you don't possess the skills to rattle your own together, this sort of offer has merit.
Like Dennis I went the DIY way. OK, not as flash as his with dovetailed joints, but from teak and mahogany ply for the orthos, and the other is rimu. The rimu one I made to accommodate a set of Tak LE's, since sold, but it still sees use for the Televue stuff, especially the Powermates.
Gary
Might I suggest that if you don't have the skills to make them yourself, find out if there's a local "Men's Shed". There's guys in them that can make to your design at a reasonable cost, and keep themselves busy too.
I made all the cases for my scopes in Cootamundra Shed and had fun doing it. Us old fellas have skills that need keeping up
A great idea, and assuming you don't possess the skills to rattle your own together, this sort of offer has merit.
Like Dennis I went the DIY way. OK, not as flash as his with dovetailed joints, but from teak and mahogany ply for the orthos, and the other is rimu. The rimu one I made to accommodate a set of Tak LE's, since sold, but it still sees use for the Televue stuff, especially the Powermates.
Gary
aawsome those wooden boxes look great thats exactly what i would love to get my hands on a nice box like that with my name on the front and pretty emoticons what a great idea i might take a trip to bunnings and make one of these myself cant be too hard right
These boxes might possibly be suitable - they are not as strongly built like Dennis's dovetailed boxes, but you could easily add in some strength at the corners underneath some high density foam and add some handles.
But they would need some reinforcing in my opinion if you have a few kg of glass and adapters in them.
They are only made from 3ply timber (8mm) - but they are reasonably cheap at $31.35 each.
Size 340mm x 250mm x 88mm