A rack for those extra shells

[Steve Sanford]

While gunning from Craig Kessler's 17-foot TDB last weekend, I could not help but notice that all but one of the original "shell racks" was broken. So, amongst the Christmas carvings and other projects - as wll as some spotty gunning hereabouts - I made these racks today - for Craig's boat. In some earlier boats, I had bored shell holders right into the "lip" on my shelves. I used 5/4 stock for the lip at the time. These are made to fasten (deck screws will be fine) right to the existing shelf.

Here's a sketch. I used 5/4 White Pine. No magic here - just easy to do when I'm in my own shop - and no out-of-pocket expense.

I made 4 and mass-produced as much as I could. Unlike the factory racks, these allow the bullets to stick up where I can grab them more easily.

I used a 7/8" Forstner bit - but a spade bit would work. I tried 13/16" but it was a bit snug - likely to bind if the wood swelled just a bit. These are for 12 gauge, of course.

I set the fence on my drill press so I stayed on the centerline.

I used a 1/4" Forstner to drill scuppers in each - just in case. I probably should have drilled these before the larger holes.

I used a 1/8" bit for the slip holes for the fasteners - then I countersunk them.

The band saw rounded the corners.

A few seconds on the belt sander...

Then a bit more by hand...

After the duckboat paint dries, it's duck loads on the left and goose loads on the right - ready to install.

All the best,

SJS

 

[Paul F Boundy]

Steve, I like it, simple and effective.

Best - Paul

 

[Tom Rowe]

Very Nice. I believe I'll be making some tomorrow!!

 

[Pat Richter]

They will be on all my boats. good idea Steve

 

[Tom L]

great idea, I may have to put a couple of them on my bankes

 

[chris k]

ill be making some of these during my lunch break today I have a few blinds they would fit great in

 

[D Dominski]

Steve:
When you spend time in your Duck Boat you have time to modify, improve & build a better mouse trap. Great idear, simple but effective. Have a Great Wildfowl Season !!!!

 

[Tom Scholberg]

Nice job on a good project. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Tom Roberts]

Will these be exposed to the elements? If so, can rain collect inside of them or do you have a small drain hole in each holder?

 

[Steve Sanford]

Tom~

4th photos shows me boring a 1/4" scupper dead center in each hole - for the very reason of draining any errant water. I believe they are pretty much out of the weather in the TDB 17 - but no reason not to drain them. In fact, using a spade bit to bore the 7/8" holes will drill the drain hole at the same time.

All the best,

SJS

 

[wendell avery]

Good idea Steve. I will be making some tonight.

 

[mo elgammal]

Nice work, great idea .

 

[davidwalton]

Nce work. Thanks for sharing!