Wooden box geocache?

[+Bubbles&Bonkers]

Hi gang!

 

I have a small, wooden box that I really want to use as a geocache. I'm wondering if I use waterproof paint inside and outside (to seal it) if you think that would work. It doesn't have to stay perfect, but I'd like it to last awhile. I'm thinking of putting a bison tube inside for the log I just think this box is awesome and I reeeeeeally want to use it.

 

Thanks!

[+DanOCan]

We have a local cacher who is well known for hiding caches inside homemade wooden boxes. He simply finds a LnL container to fit inside.

[+kunarion]

Hi gang!

 

I have a small, wooden box that I really want to use as a geocache. I'm wondering if I use waterproof paint inside and outside (to seal it) if you think that would work. It doesn't have to stay perfect, but I'd like it to last awhile. I'm thinking of putting a bison tube inside for the log I just think this box is awesome and I reeeeeeally want to use it.

 

Thanks!

It can "age" outdoors, which is probably fine. Wood can warp, crack, and get soaked and moldy, but may last a little longer if sealed first. Are the fittings (hinges, etc.) stainless steel? If they're brass and corrode, they'll break, and you'll end up with a box in two halves. It's a fun "treasure chest", and out of the ordinary, but may need a little more upkeep than an ordinary plastic one. I think your idea is fine, and you should try it.

[+Bubbles&Bonkers]

Thanks, GeoPeeps! I was thinking I would probably change the hardware fer shur!

[karkess]

Don't forget about insects. I have thought about using wood, but I don't think I would without putting it inside another plastic waterproof/insect proof container. Especially if it is something really cool or you put your heart and soul into making.

 

Good luck

[AZcachemeister]

I have found more than a few wooden box containers here in AZ, and they usually work out fine in a sheltered location.

In your area, the results will probably be different. Sealing the wood is a good idea, and having a secondary container inside is almost a necessity.

Whatever you do to it, wood was meant to return to the earth...so don't be surprised or disappointed when it does.

[+A & J Tooling]

Depends on the wood and finish. There are piers that have withstood 50 plus years of constant abuse from the sea.

[+Sharks-N-Beans]

Depends on the wood and finish. There are piers that have withstood 50 plus years of constant abuse from the sea.

 

I wouldn't suggest dipping the box in creosote. I have a hard enough time getting pine sap off my hands.

[+Bubbles&Bonkers]

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I'm going to play around with it and if I think it'll hold awhile I'll put it out there. Squeeeeee!

[+EdrickV]

Here is an idea, get the container ready, put a piece of paper in it, and put it in your back yard for a while and see how it holds out. If I was going to use a custom/modified container, I personally would probably give it a long field test. I know an area where I could leave a test container out out for a long time without worrying that anyone will bother it. For a wood container, having a more traditional container inside does sound like a good idea. I've seen a wood birdhouse with an ammo can inside it before.

[+A & J Tooling]

Make the box out of ipe. It'll last a thousand years.

[+Bubbles&Bonkers]

Here is an idea, get the container ready, put a piece of paper in it, and put it in your back yard for a while and see how it holds out. If I was going to use a custom/modified container, I personally would probably give it a long field test. I know an area where I could leave a test container out out for a long time without worrying that anyone will bother it. For a wood container, having a more traditional container inside does sound like a good idea. I've seen a wood birdhouse with an ammo can inside it before.

 

Really good idea, thanks!

[+Bubbles&Bonkers]

Make the box out of ipe. It'll last a thousand years.

 

At least you didn't say "make it out of PIE"!! Eeeeee!

[+A & J Tooling]

Use wood hardener if the wood is soft. Then seal and use poly on it. Make sure to put some type of sealer in all nail/screw holes. If possible route a cut in the lip and line with a thin piece of rubber. It'll last a few years even in the Florida area.

[+GeoReapers]

I have seen some gnarly wood containers up here and if not treated, they tank.

 

I actually believe that using a 50 yo fruitcacke would make a decent container as well.

[+Bubbles&Bonkers]

A&J: Very good advice, thanks! Flori-duh??

 

Reapers: Hm, I don't have a 50 yr old fruitcake so I'll stick to my lil' wooden box!

[+A & J Tooling]

Currently I have six wooden containers in my backyard going through a weathering regiment to see what handles the elements the best. One has been submerged in my pool for 2 months (behind the steps) with no leaks yet. Wood will last if handled correctly and made to take the abuse of those with less handling know-how.

[+McFlyAway]

I'm doing the same thing, but I use treated wood left over from my deck. Works wonders.

[+Vater_Araignee]

Boil it in paraffin wax.

Or hit it with a heat gun and melt the wax in.

Boiling get in deeper.

[+CanadianRockies]

Use exterior paint and finish it with an exterior oil-based varnish.

Edited August 11, 2012 by CanadianRockies

[+NYPaddleCacher]

Hi gang!

 

I have a small, wooden box that I really want to use as a geocache. I'm wondering if I use waterproof paint inside and outside (to seal it) if you think that would work. It doesn't have to stay perfect, but I'd like it to last awhile. I'm thinking of putting a bison tube inside for the log I just think this box is awesome and I reeeeeeally want to use it.

 

Thanks!

 

If you want to protect the wood, consider use a two part epoxy resin. If you've ever seen a wood canoe or kayak that what is used to seal the wood. Two part epoxy resin can be found in any good marine store or be purchased on line. West Systems, System 3, and Raka are three epoxy resin makers that can be found online. I've bought fairly large quantities for building a cedar strip kayak but you can find them in smaller quantities and you can also mix up a fairly small batch at a time. Once the box is sealed with epoxy resin, it can be sanded smooth (wear a dusk mask!) and then a couple of coats of varnish applied. The varnish not only gives it a glossy finish but it also provides UV protection. For a cedar strip canoe or kayak a couple of layers of fiberglass cloth cover the entire boat prior to using the epoxy resin but it becomes transparent. Although you can seal the wood, the box will only be as waterproof as the seal you use to get into the box. There are a few options but if you're just going to put a bison tube inside just having a top so that it closes tightly will probably be enough.

[+fotimyr]

Use exterior paint and finish it with an exterior oil-based varnish.

 

Yup. An oil based wood primer topped with three layers of wet-on-wet wood stain will last for years outside, provided it is above ground. If you use galvanized hinges with a brass pin and a layer of wood stain, they will never rust.