About to embark on construction of all new cable trunks

Silas Pradetto

Silas Pradetto

Graduate Student
Jan 11, 2011
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Land of Steady Habits
www.concertsunlimited.com
So, after figuring out that my current trunks aren't quite the dimensions I'd like them to be for both truck and trailer pack, I've decided to build all new trunks and revise the style slightly.

My main goal is going to be to put wear strips on the top and bottom of each trunk, so the sides don't get all beaten up.

So far, my main question is, what is the best material for these wear strips? I would not like to use any kind of plywood, since it usually ends up delaminating (even BB). I looked at oak trim boards at Home Depot, but they're $1.58 per foot for 2.5" wide strips, and I'd need about 18 feet to do one trunk.

The current trunks are 24" x 30" and the new ones are going to be 22.5" x 30" since three 22.5" wide items fit perfectly widthwise in the trailer.

I'll keep everyone updated on my progress, and on a side note, all my old trunks are for sale in the marketplace.
 
Re: About to embark on construction of all new cable trunks

Scott LaRochelle said:
UHMW, We buy it in sheets and cut it with a table saw. I wood stay away from any kind of wood strips...
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Thanks Scott, I looked it up. The stuff looks good! Just a bit on the expensive side, but if the trunks last forever, it doesn't matter. Anyone have a preferred source? Scott, is there someone local you get it from?

How paintable is the stuff? I see it is available in black, which would be perfect. How do you attach it to wood? Screws? Glue?

I'm a newbie at UHMW, if you couldn't tell...
 
Re: About to embark on construction of all new cable trunks

Silas Pradetto said:
Thanks Scott, I looked it up. The stuff looks good! Just a bit on the expensive side, but if the trunks last forever, it doesn't matter. Anyone have a preferred source? Scott, is there someone local you get it from?

How paintable is the stuff? I see it is available in black, which would be perfect. How do you attach it to wood? Screws? Glue?

I'm a newbie at UHMW, if you couldn't tell...
Click to expand...

We used to buy it at a place in Holyoke, MA. Lately we have just been buying it off of Ebay because we are too lazy to drive over there. Not really paintable. Get black and you would be good to go. There are some deals on it from time to time on Ebay.

I pre drill it with a counter sink bit. Then I attach it with a small wood screw. I have seen them riveted as well...
 
Re: About to embark on construction of all new cable trunks

You can get strips of recycled HDPE through McMaster-Carr as well (actually, any sort of polymer you can imagine). The recycled stuff is a darkish grey a lot of the time, and pretty reasonably priced for 3/4" thickness.

Just for fun, hit up a resteraunt supply place, Costco or Walmart and see what all they have for cutting surfaces. I have seen some pretty large ones (24"x36") for a pretty reasonable price, and pretty easily cut up on a table saw as well.
 
Re: About to embark on construction of all new cable trunks

I have cut up large cutting boards before as well.

Boating supply houses will also have it, but it tends to be expensive there.

Here in MD I used to get it from Read's Plastics.
 
Re: About to embark on construction of all new cable trunks

Ben Lawrence said:
How is that project coming along? Will you be parting with your older trunks?
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Yes, I'm selling the old trunks, actually, I'll put up the For Sale listing right now.

I haven't actually started on the new trunks yet; I got stalled looking for wear strips. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do, since all the plastic strips are extremely expensive.
 
Re: About to embark on construction of all new cable trunks

Silas Pradetto said:
Yes, I'm selling the old trunks, actually, I'll put up the For Sale listing right now.

I haven't actually started on the new trunks yet; I got stalled looking for wear strips. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do, since all the plastic strips are extremely expensive.
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What about some hardwood flooring. I think you can find unfinished oak sometimes for around $3/ square foot. Rip the edges off and router them if you like. Just a thought.
Grant
 
Re: About to embark on construction of all new cable trunks

Ron Kimball said:
A sanding block is good enough for small pieces.
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Ron, you're dashing my hopes to find an excuse to buy more tools! This is most unlike you!

PS - I'm surprised you don't have a planer that you'd volunteer for use!

PPS - I also need a belt sander. The Porter Cable model I've had my eye on for a year is still out of reach, though.
 
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