I decided to make another attempt at a weapons case for my "pointy killy things". This is, roughly, "version 4", as I had 3 prior, but they were mostly irrelevant now. I made the first case when I only had 5 swords. I just finished the assembly earlier today and noticed a few things to change, and once I make those changes, I will putty, sand and paint it.
Current status:
It's basically a "ladder" laid horizontal. The little "dots" in front of the horizontal pieces on top are 1/2" oak dowels. After getting it assembled, I realized I should have a third and possibly fourth "rail" that goes along inside the "ladder" for the rear half of the case. I have quite a few longer swords, so I need a way to keep them sitting towards the front/middle/rear of the case and those rails should do the trick. Easy enough. I'll post updated pictures once that's done.
I had some sketches I designed and worked from, but revised it a bit mid-build by adding the center support. I decided it would be better to over-build the case so that it doesn't flex in the middle if too many swords are hanging from it (not all of the swords touch the bottom of the case. I think I may put a short piece of trim across the bottom to keep blades from sliding off the front, but the swords shouldn't be moving around much either - still not sure what I'll do with it.
The sides and center support are just soft wood - pine, I think. I went with oak dowels since it was only about $6 more than the softer ones, since the oak is a stronger wood and will be bearing the weight of the swords which don't touch the base. Here's the short materials list if anyone wants to make one:
Materials List1" x 12" x 96" = 2x = sides, center, and lower base
1" x 2" x 96" = 2x = top "ladder" sides (the horizontal pieces) - buy 3x if you want the multi-section top
36" x 48" backer board = 1x = I bought a 48" x 48" sheet and cut 12" off one side
Misc screws / nails / wood glue for assembly
Wood putty / paint (wood putty is to fill the countersunk nail/screw holes)
Wood glue (optional)
Tools List (what I used)
Compound mitre saw
Jig saw*
Drill press with 1/2" drill bit (A hand drill might be reasonable but I get great 90* angles with the drill press)
Generic framing/claw hammer
Phillips screwdriver
* A table saw would be helpful for some of the larger cuts, but a jigsaw can handle all of them
** Misc clamps to hold boards together will also help - I clamped the "front/rear" sides for the "ladder" portions together and drilled them as a single piece to keep the holes aligned on both sides.
Assembly was a couple screws for peace of mind, some finish nails, and some small brad nails for the top rail from the backer board. Materials cost was roughly $55 (not including paint). Overall size is 48" (4') wide and 39" (3' 3") high. And it manages to hold an axe, a flail, a halberd, a spear, 2 daggers, 26 swords/SLOs, and 1 wooden training sword ... with space for more!
If anyone wants the specific measurements/assembly guide, I'll revise my original and post up a finalized one.
