I can't believe I couldn't find any advise on this subject on the forums. Maybe I'm just not using the right keywords. I thought this is a great topic for the beginners forum so here I am.
If you discount the cardboard box I've been using, I want to build my first EP case. Rather than experiment and "reinvent the wheel", I thought I ask for advise from forum members who have, collectively, made hundreds, if not thousands, of these.
My strategy so far is this. I've got 2 scopes, a 6" SCT and a 10" XTi and each has a small case for the accessories (finder, batteries, controllers, etc.) specific to each. I want to have one case that holds all my EPs.I know eventually that I could outgrow one case, but I to keep as many EPs as possible in one case to minimize all the stuff I lug around. I've acquired 11 EPs so far with 2 barlows-mostly Naglers, Pans, and Hyperions with a few orthos and plossls thrown in for good measure. The 35mm Pan is the largest.
I've got a large Doskocil case with interior dimensions of 18 3/4 x 14 x 8 with the charcoal "pluck" foam. This should allow me to store everything vertically. I think I can figure out the best layout, keeping the high mass EPs in the middle. But I'd like advise as to the mechanics of making the cutouts.
Do you think I should I stick with the charcoal, low density foam, or get the higher density polyethylene foam. What's the best way to cut the foam? Do you undersize the width of the cutouts for a tight fit? What do feel is the minimum distance between cutouts (I'm thinking about 1"). Any other things I should consider?
I get the impression that most store EPs with caps on. What about no caps but in a bolt case? This appeals to me since you could keep the most frequently used on a given night in a fanny pack without worrying about damage from banging around. And offer dew protection if on a rack.
All opinions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Dennis
If you discount the cardboard box I've been using, I want to build my first EP case. Rather than experiment and "reinvent the wheel", I thought I ask for advise from forum members who have, collectively, made hundreds, if not thousands, of these.
My strategy so far is this. I've got 2 scopes, a 6" SCT and a 10" XTi and each has a small case for the accessories (finder, batteries, controllers, etc.) specific to each. I want to have one case that holds all my EPs.I know eventually that I could outgrow one case, but I to keep as many EPs as possible in one case to minimize all the stuff I lug around. I've acquired 11 EPs so far with 2 barlows-mostly Naglers, Pans, and Hyperions with a few orthos and plossls thrown in for good measure. The 35mm Pan is the largest.
I've got a large Doskocil case with interior dimensions of 18 3/4 x 14 x 8 with the charcoal "pluck" foam. This should allow me to store everything vertically. I think I can figure out the best layout, keeping the high mass EPs in the middle. But I'd like advise as to the mechanics of making the cutouts.
Do you think I should I stick with the charcoal, low density foam, or get the higher density polyethylene foam. What's the best way to cut the foam? Do you undersize the width of the cutouts for a tight fit? What do feel is the minimum distance between cutouts (I'm thinking about 1"). Any other things I should consider?
I get the impression that most store EPs with caps on. What about no caps but in a bolt case? This appeals to me since you could keep the most frequently used on a given night in a fanny pack without worrying about damage from banging around. And offer dew protection if on a rack.
All opinions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Dennis
