http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Wannigan-Style-Chuck-Box/

How to Build a Wannigan Style Chuck Boxby GeorgianBay Scott on February 29, 2016

Author:GeorgianBay Scott    Gypsy Wagon ConstructionLife 2.5 achieved! Former teacher and college instructor currently enjoying my workshop, steampunk crafts and mods, outdoor cooking, traveling andcamping, woodworking and rebuilding small vintage campers. Teardrop trailers, Bolers and Triilliums, and gypsy wagons ... anything on wheels with aconnection to a basic camp-out experience.

Intro:  How to Build a Wannigan Style Chuck BoxThis Instructable will show you how to build a wannigan. It includes an introduction, suggested materials, pictures and step-by-step instructions for building a smallcustom grub box (also called a wannigan). Although the overall dimensions are flexible, I chose to construct a box that would specifically fit the space under the galleycounter in my teardrop trailer . Wanting to compliment the steampunk theme that I had incorporated into the trailer, I gave the box a 'steamer trunk' look. Additionally,the box needed to serve as a day box or picnic basket for carrying essential supplies from the car to a picnic site. You could make yours bigger. Simply checkout themany images of larger chuck boxes on the web if you are looking to build a full-sized camp kitchen box.

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Introduction

A wannigan (wanigan) is an outdoorsman’s piece of gear that is used to pack fragile equipment and cooking utensils, often constructed to be used as a grub box oncanoe trips. It is nothing more than a wooden box, customized to be any size or shape that is needed. They often include a strap, tumpline or handle for carrying the box.

My finished box dimensions (17.5” L x 12” W x 14” H)

Step 1: Collect the MaterialsWood

1 small package pine wainscoting - 32" lengths (1 X 4, ¼” )4’ of 1 X 12, ¾” pine¼” oak trim12” X 18” thin veneer plywood ( I used a piece of salvaged wall panel)

Hardware

1” common nails (not finishing)Tacks or small brass bradsGood quality carpenters glue ( I used Gorilla Exterior/Interior)A leather strap (or an old belt or strap from a suitcase)Small brass grommetsTwo one foot lengths of leather, 1/4" wide or a long boot laceStainSpar varnishChest or cabinet corner brackets (I often make mine from pieces of copper sheeting or aluminum flat stock)

Tools

Table sawTack HammerPin nailer (opt)Metal snips

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Wannigan-Style-Chuck-Box/

Step 2: Cut the Wood1. Begin by cutting the 2 end pieces, 12 X 12. Cut a ¼” rabbet in the end pieces to receive the wainscot front and rear panels.

2. Cut eight 16” lengths of wainscot pine to length. ( you'll get 2 from one piece in the package) Trim the groove from the 2 bottom pieces and the tongue from the 2 toppieces.

3. Cut a piece of thin veneer ply, 17.5” X 12” for the base and a 2nd piece with the same dimensions from ¾” pine for the top lid.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Wannigan-Style-Chuck-Box/

Step 3: Assemble the Basic BoxAssemble the box using glue and pin nails to hold the pieces in place. Clamp if necessary. Then use black common nails to fully secure the panels and the base to theend pieces. Pre-drill each panel before nailing so as to avoid splitting the thin panels.

Construct the lid in the same fashion, using a solid piece of pine for the top.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Wannigan-Style-Chuck-Box/

Step 4: Paint or Stain the Box & Prep the Oak BattensI stained the box and lid before adding any of the trim using a slightly diluted dark grey oil-based stain. (Use mineral spirits for the dilution.) The oak trim pieces were allcut to length before receiving 2 coats of spar varnish.

Step 5: Add the Trim and Decorative PiecesThe oak trim is attached using glue, pin nails and decorative tacks. The raised head tacks are sold as upholstery tacks. Pre-drill the oak to make attaching the tackseasier.

The 8 corner brackets were cut from copper sheet, 1 3/8” X 4”, and bent before receiving a coat of spray lacquer. This will slow the oxidation of the copper and keep itbright. They were attached using ½” brass nails.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Wannigan-Style-Chuck-Box/

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Wannigan-Style-Chuck-Box/

Step 6: Attach the Carrying StrapI used an old belt, cut to length to make a carrying handle. The buckle end was cut off, brass grommets added and then secured using a leather lace. The holes for thegrommets were made using a ¼” hollow punch. The two buckles were from an old gym bag.

The last 3 pictures are of a similar style of box that I just recently finished. Similar construction that is. It will replace the tongue box that is currently on my steampunkedteardrop trailer. It is an aluminum cladded plywood box trimmed out with lots of oak and compliments the design of the teardrop. Approx. 30 x 14 x 14.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Wannigan-Style-Chuck-Box/

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