Fossil storage cabinet

[hadrosauridae]

I finally solved my problem of where to store all my fossils, both waiting prep and prepped but not on display.  My prep lab went from this:

 

 

 

To this.

 

 

The only bad aspect was size and weight!  This thing is MASSIVE (54 x 41) and stupidly heavy since its all steel.  I do know that regardless of my future fossil storage needs, this thing is never coming out.  Way too much effort to move!

 

[fossilcrazy]

The map cabinets work good for slabs (especially Green River fish). One recommendation, your 2X4 shelf support should have the support spread over the top. Every time I put load bearing weight on my cabinet the top arches and the top drawer binds going in and out.

 

[hadrosauridae]

Good point, and part of the final goal.  The 2x4 doesnt have any weight on it, but that doesnt mean it wont sag over time and put pressure on the cabinet.  

 

I dont even have fossils loaded yet, I'm still looking for a good bottom layer so the flabs and fossils arent scratching up the shelves.

[Wrangellian]

I would agree with fossilcrazy, the 2x4 didn't look like it was doing the cabinet any good! Nice score anyway, I know those units are expensive.

Lately I've been lining my wooden drawers with cotton quilt batting (gluing them to the drawer bottoms as they tend to slide around otherwise, too) but I'm not sure what you could do with the metal ones. Maybe some sheets of cardboard if you can find some big enough, and to them you could glue some batting or other fabric, and just lay them in there? This is what was done with a wooden unit I bought from a guy on craigslist.. apparently cardboard, cut to fit the drawers, with green felt-like material stuck on, and it looks/works pretty good.

Edited April 20, 2021 by Wrangellian

[hadrosauridae]

41 minutes ago, Wrangellian said:

I would agree with fossilcrazy, the 2x4 didn't look like it was doing the cabinet any good! .....

 

Actually, there zeros pressure from the 2x4 on the top of the cabinet atm.  

[jpc]

Nice score!  

[FossilNerd]

Awesome cabinet! I’ve been keeping my eye out for one for a long time, but haven’t seen anything in my budget. 

[cngodles]

One of these units is my eventual goal. I'm glad someone gets to enjoy one.