Found: 30 Year Old Unfinished Project

[ironhat]

I was kickin' around in the shop today and came across a wormy chestnut presentation case for my Ruger Single-Six. It was done prior to my familiarity with power tools so, the finger joints and the inset top don't fit too well. So much more to enhance the theme of 'The Old West', although a Vaquero would be a better handgun. I remember why it was never finished - two things actually;
1. The wood is on the thin side- about 1/2" (shy) and I can't find hinges or even a catch.
2.I can't figure out what to line the bottom of the box with which would kind of envelope the firearm - less than 1/2 way. I don't want a top piece because I burned the Ruger emblem into the inside of the lid and I want it to show.

I appreciate anything that you can say that will help me.

[Pappy]

For hinges and a catch, hit the smoke shops for a wooden cigar box. The wood on the one I have is only 1/4" thick.

For the liner look for some of the soft foam type stuff that comes as packing on some electronics. You should be able to carve it to shape and then glue on some satin cloth.

[ironhat]

Thanks, Don. A smoke shop would have never occurred to me for hardware.

[wardprobst]

Chiz,

Here's a place to browse:http://www.smallboxhardware.com
Here's some places for felt:
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/pag...at=1,250,43298
or
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=9879
Good luck,
DP

[scmhogg]

I just got some small hinges from Lee Valley that were really nice and really cheap.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/hardware...,41442&p=46492

Steve

[scmhogg]

If these would help, I still have lots, and the price is right.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...t=brass+hinges

Steve

[ironhat]

Thanks for your generous offer, Steve. It's just not the look I'm looking for. Nor are piano hinges (although I have to admit to being intimidated by them). I'm probably looking more in the line of an iron butt type hinge but they would have to <1/2". I may have to have them and the catch custom made but I don't' think the project is worth it. This is more like the kind of feel that I'm going for. http://www.whitechapel-ltd.com/produ...k/146BH9A.html I may be dreaming and this project will be found when the kids have to clean out the house. This is also pretty close. http://tinyurl.com/c9hwdtvThanks everybody. You've been very helpful, even if to kick my dead butt off the lazy wagon!

P.S. The revolver is stainless so it got me thinking that if I can't find a suitable solution for encapsulating the piece, I can drive some hand whittled pegs around its perimeter with the black felt as the background! I'm liking that the more I ponder it!

[ironhat]

Yes, it's me again.

What do you guys think of this hinge http://www.whitechapel-ltd.com/produ.../247HBR22.html , sand off or chemically (how?) remove the protective lacquer and then darken it with this. http://tinyurl.com/d9myftm What are your thoughts on this process?

[chopnhack]

What do you guys think of this hinge http://www.whitechapel-ltd.com/produ.../247HBR22.html , sand off or chemically (how?) remove the protective lacquer and then darken it with this. http://tinyurl.com/d9myftm What are your thoughts on this process?

If its truly a lacquered finish, which the listing doesn't say, I would use lacquer thinner and steel wool to remove it all, then flush again with lacquer thinner.