Crate for the cast iron
My 13 year old started a construction course this semester. It wasn't long before an opportunity to work together presented itself.
I purchased my first piece of cast iron cookware last spring. A 12" dutch oven from Cabela's travelled the highways and backroads and made many appearances last summer. Sure, I burnt some stuff, we also quickly landed on some meals that came out better than expected. As I prepare for this year's expeditions, I decided to add to my collection. I purchased a 10" dutch oven, and a 12" deep skillet with lid (basically a shallow skillet). This should just about do the trick for our family of 4.
I like to keep things organized, so all of this needed a home. I also want to keep it safe, like anything that is cared for, it will last longer. I have a respectable size pass-through on the travel trailer. I have several Rubbermaid Roughneck 25 gallon totes used for sorting various items. I learned that you cannot safely store the three-legged dutch ovens and expect to not poke holes in the bottom and see the tote really deform. I needed something sturdier...
My son and I got out the cast iron, and the tools that are only used for cooking with the cast iron. So I now have a 12" & 10" dutch oven, skillets, lid lifter and chimney starter. After some measuring, we determined that a crate , the size of the plastic totes, with squared sides, will fit all of the equipment. In a few hours, we had the 3/4" plywood cut, glued & screwed together. We added rope handles, lined it with burlap and stained it navajo red.
Everything fits well, it is sturdy and it is HEAVY. It was still missing something... We then whipped up a stencil with the name of the trailer - Flying Dutchmen. Sprayed that on the lid and the side as well as the inside burlap. It has a steam trunk theme now. We have a trip planned to Mt Rushmore and then Yellowstone, where we will pick up stickers along the way.
It was fun to work on this project with my boy, who is quickly becoming a man. Hopefully we started a tradition that will be a part of our trips for a years to come. Each sticker will represent a memory, some family time, us celebrating our ability to slow down and enjoy the view from time to time.
I purchased my first piece of cast iron cookware last spring. A 12" dutch oven from Cabela's travelled the highways and backroads and made many appearances last summer. Sure, I burnt some stuff, we also quickly landed on some meals that came out better than expected. As I prepare for this year's expeditions, I decided to add to my collection. I purchased a 10" dutch oven, and a 12" deep skillet with lid (basically a shallow skillet). This should just about do the trick for our family of 4.
I like to keep things organized, so all of this needed a home. I also want to keep it safe, like anything that is cared for, it will last longer. I have a respectable size pass-through on the travel trailer. I have several Rubbermaid Roughneck 25 gallon totes used for sorting various items. I learned that you cannot safely store the three-legged dutch ovens and expect to not poke holes in the bottom and see the tote really deform. I needed something sturdier...
My son and I got out the cast iron, and the tools that are only used for cooking with the cast iron. So I now have a 12" & 10" dutch oven, skillets, lid lifter and chimney starter. After some measuring, we determined that a crate , the size of the plastic totes, with squared sides, will fit all of the equipment. In a few hours, we had the 3/4" plywood cut, glued & screwed together. We added rope handles, lined it with burlap and stained it navajo red.
Everything fits well, it is sturdy and it is HEAVY. It was still missing something... We then whipped up a stencil with the name of the trailer - Flying Dutchmen. Sprayed that on the lid and the side as well as the inside burlap. It has a steam trunk theme now. We have a trip planned to Mt Rushmore and then Yellowstone, where we will pick up stickers along the way.
It was fun to work on this project with my boy, who is quickly becoming a man. Hopefully we started a tradition that will be a part of our trips for a years to come. Each sticker will represent a memory, some family time, us celebrating our ability to slow down and enjoy the view from time to time.
Moved to Camp Cooks forum from DIY.
