You know what they say; in for a penny, in for a full 4'x8' sheet of 1/2" plywood. Why build 1 wannigan from a half sheet of ply when you can build 2 from a full sheet?
This other Special Woods pack is actually a little smaller. This one, I affectionately call my "41 special", will take a wannigan measuring 22" tall, 16" wide, 7" deep (outside dimensions). There is still lots of room around the box when it is slid into the pack. I wanted to be able to fit axe and saw, a tarp or two, or whatever last minute item I could find room for. Despite the slightly smaller interior, there's still room for a pared down kitchen kit of stove(s), pots, pans etc. I left the single shelf loose just in case I might want to pile in larger items. I like the stain mix I came up with for the two wannigans, a witches brew of leftover interior stains. I prefer the lightness of a white interior, painted with latex primer/sealer. The exterior is multi-coated with spar urethane. All permanent joinery is glued and screwed. I nickname this design "my box of ciggys", after a cigarette flip top type of carton. I kept the fold down front as a work space for food prep. The top flipped over provides a handy additional shelf spot for holding cooking items during prep. All the hardware is brass and nickel plated, just because I dig the looks. I kept the sides bare naked, so I can more easily slide stuff down inside the pack. As a result I opted for a toolbox style top handle. Keeping all screws countersunk makes for a snag free finish inside and out. I would've added leather, because I love wood, leather and canvas, but I was down to my last old leather belt, and she told me to keep my pants on. Whatever.
This other Special Woods pack is actually a little smaller. This one, I affectionately call my "41 special", will take a wannigan measuring 22" tall, 16" wide, 7" deep (outside dimensions). There is still lots of room around the box when it is slid into the pack. I wanted to be able to fit axe and saw, a tarp or two, or whatever last minute item I could find room for. Despite the slightly smaller interior, there's still room for a pared down kitchen kit of stove(s), pots, pans etc. I left the single shelf loose just in case I might want to pile in larger items. I like the stain mix I came up with for the two wannigans, a witches brew of leftover interior stains. I prefer the lightness of a white interior, painted with latex primer/sealer. The exterior is multi-coated with spar urethane. All permanent joinery is glued and screwed. I nickname this design "my box of ciggys", after a cigarette flip top type of carton. I kept the fold down front as a work space for food prep. The top flipped over provides a handy additional shelf spot for holding cooking items during prep. All the hardware is brass and nickel plated, just because I dig the looks. I kept the sides bare naked, so I can more easily slide stuff down inside the pack. As a result I opted for a toolbox style top handle. Keeping all screws countersunk makes for a snag free finish inside and out. I would've added leather, because I love wood, leather and canvas, but I was down to my last old leather belt, and she told me to keep my pants on. Whatever.
Last edited:
