Making ammunition crates...

[FreshPrince711]

Hello! I'm attempting to make an ammo crate I saw in a photo and my usual etsy stencil guy has gone silent. I really want to get this stencil ordered so I can start making crates with it. It's the 2500 blank cartridge stencil. I have no clue what's on the side of the box. If anyone knows I'd love to figure it out. Almost looks like an eagle but idk.

Basically, if someone makes stencils regularly and has a setup, I'd be willing to pay for one to be made as accurately as possible, with some slight modifications. I'd prefer DM's to discuss details, personal contact info and money exchange and whatnot. Details like: I spy an 1865 on the bottom, and I'd probably have that changed to 1861.

If anyone has a machine to create stencils out of reusable plastic, and is willing to make/sell me one, I'd gladly pay as long as we discussed the fee before hand. I'd ask in some other forum, or contact stencil manufacturers online that are dedicated to stencils, but I'd be afraid someone who isn't into the Civil War wouldn't make an accurate stencil to fit an accurately sized box. Thanks!

 

[Dan Kohli]

I want to say that Civil War Digital Digest's sold stencils for that type of stuff on their website in the past. When I checked just now it looks like their store is currently unavailable.
Here's the website if they start selling them again.

Home - Civil War Digital Digest

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

Stonewall Brigade reenactors have a how to on crates and stencils:

How to Make a Richmond Arsenal Musket Ammunition Crate - The Stonewall Brigade

By Austin Williams, 5th Virginia Co. A There are many sources from which one can purchase a Federal arsenal musket ammunition crate and there are readily available guides in print and online to make your own. Confederate arsenals, however, are more difficult to locate and I am not aware of any...

stonewallbrigade.net

Hope this is helpful.

 

[Rhea Cole]

Here in Middle Tennessee folks are very craft oriented. There is nothing mysterious about stenciling. I recommend that you practice stippling with a stencil brush before marking your box. I am are there is someone willing to show you how.

Check with your local decorator, art supply store or craft shop. They can probably steer you to someone who laser cuts stencils in your area. It is a very common craft thing.

A friend recommended these folks for stencils.

Link:

Custom Letter Stencils - Stencil Signs you Design | Woodland Mfg

Custom letter stencils are precision cut for crisp painting results. Create professional stencil letters at low cost.

www.woodlandmanufacturing.com

Note: I have made ammunition boxes. I suggest that you assemble multiples. You will have the stencils. After you do the setup cutting three or more is a matter of a few more minutes. Keep in mind that these things weren't furniture & were banged around.

Ammo boxes were fitted with hinges & made good tool etc boxes.

Have fun.

 

[Lampasas Bill]

Ammo boxes were made from 1" thick boards, not the currently available 3/4" boards that are sold as 1". Where does one find true 1" thick boards?

 

[Rhea Cole]

Ammo boxes were made from 1" thick boards, not the currently available 3/4" boards that are sold as 1". Where does one find true 1" thick boards?

Indeed, dimensional lumber is milled to exacting measurements. Material used to build furniture / crafts is sawn & milled for the project.

For the ammunition boxes I built for a national park yellow poplar was appropriate & readily available. The originals were white pine, which is no longer. You will need to go to a lumber yard, not a big box store. Talk to someone who builds furniture for sources.

There is also the question of paint. Depending on how literal a replica, there are folks who specialize in period coatings.

 

[FreshPrince711]

Ammo boxes were made from 1" thick boards, not the currently available 3/4" boards that are sold as 1". Where does one find true 1" thick boards?

Due to the variety of wood thicknesses present, the government specified the interior dimensions for the boxes. Upon inspecting originals next to reproductions, 3/4" boards are acceptable.

 

[FreshPrince711]

Indeed, dimensional lumber is milled to exacting measurements. Material used to build furniture / crafts is sawn & milled for the project.

For the ammunition boxes I built for a national park yellow poplar was appropriate & readily available. The originals were white pine, which is no longer. You will need to go to a lumber yard, not a big box store. Talk to someone who builds furniture for sources.

There is also the question of paint. Depending on how literal a replica, there are folks who specialize in period coatings.

I actually contacted Antietam's cannon maintenance department. The "arsenal green" varied but in the 1980's Antietam recreated it using original ingredients, then copied it into a Sherman William's custom color. They gave me the color code.

 

[Rhea Cole]

I actually contacted Antietam's cannon maintenance department. The "arsenal green" varied but in the 1980's Antietam recreated it using original ingredients, then copied it into a Sherman William's custom color. They gave me the color code.

I am pleased to hear that period paint is not on the menu. It goes on a pale olive color. With time, it mellows to the dull hue it is supposed to be. Takes forever to dry.