Ply is strong and easy to work. I would put the lens inside with two
plastic bags filled with expanding foam. The lens should be floating
in the foam. Once the foam hardens, you have a good fit. My PC
router was shipped that way, except it was in a cardboard box.
Shipping insurance is recommended.

On 5 Aug 2004 17:54:45 -0700, (Joe McGuckin) wrote:

I a piece of equipment that uses a set of large lenses. The lenses
are approx 1"x7"x7" and
weigh 2 or 3 lbs each. There are six lenses in the set. The lenses
cost several hundred dollars each.

I'd like to build a wooden case to keep them in. I'm envisioning a
case made out of a light colored
wood that is felt lined and has individual 'pockets' for the lenses to
slide into. When the lid is closed,
I'd like it to hold the lenses securely in place with no slack.

The case needs to be strong enough so that it can withstand typical
shipping stresses.

What's a good choice of wood for this? What kind of joinery would you
recommend for the sides
and bottom.

Thanks,

Joe