This project started out a few weeks ago after I acquired my Kenwood HF Transceiver. With an HF rig, you not only have the radio itself, but usually an external power supply, and more then often, an antenna tuner. I have a small desk to put all of this gear on, and rather then have it scattered around "unorganized", I figured I would build a shelf to contain it all. I wanted to keep it low cost by reusing as much scrap wood and materials that I had in the garage. I also thought this would be a good exercise in some basic carcase construction, as well as cabinet building skills. The problem with a cabinet is that tend to not be very well ventilated, and that could prove to be a problem if I want to operate the rig for more then an hour. I decided to make a hybrid instead. The cabinet sides are a wainscoting material that slides in groves which have been routed in the shelf supports. This makes the sides and back very easy to slide out to provide better ventilation and access for extended operating. The front is an attempt at a cabinet door. The stiles and rails are oak that I routed using a cabinet making bit set I've had for a few years now. I made an adjustment to the hinges by popping the manufacturer installed pins and using a length of coat hanger wire which allows me to take the entire door off. Other features include three drawers for parts and a shelf for operating manuals. I have two other wish list items for this project: a heavy duty collapsible tripod for field use, and a heavy duty luggage style handle for the top. I will probably check Woodcraft this week for the latter item.

Complete pictures can be found here...