Something no workshop should be without

[royce]

In my opinion anyhow.
It is a simple box,12"x18"x24"
Good for standing on, sitting on, kneeling on, resting things on, getting up on a work bench or the back of the truck.
With 3 different dimensions it gets you at the right height for working on most anything.
It is made from 1-1/2" x 1/8" aluminum angle and 1/4" plywood on 3 sides.
It could be solely made from aluminum, but I like the wood for traction and comfort.
It could also be framed in wood, but would be a little heavier.
Way better than a milk crate, I feel.

Royce

 

[22george]

good idea

 

[racingtadpole]

We have them at work, based on a 3/2/1 design. We call them squat boxes, no idea why. Very handy bit of kit.

 

[larry_g]

I call them a shortbox, when your to short to reach what you want. Mine is near that size with 2x12's for the sides and a 3/4" plywood top.

You can see it here between the jack and the lathe..

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bluebolt]

Reminds me of the "apple box" used in film making. It's a 20" x 12" x 8" and can be used in various ways to make things taller (including short actors), level things out etc. There are also half, quarter and eighth apples that are 4", 2" or 1" thick. An eighth apple can also be called a pancake. They can be made by the crew or purchased new from film making suppliers.

 

[Shootinok]

Wow - really cool idea.
I've been wanting to build a stepping stool, this would fill that need x3

 

[BukitCase]

Wouldn't work for me; I'd end up filling it with stuff I couldn't find a different place for, and then hafta dump it out to use it

JK; actually something I WOULD use a LOT... Steve

 

[royce]

Wow - really cool idea.
I've been wanting to build a stepping stool, this would fill that need x3

Thanks Shoot, there has been a lot a variations of this, made throughout the years, by all crafts
This one works pretty good
If I was to make another, I think I would go 13"x18"x22" to make it a bit more stable when standing on it the long way.

Royce

 

[royce]

Wouldn't work for me; I'd end up filling it with stuff I couldn't find a different place for, and then hafta dump it out to use it

JK; actually something I WOULD use a LOT... Steve

The reason I only sheathed it on 3 sides was to keep it from turning into a tote.

Royce

 

[bonneyman]

Definitely thumbs-up idea!

I love the progressive 3/2/1 sizing. Just perfect

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ Agree . . . . Royce is spot on with his welding projects . . . as USUAL !!

Heck, wish I saw this couple weeks ago and I was shopping for welder and guy demonstrated Aluminum spool gun for me . . . . could have BUILT that "Multi-step Stool" in no time if I just had the Alum. angle pieces pre-cut !!

Possible "enhancements" . .
. . . . a) welded in nuts to add Castors on any side.
. . . . b) attachment holes or welded nuts to add Padded Seat

 

[royce]

Thanks Bonneyman and CNG,
I took the back out of a old welding coat and glued it around a chunk of a sleeping bag pad to kneel or sit on, cozy and fire proof.

Royce

 

[BukitCase]

"reason I only sheathed it on 3 sides" - hmmm, MISSED that; sure, just pick on the OLD fart - Guess my small project list just got bumped up to 347 thanks... Steve

 

[Lwel9226]

Extendaleg

LW

 

[ddawg16]

The reason I only sheathed it on 3 sides was to keep it from turning into a tote.

Royce

Oh, so true......

I have something similar....more of a short table......

But I like your idea....might have to steal it.

 

[Firstram]

Reminds me of the "apple box" used in film making. It's a 20" x 12" x 8" and can be used in various ways to make things taller (including short actors), level things out etc. There are also half, quarter and eighth apples that are 4", 2" or 1" thick. An eighth apple can also be called a pancake. They can be made by the crew or purchased new from film making suppliers.

Exactly! A large one like the OP posted is called a "New Yorker".

 

[firebirdparts]

Nice design. Mine has 2 by 12 sides. When you mentioned the 3 sides I immediately thought a 321 design would be the best way.

 

[AMCguy]

Great idea. I especially like the sheet three sides principle.

Looks like Royce's could use a little wood love.

.

 

[Richard D]

Great idea! I have the spool gun hooked up at work and a bunch of left over alumn. angle. I think I will make a set of three, progressively smaller, that fit inside each other.

 

[dr_clyde]

Reminds me of the "apple box" used in film making. It's a 20" x 12" x 8" and can be used in various ways to make things taller (including short actors), level things out etc. There are also half, quarter and eighth apples that are 4", 2" or 1" thick. An eighth apple can also be called a pancake. They can be made by the crew or purchased new from film making suppliers.

I made mine to mimic a full size apple box. I call it a box of air.

 

[lis2323]

We have them at work, based on a 3/2/1 design. We call them squat boxes, no idea why. Very handy bit of kit.

Using a squat box allows your thighs to be parallel to the floor at the bottom position of the squat.

Here's a visual aid for you guys that can't read



Also called plyometric or jump boxes when used for strength and endurance training.

 

[lis2323]

Great idea! I have the spool gun hooked up at work and a bunch of left over alumn. angle. I think I will make a set of three, progressively smaller, that fit inside each other.

Here's the set of three nesting PLYOMETRIC boxes I made for my gym.



Don't use them in my shop. That's what stepladders, adjustable height benches and forklifts are for.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Bad knee here so I'd like to build an 8 inch X 16inch X 32 inch.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Here's the set of three nesting PLYOMETRIC boxes I made for my gym.



Don't use them in my shop. That's what stepladders, adjustable height benches and forklifts are for.

Why a double rail on the medium? I hear you on the forklift. I sure love mine!

 

[lis2323]

Why a double rail on the medium? I hear you on the forklift. I sure love mine!

I built that single one first, as that was the height I was comfortable with for my particular jump. It was my attempt at a partial "skirt" to hopefully lessen the chance of doing something ******* like catching my feet if i was too wimpy. (Hey it happens,,)

I figure if I EVER trip and break my face I can either skirt in the SIDES so that they can still nest or give them away...

 

[lakeroadster]

In my opinion anyhow.
It is a simple box,12"x18"x24"......Royce

Or six... with 3 different sizes.. More here... Wooden Boxes

 

[lis2323]

Or six... with 3 different sizes..

Wow. Those are nice!

I wish my woodworking skills didn’t ****

 

[rpcraft]

Good idea's on the three size box. I can see how that would have been so helpful when i was fiddling around with mounting my trans to my motor for my ls swap project, as well as other things (like monkeying around with the 14 bolt rear axle in the not too distant future...

 

[m.breen]

I gotta make something like this. I would use it everyday!!!

 

[Basher]

Used to have those at work, enclosed on three sides -
ours may have been longer though (~36")
very useful for sitting / standing on, turning upside down & filling with tools for carrying,
etc etc.

Referred to in my time as Elephant Boxes

 

[sberry]

I have about half a dozen steel stools, we use them constantly. there are little clips on them so they can be hung on rolling benches. They were chairs, we cut the backs off.

 

[mrolds88]

Neat idea Royce. Only problem I would have is standing on them. Because well rounded and 1/4 plywood wouldn't mix with me. Can see many uses with them though.

 

[royce]

Neat idea Royce. Only problem I would have is standing on them. Because well rounded and 1/4 plywood wouldn't mix with me. Can see many uses with them though.

I go 250# myself and have not busted it yet.
Maybe bump the decks up to 3/8"plywood for peace of mind?

Royce

 

[Richard D]

Or put a piece of flatbar under the plywood on the long span.

 

[Scootertrash60]

Wouldn't work for me; I'd end up filling it with stuff I couldn't find a different place for, and then hafta dump it out to use it

That was my first thought

 

[mrolds88]

I go 250# myself and have not busted it yet.
Maybe bump the decks up to 3/8"plywood for peace of mind?

Royce

250 I can see. I'm a good bit more well rounded. With my luck I'd go 1/2" just to be safe.

 

[Richard D]

My helpers are out in the shop welding mine up as I type this. 2" aluminum angle.

 

[rharman]

Wow. Those are nice!

I wish my woodworking skills didn’t ****

Surely you can build a simple box.

Sorry I called you Shirley...

 

[sberry]

I don't think I got a pic but another handy thing is a set of mobile home steps. I moved them with a 2 wheel cart but then bolted a couple lawn mower wheels on them, tilt to move.

 

[Shootinok]

My helpers are out in the shop welding mine up as I type this. 2" aluminum angle.

Pics when done please -