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apache 3800 watch case - foam cutting guide - directions - diagram

pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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this looks like a 5/3 cut out

all these watches seem pretty big in terms of size

imageuploadedbytapatalk1327257748-472976-jpg.609233

confirmed 5/3 below

206_zps269cbf0f.jpg
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pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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pIoNeErOfThEnILe pIoNeErOfThEnILe
so my options are

the first two numbers will be he amount of squares removed for each watch

4/3 - 8 watches
4/3 - 15 watches
5/3 - 8 watches
5/3 - 10 watches
5/4 - 8 watches
6/4 - 8 watches
7/4 - 8 watches

seems like the 4 square width is universal. but i wonder if going to 3 might be better because the watch will be wrapped around this foam which isn't that strong and is quite malleable. unlike the hard watch type holder/pillow from many watch boxes

the 3 square option will likely keep the watch sitting high in the hole and not as deep as well. i don't know which option will be the best

one thing i didn't consider is if each pick and pluck square is a universal size?. if it isn't things are gonna get really hairy for me.


has anybody done this before and wish they cut the foam differently?

the question is how big i want to make the cavity in relation to the dimensions/size of most of my watches in the collection (no watch over 41) vs how i want the watch to fit within it.


snug and close to the top vs deeper and maybe not as snug
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pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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here is a 5/3 cavity for 10 watches

thing is, i won't be using these holders/pillows. but these semi hard holders will fit in 5/3 but it's tight. (they would be perfect for 6/3- or a more spacious 6/4)

for 10 watches i will only have the perimeter buffer which is a lil bigger than 1 square left/right

good news is that i get a 2 square buffer everywhere else and 3 top bottom

53aa.jpg


i lighten the pic and give a different angle that the first pic doesn''t show which make the 1 square amount seem worse than it is. even eye balling it i couldn't get it straight. the light exposes it (see the overlap)
53aaa.jpg
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Tighter is better than not.

i think you're right.

prolly going 3 square wide width.

here is a 5/3 pattern with 8 watches

2 and 3 square buffer/protection everywhere (can't avoid the larger 3 square in the middle)

53.jpg
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TDBK
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What's the size in mm of the individual foam pluck squares? Based on the case size (14 7/8") and your layout of 23 squares wide, is it .65" / 16 mm?

I'd suggest putting watches on the pillows you have and aligning them with the holes you plan to pluck to see if you're OK with the spacing. You want to be comfortable with the watches not being too close to each other, and you might want to see actual watches to get a sense of that.

If it is 16mm / square, and you pluck 3 across for the pillow with 2 or more square between slots, then the space for a watch is at least 5 squares = 80mm, which numerically feels like a lot, but you'll have to get a sense of how it looks.
 
inchpincher
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I admire your thoroughness, I have the casefarm 10 watch pelican cases so can give you any measurements if needed.
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Try rotating the white things 90°, you might fit 9?

i'm against making 9 spots. it won't work unless it's uneven. so, i will never make nine instead of 10

TDBK TDBK
What's the size in mm of the individual foam pluck squares? Based on the case size (14 7/8") and your layout of 23 squares wide, is it .65" / 16 mm?

I'd suggest putting watches on the pillows you have and aligning them with the holes you plan to pluck to see if you're OK with the spacing. You want to be comfortable with the watches not being too close to each other, and you might want to see actual watches to get a sense of that.

If it is 16mm / square, and you pluck 3 across for the pillow with 2 or more square between slots, then the space for a watch is at least 5 squares = 80mm, which numerically feels like a lot, but you'll have to get a sense of how it looks.

apache pluckable square foam is slightly larger than the standard 1/2 inch.

only thing i'm battling with right now is 8 or 10 watches. 99% going with the 5/3 cavity

the good news is is that i can have a second piece of pluckable foam so i can have another level of watches underneath this one.
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pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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inchpincher inchpincher
I admire your thoroughness, I have the casefarm 10 watch pelican cases so can give you any measurements if needed.

nice. you have that case i posted a pic of?

that looks like an 8/4 or 8/5 cavity. huge space
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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if i keep the pick and pluck foam as a watch pillow holder 5/3 will work.

if i upgrade (using the term loosely) to some pipe foam which can be had for aprox $10.oo per 6ft it will give it a much cleaner and professional look, because it's contoured perfectly to hold watches. pretty sure i will have to go to 6/3 cavity
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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enough planning.

there's only so much you can do before you have to make a decision without the best visualization.

went with 5/3. (3 inches x 1.75 inches) this will allow me to go to 6/3 if i wanted to

what i've noticed cutting 2 cavities thus far:

-a two square buffer between each watch is the best way to go. if i only did one it's vulnerable to rip or not be strong. i do only have the outside buffer on the side but it's not perforated, so it's stronger and it's slightly bigger than one square

-pretty sure you want the watch in the cavity as much as possible. not on the edge

-take your time. it takes aprox 5-10 minutes per cavity. don't be a butcher with your exacto knife. make sure the blade is sharp. your first instinct is the jam the blade in and start cutting away at the perforations as quickly as possible without seeing your cuts. don't do that. try and always cut down and once you start cutting try and not take it out until you've finished with one of the four sides

-the pick/pluck foam moves as you slice into the perforated squares. so you have to hold it while you're gently cutting it and opening it up. if you don't do this and take the knife in/out you will get an uneven cut.

(hold, spread, cut. all at once)

-try and go at least 1 square deep with your initial cuts..then open it up some and get to the second layer. (you want clean, even cuts) after that turn it over and cut the opposite side. all the while you're doing this you want to use your hand to try and separate the block you're cutting out. you have to be a little more aggressive doing this portion and getting it out. there's no avoiding it.

apache.jpg apache1.jpg apache2.jpg


aprox 1 to 1.5hr later depending on how fast you work you will be finished with your cuts.

so far so good. i really think the size is perfect as well for <41mm watch.

in process of sanding the foam residue stuck to the inside of the cavity that remains of the perforations

next step is pillow/holder considerations + plastic dip

apache10cut.jpg
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pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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next step is pillow/holder considerations

show in pic

yema 39mm in semi rigid holder

sinn 38.5mm in pluck foam where i took away a row. (see pic next to zrc)..watch seems to move around as well

zrc 40.5mm in pluck foam that i directly removed

it's pretty obv the semi rigid holder (not withstanding white color) is a much cleaner professional look

still haven't made it to lowes/home depot to buy some pipe foam insulation which i hope will look as nice as the semi holder

apache3.jpg

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ^^^^^ vintage crocs islander + ankle shot ^^^^^
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STANDY
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Here is mine.
Different style but a way to hold more. Softer foam also.
653A8F91-B3CB-4474-A3E2-A2370CE10493.jpeg
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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STANDY STANDY
Here is mine.
Different style but a way to hold more. Softer foam also.
653A8F91-B3CB-4474-A3E2-A2370CE10493.jpeg

interesting method. i like it. you can fit more that way.

initial thoughts: those little watch baggies need a clear window so you're not playing find the watch.

i have to say i'm not happy about making a second level of watches underneath. you have 3. i just would really like to see them all, and not install some of tab on the side of the 1st level foam for removing i to get underneath. since i'm probably going to make a second level of watches
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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STANDY STANDY
Plastic window is not want you want on a watch crystal. Most plastics are petrochemical products 😗
Know my watches by straps and buckles

Tip
You can take out one square and fit two or three of these along the top.
2B72D3D4-FB9D-49E4-BBF6-711ECE9D991E.jpeg

You can buy in 2g sizes here is a website just for size comparison
https://wisepac.en.made-in-china.co...nister-Desiccant-for-Paharmaceutical-Use.html


yeah..i will have to find a place for silica. as for a clear window,..i know it's a bad idea & prolly wouldn't do it, but i hate not seeing the watches.
 
inchpincher
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pIoNeErOfThEnILe pIoNeErOfThEnILe
nice. you have that case i posted a pic of?

that looks like an 8/4 or 8/5 cavity. huge space

My apologies for going off radar, hectic few days. It looks like you’ve done a great job anyway but in the interests of completeness I thought I’d post up some pics of the casefarm peli case. Hole size is approx L:9cm W:4.5cm D:6cm. It comes with a hard and soft foam insert - because I have small wrists I tend to use the soft for watches with bracelets and hard for straps. Then I lay a soft cotton cloth over the top as I was worried the foam on the lid wasn’t as soft as it could be. Also plenty of silica sachets hidden in the depths.
 
14931920-12BA-4A31-A497-C81C06C78639.jpeg AC494488-25F2-432F-A2FD-B97467468852.jpeg 8AB86F66-1B84-4058-B9CB-EBCAE985AB1A.jpeg
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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inchpincher inchpincher
My apologies for going off radar, hectic few days. It looks like you’ve done a great job anyway but in the interests of completeness I thought I’d post up some pics of the casefarm peli case. Hole size is approx L:9cm W:4.5cm D:6cm. It comes with a hard and soft foam insert - because I have small wrists I tend to use the soft for watches with bracelets and hard for straps. Then I lay a soft cotton cloth over the top as I was worried the foam on the lid wasn’t as soft as it could be. Also plenty of silica sachets hidden in the depths.

why the frig does the usa use imperial when every other country uses metrics?

similar cavity size.

your length in inches is 3.54". mine is 3"
your width in inches is 1.77" mine is 1.75"
your depth in inches is 2.36" mine is 1.5"

the holder/pillow make all he difference in looks. using the p&p foam as a holder ruins the look

(i might try and shave/contour it and spray it with plastic dip. especially if i'm not going to use it.)
 
pIoNeErOfThEnILe
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finished the cuts on the second level of foam.

inserted the zrc in the huge double cavity for haha's. the pic is bright so you don't get a good perspective

i could see somebody doing this for 10 watches with ultimate foam protection


pp.jpg
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