Hi everyone,

I am trying to make some large crates for my stage show. I am trying to keep them under 150 pounds and under 165 inches so I can ship them Fed Ex Ground. The crates will be large (close to the limit on size and weight). My problem is, I don't know if I should use 1/2 inch plywood or 3/4 inch. I would like to use 1/2 inch to keep the weight down but I don't know if they will be sturdy enough? Also, should I use recessed handles? Any ideas on the best wheels to use?

I read an article that Lance Burton wrote, and he said that your crates should be painted "red" so they are less likely to get lost. Any ideas on this?

Thanks for your help,

Dakota Rose

Legend was there was a magician who painted his crates orange to make certain they stood out. They said that if something was backstage that his people thought they could use, somehow its crate got a coat of orange paint!

I don't know wood strengths well enough to give you a recommendation. I would go with 1/2" and make certain the dimensions were small enough that you wouldn't have a catastrophe! But I do recommend some really bright color or distinctive color scheme so that you can always find your stuff backstage.

Half-inch should be fine. Previously, I'd posted the idea of using large coolers as crates. They're really light, fit airline standards as checked baggage, and, if they get busted up, they're cheap to replace. (and no one ever thinks about stealing them.)

And they REALLY make you look professional!!!!


Just thinking outside the glass box!

How Heavy will the Crates and your Props Weigh Inside of Them will they still be the Limit.

Speaking of painting orange, I painted mine blue to match my show....just bought one from a thrift and use it as a stand and carrier.

Great Ideal how about if I paint prison stripes on mine. Don,

Someone must make molded plastic crates of the right size. They can be rather sturdy and light. Also, the prices are quite low.

Hiya, Dakota:

For the size crates you have in mind, 3/4" plywood is overkill -- not always a bad thing, but since you'll be paying for shipping, go light.

Using 1/2" ply is more than sufficient for normal usage, but construction is going to be critical. The dynamic loading on a case (shifting forces applied to various points inside and outside) will require careful attention to detail, most especially at the corners.

Sincerely,
Leland Stone