The Dale C. Maley Family Web Site

I recently bought a new Ridgid pipe threading kit with 1/2", 3/4", and 1" dies.  It did not come with a case, so being a woodworker, I decided to design and build my own wood case. I used Sketchup to design it.  The Ridgid threading kit PN is Ridgid 36345 00-R.

I have a 1/2" pipe tap, so I wanted to keep it in the same case.

I got a photo of the Rigid threader, then converted that into an image I could burn onto the top of the case, for easy ID of what tool is in the case.

I used common pine for this project, planed to various thicknesses as needed.

My case design is in the Google Sketchup Warehouse here.

I built this first, so I could check and make sure everything fits ok, before I built the case itself.  Everything fit fine :) 

To reduce weight, I used the same 2" Forstner bit that I used to drill the 3 holes to hold the Rigid threaders, to cut weight reduction holes in the bottom of the spacer.  I drilled them 1.75" deep, leaving 1/4" of stock.

I chose to use 1/2" thick pine, with a 1/4 x 1/4" groove in the bottom to hold a piece of 3/16" thick Luan........to make the bottom. I decided to not attach the spacer to the bottom, so it will be removable to clean if it gets oil soaked.

To clamp the box, I used the nail and string method........uses a 16d nail to twist and tighten the string.

I made the rough top so an 1/8" sticks out on all 4 sides.  After the glue dried, used a flush router bit to make the top exactly flush to the sides...........this method works very well.

I bought the hinges and front clasp at my local Ace hardware store.

I used exterior oil based varnish.  Gave inside 2 coats since oil will drip from dies onto the bottom.

This was a fun project!

I have made about 6 wood cases to hold tools, but this was for the heaviest items I have every done..........and required the most elaborate "fill" items to properly hold the tools.

Hopefully, someday, this will get passed down to my son or grandson :)