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Stand Front Box - Hardwood edition


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I finally got around to making another front box. I'll put it up for sale here as there was a fair bit of interest left over after I sold the first five I made a few months ago.

 

So here's the deal on these things. I'm not terribly interested in being in the Steadicam accessory business. I'll make something I need every once in a while, and if I think others might have the same need, I'll make a few extras. This one I made because I thought there would still be a few people that wanted one, and I also thought I could simply exercise my woodworking hobby.

 

It's made out of solid oak, with an oak plywood bottom. It's got several walnut splines reinforcing a couple of the corners. The boards are all dimensioned entirely by hand. They're shaped, sized, and finished with hand planes, saws and chisels - no sandpaper. The only places I used sandpaper was to ease over some of the interior edges that I couldn't get to with a plane. It is finished in danish oil and a urethane top coat.

 

Functionally, this one is identical to the previous ones. Aesthetically, this one is much nicer. It took me a hell of a lot longer to make, and the materials were more expensive, and for that reason I have to charge more. I understand we're largely technicians that don't care too much about the look of things as long as they work properly. I'm hoping there are a few of us out there that do appreciate decent craftsmanship when they see it, and are willing to pay a premium for it. Also, I don't plan to make plywood ones anymore anyway, so if I ever do make more in the future, this will be the deal. From what I hear, these things will quickly win you the favor of the grip department.

 

I'm asking $650.

 

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Must say, I bought one of the first ones Afton sold of the last batch. I get nothing but admiring remarks from people on set... " You have a frontbox for your Steadicam ??! " and so on. It is endlessly useful to me. I fly it very high up, around back from the centerpost. The arm lays on the knob to one side, the box in the back. it's glorious. It holds everything I need moment to moment.

 

Now, I don't use any kind of cart at all. Never have. I carry a 4 foot folding table for build and to have in the corner for studio shoots. Otherwise, it's always been build, close cases back onto Magliner, then have stand and a Portabrace set bag. This frontbox makes life a lot easier.

 

Love it ! Incredibly fine workmanship. Frankly, worth more. No, Afton's not paying me 5% to say that. The craft and care and clean lines, the usefulness and good look. Superb. Were I ever to get a cart, I'd still ride this on my docking stand.

Best to all,

 

Peter Abraham, S.O.C.

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I as well bought one of the first 5. I use it on every job and its amazing. Afton craftsmanship is impeccable! Like Peter I get a lot of compliments on the box.

 

The only problem I have now is fighting for space with the assistants. Holds everything I need with room for coffee cups, water bottles and everything else you need throughout the day.

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  • 4 months later...
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Got mine done in Coco Lopez wood like Ron (I know, I know it's cocobolo but Coco Lopez was funnier). It is awesome! Really beautiful wood like a Japanese sunrise painting. I sat and admired it for a long time. Just me and the frontbox... But I digress. It is so beautiful in fact that I was very reluctant to let the assistants get their dirty little hands on it. It is very strong wood though so I'm sure it will take awhile for them to destroy it...

 

If Afton hasn't whittled his hands down to nubs from making these, get him to make you one. You won't regret it.

 

Grayson Grant Austin, SOC

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Thanks for the lovely words, Grayson. Glad you're enjoying your box. I know what you mean, as I had trouble sending it off. I enjoyed just staring at it for probably an inappropriate amount of time.

 

Tom, I'm absolutely still making the boxes. I'm taking a slight break at the moment while I'm on a TV show full time through the beginning of August. It just doesn't leave me with much time to work on anything else. I've got a list of three, and possibly four people that are awaiting a box once I wrap. Each one takes me about a week to make, unless I feel I can batch-make them without any sacrifice in quality. If you, or anybody else reading this, would like to be put on the list just let me know. Happy to do so! And yes, I can ship it to the UK.

 

Thanks very much!

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