[vcf-midatlantic] (Semi-off topic) Looking for a place in NJ that does in-place expandable foam packing.
Herb Johnson
hjohnson at retrotechnology.info
Sat May 7 16:52:54 EDT 2016
I've noticed that FedEx offers some fancier boxes that amount to more
elaborate travel cabinets, with reinforced corners and edges, but are
still made of cardboard. They call them "Kubox" and they aren't cheap
(over $100) but they are light and sturdy. reduced weight may save
shipping cost. FedEx Office of course, also does packing and offers a
variety of boxes.
Let's not have a comparative discussion of shipping services, please.
The question was on boxes and packing.
The alternative, for a one-off shipment, might be to visit some thrift
stores and look at *luggage*. Some piece of luggage or cabinet or
footlocker may fit the item. Military surplus stores, maybe there's
cheap cabinetry at Ikeo, I dunno.
Also, I have some professional carrying cases which are intended for
both shipping and for travel. Corey, contact me 1) if you have the time
and this isn't ship-yesterday and 2) if you have some dimensions for the
items in question, so I can determine fit for what I have around.
But what I generally do, is cut up styrofoam sheets to fit the space in
my shipping box, fill the rest with soft stuff or styro peanuts; double
boxing if necessary. YOu can get sheets from big-box hardware stores.
The white stuff simply takes up air space, doesn't absorb impacts well.
The pink stuff is pretty stiff and provides structure, you can build an
"inner box" from it. You'll generate some styrofoam "sawdust".
The price of these sheets compares to buying the peanuts, which you
should ONLY buy in as large a bag as possible. UPS-type shipping stores
sell the big bags (10 cubic feet or more), but shop around for best
price. Yes, Uline sells them too.
If someone asked *me* to use spray insulation inside a shipping box, I'd
mock up the item, pack the mock-up with the spray, then cut out the
mock-up and repack the actual item wrapped in styro sheet or bubble wrap
to fill the void. I'd hate to risk ruining some valuable item with
sticky foam or fumes from the spray, or from scratches while extracting
it with a knife.
Herb
--
Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey USA
http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net
More information about the vcf-midatlantic
mailing list