FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

plywood box for a choreographer

MarineEngineer | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 6, 2008 05:37am

back from sea just a couple weeks now. Friend who is a choreographer asked for help making some plywood boxes for a show he is writing/producing.

the boxes need to be strong enough to support a dancer hopping around on them, yet disassemble for storage and transport. Any ideas on how to construct them?

I’ve enclosed the sketch he gave me. He’s also thinking maybe instead of having one side open, as in the picture, to have a lid that opens so the dancer can pull out a prop. Even better would be a lid the opens and rotates, like the lcd screen on a handycam.

Much thanks.

Marine Engineer

fair winds and following seas
Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Hudson Valley Carpenter | Apr 06, 2008 06:29pm | #1

    I suppose the boxes could be built with blocking fastened permanently to each long side, around it's inside perimeter.  Then drill holes in the ends/top/bottom, through the blocking, for a minimum number of removeable carriage bolts. 

    I suspect that any caster of that size won't give a big enough contact patch to keep the box from moving when a dancer jumps up on it.  Instead I'd try to sell him on round rubber feet and some hand holds cut in the ends of the boxes, for two people to carry them,

     





    Edited 4/6/2008 11:40 am by Hudson Valley Carpenter

  2. Danno | Apr 06, 2008 08:05pm | #2

    Couple things came to my mind:

    One--there are casters that are spring-loaded and sort of collapse when weight is applied--they are used on what I call "kick-stools" that are truncated metal cones and you kick them to roll them to where you need and when you stand on them, they sink to the floor--the edges of the bottom have rubber to prevent slipping. That might work for the casters.

    Two--Leaving an open side would make them less strong--your idea of lid that flips up is better.

    Three--how about nesting them for transport insteed of disassembly?

    Four--I am a big fan of torsion box construction. This would make an especially strong platform for the "lid" of the box. Glue something like 1-1/2" Styrofoam to an oversized piece of plywood (maybe as thin as 1/4" would work). Glue on edge boards (1x2's)Glue a smaller piece of plywood to underside so that the lid fits into a plywood box (3/4"?), but top piece of plywood on the lid is supported by the top edges of the box sides. Reinforce corners of box sides with glue-blocks (though they may interfere with "nesting" unless planned for accordingly).

    Not sure how to make lid open or pivot--are things called "flipper-door" hinges that may work. Would have to bevel edges of top to allow it to close on hinges without binding. Note also that these could be noisy--may have to carpet or pad the tops and povide non-slip (like foam weather stripping) on bottom edges of box sides (no bottom).

    If you insist on collapsible, make the box sides hinged so the box they form can be sqeezed at opposite corners to "rack" the box flat. I've seen step-stool seat things out of plastic that do that.

    1. brownbagg | Apr 06, 2008 08:24pm | #3

      on a waterbed box, they have a cross brace that slips apart. maybe that would work to support the dance. make each box a little smaller to slip inside each other

      1. User avater
        MarineEngineer | Apr 07, 2008 06:00am | #12

        could use a bit more detail on this. Never had an encounter with a water bed.Thinking something with piano hinges??? Or dovetail dadoes that slides together?Marine Engineerfair winds and following seas

    2. User avater
      BillHartmann | Apr 06, 2008 09:02pm | #4

      Those spring loaded casters would work if one STEPS on the box.But I would be concerned, at least without some experiment, where you might jump on the box with a horizontal movement as well as vertical. They might move sideways before they get enough weight to lock in place.Lot of questions about why the casters (how often are them moved), how compact that they need to be. And how often are they disasembled and stored?One thought is to use aluminum angle "iron" and use quick fasters.http://www.southco.com/landingpages/dzus/That is a start, but look at some of their other product lines.Some of the compression latches could be used to hold parts to gether or box to box if that was needed.Another option would be to use the angle iron and rivnuts. Then ordinary flat head screws through the sides and top..
      .
      A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

      1. cargin | Apr 06, 2008 10:15pm | #6

        Bill

        View Image

        How about these corner fastners. They are used alot in ready to assemble desks.

        1/4 turn and they come apart.

        Or how about bed rail hooks. It might take an extra cleats on the inside of the plywood box. But it would be able to quickly knock down.

        View Image

         

        View Image

        Rich

        1. User avater
          BillHartmann | Apr 06, 2008 10:33pm | #8

          I would be concerned with the cam locks with those kind of forces.That is why I sugested mechanical metal fasteners.But the bed rail might be part of a solution. But would need something elese to lock it into place so that the thing will not fall apart if someone kicks the box..
          .
          A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

  3. Henley | Apr 06, 2008 09:20pm | #5

    Try Simon Lou arts They are a fine arts supply company.
    I worked in the industry for a few years and found that
    there are strange expectations in the art world.
    The construction of the boxes isn't hard, but pleasing
    the dancers, artist etc. can be a nightmare.
    I couldn't find a Web page for them but they are the biggest
    stretcher/panel maker in NYC so it won't be to hard.

    PS
    Not sure of the spelling for Lou (He's Chinese).

    1. Stuart | Apr 06, 2008 10:51pm | #9

      http://www.simonliuinc.com/

      1. Henley | Apr 07, 2008 01:23am | #10

        That's the one.

  4. DanH | Apr 06, 2008 10:19pm | #7

    My take is that they'll never stand up to dancing on them without the sixth side.  Too much torsion on the box when a dancer jumps on/off.  The casters are impractical too -- will send the boxes scooting off unpredictably.

    Best bet would be a frame of welded square steel tubing, but even that might violate the "no wood" edict.

    Of course the best way to make KD boxes is with KD hardware, but none is designed to stand up to the stresses implied.

    What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite. --Bertrand Russell
  5. Henley | Apr 07, 2008 01:32am | #11

    Another thought-
    18x20 that's not very stable if the dancer's get going.

  6. TomT226 | Apr 07, 2008 02:16pm | #13

    With a dancers weight and accelleration forces at work I don't think casters are a good idea, as others have said.

    Reguardless of the hinges or connectors, the top should rest on the sides to take pressure off of the hinges.

    You could make them three sided, with a stretcher in the middle sliding in a sliding dovetail piece that is screwed to the legs.  The sliders will have to be made of hardwood, cause even BB won't hold up to many breakdowns.

    As was said before, the sides could be attached with piano hinges to fold inward, with one sticking up more than the other.

    Band any edges with hardwood and round'em off so splinties don't become a problem.

     

  7. User avater
    MarineEngineer | May 22, 2008 05:42am | #14

    built the boxes yesterday. The box will be part of the dancer as if he were wearing roller blades, so the casters were essential.

    We built the boxes out of 1/2 plywood, using door hinges (pull the pin and the break down) glued and screwed. The tops were 3/4, rabbeted to sit inside the box. They seemed pretty sturdy. I dadoed for the bottom of the box, which is floating, rounded off all exposed edges, made handholes. My buddy is pretty happy with them. They go to their first rehearsal tomorrow.

    Here's some pics.

    Marine Engineer

    fair winds and following seas

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Listeners write in about fostering trade work and proposed changes to Canadian code and ask questions about roof and wall insulation for an old house.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data