This is one crate that has worked exceptionally well for cross-country shipping
1 sheet 1/2" construction grade plywood, 1 8' long 2X4, 3 8' long 1x4, a 18"X40" piece of 3/4" MDF board, some 1" long drywall screws, some 2 1-2" long deck screws, wood glue, and (6) 3/8"X2" carriage bolts
This was made for a Dalton B-4 with 36" bed. It fit the lathe, countershaft, motor, and accessories. It was shipped flat to the location of the lathe, loaded, and shipped back full.
Overall dimensions are 40" long, 20" wide, and 18" tall.
The base of the crate
from bottom-up: 2x4, 1/2" ply, and 3/4" mdf board - screwed together
The lathe is located, mounting holes drilled, and secured with 3/8" carriage bolts (up from the bottom).
The sides are screwed to the base
Sides are 1/2" ply, with 1x4 stretchers - screwed and glued together
Sides
Showing toe-nailed scres attaching side to base
The ends are screwed to the base, sides, and top
Note that the ends overlap the base, sides, and top
The painted index stripes are to make reassembly easier.
Inside showing index markings
The finished crate ready for the lid to be screwed down.