Homemade takedown case?

[Zbearclaw]

I got a section of 6" thin walled PVC and cut to length, then capped one end off and put a screw cap on the other.

I am trying to find out how best to line the inside so it can take what the baggage tossers dish out.

Has anyone built an airline safe takedown case?  

Mine is large enough that I can fit arrows in it as well, but padding is my biggest issue.

thanks.

[boznarras]

Zeke, you read my mind on this one.
I have been thinking about doing this too, and will follow this with some interest.
I was thinking of adding some webbing for handles, maybe go all the way around the case for strength, and pop rivet through it on the side opposite the handle. Put the padding in after that to cover the rivet heads and backup washers.
For a lining I was thinking of rolling some insulite, like a sleeping pad, and cut to a tight internal fit after putting a round piece into the ends. Dry fit it real close, then take it out and use 3M spray adhesive and put it back in. But I think I would still want to wrap the bow pieces in a bow sock or something, and put the arrows in a box before putting them inside so they aren't rattling around.
Another idea for padding; there is a product used here a lot as insulation in commercial fishing boats that comes in a 4' wide roll, I can buy it by the linear foot. Here it is called ice blanket, and it is a closed cell foam about a half inch thick and is white. I might use that instead of the insulite since it is handy. I bet you can find it if you are near any fishing port in California.
I might see how much room I have and put two layers of padding if I can?
I made a case like this for rolled maps (without the padding) to use on float trips using 4" pvc and it worked well, but I found that the screw end leaked a little water if it was immersed, unless I coated the threads with silicone paste. Mention this just in case you are going to be in sloppy situations with this. I am in open boats in the rain a lot.
I was thinking of using a second piece of pvc for the arrows if needed and riveting it alongside the first piece, and backing the rivets up with stainless hose clamps around both tubes, but if one bigger piece would hold both, that is better and simpler. Of course you could just make two cases, but if you are going to check them on an airline, it would be better if they were one item than two.
Those are my thoughts on this project so far. I was just waiting for things to gel a bit in my head, and looking to get hold of a big piece of pvc scrap before I tried it. Look forward to any better ideas.
Walt

[Zbearclaw]

GREAT idea with the sleeping mat!  I will check the local westmarine stores to see if they have the product you mentioned.

I was going to drill at an angle through the threads so I could run a cable and then a airline lock, but may rig somethig else up as I will use this for AK next August.

I was also going to use webbing for a handle.

Maybe I can just use a hatch to rock it, riveted into the side of the screw cap and then bend it over to lock.

Great, thanks.

[straitera]

I have this exact thing I've been using for years for my one piece LB's to 70". Normally, I just slide the bow inside and screw the end on. I can put my bow in a bowsock first if need be. Never a scratch.

[boznarras]

Consider putting some sort of caulk or sealant in the holes when you put in the rivets if you want them to be watertight. Like 3M 5200 or Sikaflex or maybe silicone? Also put some in the center of the rivets after they are placed.
(Living in a rain forest makes me paranoid about getting wet, huh?)
They might have the ice blanket at west marine, but I usually find that sort of thing more at a fisheries supply sort of store, geared to commercial fishing. They should be able to steer you that way if they don't have it.

Would like to see what you come up with, picture?

Where are you going in AK?

[Zbearclaw]

Going to Kodiak for deer with my dad in August next year.  

This case was more for flying to Georgia and back a few times a year and such, but now that you got my brain jumpstarted I will make it ready to make it all the way to Kodiak in this without risking even a scratch.

MY BW is only a few months old and is scratched pretty well from regular hunting usage, but I don't want one in it I didn't earn!

Thanks

[sidebuster]

Here is one I made for a long bow some years ago.    You can use the same idea for a take down recurve but you need 6 in.