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Plastic water bottles make great cushioning material

Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:47 pm
by ka0pww
I have shipped large heavy items by first packing the item in a box with
large bubble wrap or suitable padding material.
Then I use empty plastic water bottles (with the caps on tight) placed
on the bottom of a larger box. Then I put the inner box on top and place
more bottles on all sides surrounding the inner box and filling any
voids with crumpled newspaper. (just to keep them in place.)

The air in the bottles makes a perfect cushion to protect heavy objects
and is a heck of a lot less messy than picking up packing peanuts
that tend to fly all over and is a great re-use of something that would
normally get thrown away.
Another plus is that it doesn't add much to the shipping weight.

I have shipped many items using this method and have received
great feedback on this method.

I think I'll make a floating house out of these and go Maritime Mobile..
Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum!

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 2:32 am
by KC8VWM
:) Great idea!

73

Shipping heavy amps

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2010 4:55 am
by W9OS
I spent 20 years in the used test equipment business. The foam injection systems they have are wonderful. but very expensive.
You can buy insulation foam in a can ,but its not the same stuff . Too expensive.Takes hours to set up.

I have been buying 4 X 8 sheets of Styrofoam 3 inch insulation board from Menards. For $10..
Lay a custom cut in the bottom of the box, Use that as a template to make enough layers to fill the box.
Now trace the amp on layer 2-3-etc. and cut with a saber saw- leave a cut out jog for knobs etc.
Put the amp in the box .Wrapped in a large garbage bag.
When you finish cutting each sheet place in the box around the amp.
The last layer is a no cut out.
Based on box size you can dial in the amount of foam you want around the rig..
Works for me.....Never a problem..
Best regards , Jim W9OS :idea: