Awesome Wooden Trunk W/ Rosewood for Camera Gear

I wanted to make a classic wooden trunk to hold some analog camera equipment while traveling. This is basically a large box utilizing box joints for construction, some leather straps for extra security, some nice locking clasps and a leather handle. Obviously the size can be adjusted to make it fit whatever you're looking to store. Make sure to check out the video for the whole build process!

To determine the size of the box, I laid everything out on a table that I wanted to keep inside and then I measured accordingly. For materials I decided to use 1/2 inch white oak for the sides and 1/8 inch rosewood for the top and the bottom panels.

I cut the wood up to size, and then I used my box joint jig for the table saw to cut box joints (plans available here if you'd like to build the same jig: http://www.darbinorvar.com/misc/box-joint-jig-plan ) You could also hand cut box joints, or use a router for example.

Once the joints were cut I glued them together with clamps, taking extra care to ensure the corners were square.

To create the top and bottom panels, I glued up some 1/8 inch rosewood, and added some wooden straps for extra glue surface.

Once the panels were dried, I glued them to the oak case using many clamps to ensure a good connection.

At this point we had a closed box, and it was time to cut it open on the table saw! To do this, I first cut three sides, then attached a small spacer with tape inside the cut, and proceeded to make the final cut.

To create a rounded edge on all the corners, I used a handheld router.

Since the top and bottom panels are so thin, I was concerned that perhaps they could crack if the case was accidentally dropped. So to ensure more strength, I decided to glue some canvas to the panels using some water based contact cement.

For locks I decided to use vintage style combination locks. To attach these you first have to cut some mortises which was done using the handheld router.

I added some nice, matching brass hinges in the back.

Finally, sanding to make sure everything was nice and smooth.

To provide extra security (and looks!) I cut some leather into straps, added snaps to one side, and then glued the straps all around the box using contact cement. At that point I added the second part of the snaps to be able to close the straps.

For a handle, I made a thick leather handle using the same material as the straps that I sewed together. Then I drilled a hole in the sides of the handle as well as the box and secured it with some brass bolts and nuts.

To create a snug fit for the equipment inside the box, I used Kaizen foam which is easy to carve out of to make each thing perfectly.

For a finish - shellac first, and then linseed oil beeswax polish!

For a much better perspective of all the steps, and to see the final product, make sure to check out the video!