Built to Last

If you look at a completed chicken crate its harder to see where the strength comes from. Here's a picture of a partially finish unit. The corner brackets are easier to see.

We aren't kidding when we say they are built to last, and hope you and your future generations will get lots of service from our hand-made crates.

Easy as 1...2...3...

Chicken crate technology was way ahead 70 years ago! No joke, 'cause the doors can be opened with one hand. Try doing that on a plastic crate.

I can't take credit for this unique door latch, but I included it on my carriers, because it makes it easier to load and unload your birds. Opening the door is as easy as 1...2...3...

One: Place your index finger in the hole and your thumb on the runner.

Two: Squeeze your fingers and pull the door to the runner, compressing the spring that's between the door and the runner. This releases the latch!

Three: The door can be opened with your index finger. Best of all, you have your other hand free the whole time.

FAITHFUL REPRODUCTION

Most "backyard" chicken fanciers don't have a lot of chickens, so they don't need a big crate to transport their birds. The same thing is true of younger folks who only have a few birds that they might want to enter in shows or take to a county fair. My standard crates hopefully fill these needs.

Pictured above is a much larger crate, one that is an accurate copy of a fifty year old original. Occasionally, I will take on a special project and this crate is a good example. I pulled out all the stops to make this crate like the ones made back in the 40s and 50s. It is the same size, roughly 6 cubic feet, and has the same kind of loading door as the original. Being almost 3 feet long and 2 feet wide, this crate is probably too big for the beginner. But there are some serious chicken fanciers that need to carry a lot of birds, and this crate is the "Big Kahuna" of crates and can do the job for them. I hope the new owner of this crate is as pleased as I was in the way it turned out.

HOW DO YOU IMPROVE A "CLASSIC"?

We are keeping all the good features, like the all wood construction, including a true planked bottom, and the ingenius loading door. All the nostalgia is there, but we are striving to make our carriers even better!




Our redesigned crate has stronger corners. This simple reversed angel bracket reinforces the corners, making the box stronger. We want these boxes to last longer, so your grandchildren can use them!






We had custom shipping boxes made to save you money. They are sized to fit our chicken carriers and still fit under the "RADAR" of UPS and FedEx, so you won't pay "oversize" shipping charges.

NOSTALGIA Chicken Crate

Wow, a "blast from the past". Based on wooden chicken crates of 50 years ago, Lowery's Woodworking is making all wood replicas with the same technology that served your parents and grandparents well.

Just like the original, these crates use the time tested latch for the loading door, and noticed the planked bottom. No Plywood! The dimensions are approx. 24 x 18 x 12, perfect for carrying your favorite feathered friends to the fair or show. Some folks even put legs on them and used them for end tables!

Baby Cadillac

Created for smaller birds that want to "travel in style"


It features a front release gate.



It has a top loading door with safety latch

I used the best materials to provide strength and good looks, and

at the same time keep the weight to a minimum.

"ARRIVE IN STYLE"

If you have "fancy poultry" and you want them to arrive at the shows in
the best possible condition, this carrier may be what you are looking for.
A cardboard box might work, but is that what you want for your "blue
ribbon" birds?

I used the best materials that I could find, including old growth lumber, to

provide strength, light weight, and good looks. I also used joinery that you
find in furniture to make this carrier a "cut above" the rest. The picture

above shows the twin loading doors with solid brass hardware.

I prefer release gates, shown above, because it makes it so easy to transfer

your birds from the carrier to the show cages. Gates have touches of polished
walnut which adds weight to the bottom, and makes them close easier.

Finally, this carrier has a removable, lockable partition. When carrying a

trio of prized birds to the show it is often desirable to separate the male

from the females, and the partition does the job. If this is not necessary, it

is easy to remove.

An American Icon says, "We Can Do It!

A new series tote, featuring an American Icon (such as Rosie the

riveter or Amelia Earhart), special hardware, and distinct wood

finishes. This tote will let you take on chores, such as gathering

eggs, feeding your flock, or both if you don't have too many chickens.

Also great for gardening or any other tough job. You can do it.

Check on your Chickens with this Tote

Lots of room for eggs as well as food: mash, oyster shells
and grit. Do two jobs in one visit to coop. White plastic
jars hold food supplies.
Shown with optional, oak, "pistol grip" handle

Free Sanding Block Plans

SANDING BLOCKS
I made the sanding blocks so they would fit my hand better than a block with 90 degree edges. The block in the back is a jumbo model. I just glued a 1/2" piece of wood to the top, before I used a wood rasp to make the "ergonomic" shapes.




Exploded View of Sanding Block



There are many sanding blocks on the market and I didn't like any of them, so I made my own.
Also, the time honored method of wraping a piece of sandpaper around a block of wood, although it does work, left a lot to be desired. When sanding a lot, my hand would cramp trying to hold the paper. This sanding block holds the paper tightly so you can concentrate on your work, plus it holds a 1/4 sheet at a time, saving you money. It is easy to fold and cut sandpaper into quarter sheets.
The threaded insert and the machine screw, allows the sanding block to be opened and closed over and over without losing it's grip on the sandpaper. I used two sizes of dowels so the top would always align itself perfectly with the bottom. It requires a little more work, but it is worth it. After making one, you probably will make another, so you can have a variety of sanding grits at your finger tips.
These materials are readily available at most hardware stores. Take your time and you will add a valuable tool to your wood shop!

A place for your "treasures".

May 28, 2010 - I alway wanted to make a pirates chest. This one has all the features. The sides are tapered on all four sides. I guess that makes it easier to lower into a hole in the ground. The top has an undulating curve. It wouldn't be a "true" treasure chest without the curved top. (Kinda looks like Capt'n Crunch's hat, but I know that is not the reason for the compound curves). You got to secure your treasures, but I didn't want just a store-bought hasp. The solid brass hasp was modified and incorporated into a hand cut "skull and crossed bones" wood applique. Sides are secured with water proof glue and wooden pegs.

World War II Tool Tote

May 17, 2010 - Completed a large tool tote with lots of additional features including: camouflage paint scheme; arched handle (for easier access) made of solid oak with through tenon joinery and a "pistol" grip; hand painted image; and heavy duty hardware.

This "trophy" won't collect dust!

Hand cut dovetails secure the bottom. Look closely
and you can see the wooden dowels on the side.

This special box was created as an award to be given to the winner of a 40 lap late model stock car race in memory of pioneer car builder, Lee Stultz.
The race was held at the newly remodeled, Winchester Speedway, which is located just east of town off of Rt. 50 in Virginia. More than just another trophy, this prize can be displayed, but it also can be used. In addition to the locking top compartment, a removable front panel conceals six removable, small boxes that can hold small parts.