Dutch Oven Box

Dutch ovens can be a bit messy.  They can get grease and soot on your other gear.  Here is how to build a sturdy, inexpensive box to keep it in.  This box is made of OSB (oriented strand board).  OSB  is inexpensive compared to plywood.  You can even find enough scraps of it left over at construction sites to make this project.  (Ask permission first.)

I made this box to fit a 12" diameter, deep dutch oven, plus accessories.  You can scale this project to meet your needs.

Materials:
7/16" OSB
2x4" stud
1.25" deck or drywall screws (16)
2" deck screws (4)
fender washers (4)

Tools:
table saw
drill
1" spade bit
wood rasp

Cut list:
8.5" x 15" x 7/16" OSB (sides)
14.5" x 14.5" x 7/16" OSB (top)
15.5" x 15.5" x 7/16" OSB (bottom) (or 1/2" treated plywood)
1.5" x 1.5" x 8" cut down from a 2x4 (internal frame)


Use the 1" spade bit to cut a series of holes in 2 of the side panels.  About 3" down from the top and 5" wide.  Start each hole on one side, the flip the panel over and finish it from the other side so you have clean holes.  Use the wood rasp to connect the holes into a smooth slot.  The slots are used to lift the box.

Screw to panels to the internal supports.  Each panel should be flush with the support on one side, and overlapping it by 7/16" on the other.  The internal support should be flush with the bottom of each panel, and 1/2" down from the top, so as to leave a recess for the lid.

Cut a 1" hole in the lid so that it is easy to remove.


 Screw the bottom into the support pieces with 2" deck screws.  Dutch ovens are heavy, so the fender washers add extra support.  I don't remember what size fender washer I used, but it should fit over the screw shaft but catch on the head.  Don't set this box down on momma's hardwood floor.  It will scratch, and you'll be in big trouble.  I used treated plywood for the bottom of this box to make it stronger.

I branded my initials onto the box with a "branding iron" I fashioned out of a coat hanger and heated with a propane torch.




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