This specialized woodworking project was built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop. Specifically created for law enforcement personnel, this gear stand offers a practical solution for organizing and securely storing essential items like duty belts, bulletproof vests, and radios.
To explore more creative woodworking projects and detailed builds, visit Drew’s channel, Fisher’s Shop, on YouTube.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Drew’s channel:
Purpose and Functionality of the Gear Stand
This custom gear stand was built to neatly organize the everyday equipment used by police officers and deputy sheriffs. Designed with multiple features, it includes dedicated spaces for items such as radios, flashlights, duty belts, and bulletproof vests.
A notable design feature is the integrated lockbox, providing secure storage for firearms or other sensitive items. Additionally, the stand is thoughtfully constructed in three separate pieces, making it convenient to transport or move between locations.
Selecting and Preparing Materials
Drew chose black walnut for this build, prized for its durability and beautiful appearance. Its strength and rich tones make walnut ideal for a piece designed for heavy use while also offering an elegant finish.
Careful material preparation involved selecting straight, stable pieces, as well as addressing warped boards through proper milling techniques. Ensuring the wood was flat and square at the outset was crucial for precise joinery and overall stability.
Incorporating Personalized Inlays
A particularly striking detail of this gear stand is the personalized inlay, prominently featuring the deputy sheriff’s last name. Using contrasting hard maple, Drew carefully cut each letter on a CNC router, creating a visually appealing and meaningful custom detail.
Each maple letter was meticulously fitted and glued into the walnut, enhancing the personalized nature of this specialized piece. Such thoughtful customization elevates the project, reflecting a deep appreciation for the recipient.
Panel Construction and Assembly
Drew constructed the main panels by carefully arranging the walnut boards to showcase their natural beauty. Each panel was glued and clamped securely, ensuring flatness and structural integrity during drying.
To achieve professional results, Drew carefully trimmed the panels to final dimensions and rounded the edges using a router. This detail not only improved the overall appearance but also ensured smooth, comfortable handling.
Building the Central Post and Brackets
The main post of the gear stand was constructed using precise mitered cuts and secured with glue, supported by a clever taping method for clamping. This approach simplified assembly and ensured tight-fitting joints that remained strong and stable.
To securely hang items like the vest and belt, Drew crafted custom brackets, mounting them with reliable pocket hole joinery. Decorative covers, CNC-cut into appealing shapes, were then installed to conceal hardware and further strengthen the connections.
Adding the Thin Blue Line Flag Detail
Another notable detail Drew incorporated into this project was a “thin blue line” flag inlay. This symbolic touch was achieved by carefully CNC-carving the stars and stripes, then filling the recesses with colored epoxy.
After the epoxy cured, Drew carefully sanded the surface smooth, resulting in a stunning and meaningful detail. This symbolic element added emotional resonance and further personalized the gear stand.
Secure Storage and Final Assembly
The gear stand’s functionality was enhanced with the inclusion of a sturdy lockbox at the base, complete with reliable hinges and locking hardware. This provided essential secure storage for sensitive equipment, ensuring safety and convenience.
Final assembly involved attaching and aligning all three sections securely. Drew’s meticulous attention to detail throughout this step guaranteed that the completed stand was robust, stable, and easy to transport.
Finishing and Presentation
To highlight the walnut’s natural beauty, Drew applied an oil finish, deepening the color and protecting the wood’s surface. This finishing choice enhanced the grain and provided durability for everyday use.
The completed gear stand is both functional and visually impressive, showcasing thoughtful craftsmanship and practical design tailored specifically for law enforcement needs. Drew’s final product is a testament to how woodworking can meet very specialized and meaningful requirements.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Drew’s channel:
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