Shadow box without tracing or cutting.

[rdog422]

Ok fella's,
We all know shadowed toolboxes look nice. You can say its stupid because "what if you get a new tool?" all you want, but; you do have to admit that they look great. The main problem with shadowing a toolbox is the amount of time you have to put into the tedious task of tracing and cutting. Doesn't matter if its wood, foam, or even cardboard shadowing a toolbox is time consuming and thats why most choose not to do it.

I was prowling youtube the other day and got inspired when I saw a video about mold making. I thought, "why can't I shadow my box this way???" I'm still a little early in the process and I have some finish work to do, along with some other tests. But the mold turned out so well I thought I would share. I timed myself on the process so far.

1) making the Jig - 15 min
2)prepping the area - 5 min
3) mixing and pouring compound for layer one - 10 min
4) mixing and pouring compound for layer two - 10 min
5) placing tools in there appropriate spots - 5 min

So, (not including cure times) I have invested 45 min into what you see below. My material costs are right at 40$ now, but I have enough left over to finish 2-3 other drawers, (depending on what this prototype looks like).

I can't keep it hidden until next friday when the Video will be up, so here are some sneek peeks at , A VERY EARLY STAGE of the project.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Some of these projects border on a work of art.... Creative minds produce creative art.. I would take your idea over the Mona Lisa any day. .

 

[rdog422]

here is the link to experiment 1. I didn't like how rough it turned out so I'm already working on other ways, different materials and what not. If yall have any suggestions feel free to post below.

 

[rdog422]

just finished the same drawer, but I used expandable foam. Found the idea off of a Welding forum. Pretty awesome way to shadow a box. Cheap, and not labor intensive.

 

[mboaitneit]

I used expandable foam. Found the idea off of a Welding forum.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

What about the idea of homemade vacuum forming?

-Nigel

 

[rdog422]

finished the video.

 

[rdog422]

What about the idea of homemade vacuum forming?

-Nigel

tell me more.... what is it????????

 

[JayCrash450]

This thread just gave me some great ideas. I don't have time right now as I'm trying to finish other projects but why doesn't someone do a kydex tray? That would be the ultimate as its lighter than plaster, fits tighter and cleaner than foam and will be custom molded.

All that would need to be done is use a jig with foam attached with hinges. Lay your tools out, heat up kydex, press hard and viola. Kydex molds really well to objects. I think I'm going to have to do this at some point in the future.

Follow a similar type of procedure to this.
http://tacticalintelligence.net/blog/how-to-make-a-kydex-holster.htm

Kydex sheets can be bought online from many retailers.

 

[rdog422]

glad it helped, there is always a better way to get the job done.

 

[rdog422]

Just finished experiment # 3

 

[jsaw]

That looks nice, but You only have the drawer 1/2 full, LOL