1000 Chip Case (1 Viewer)

[5cent]

I like the acrylic bird cage for keeping chips at home. They can be seen/shown off. They have racks, which are cool. They can be handed out in racks. Ultimately it’s pretty sweet. (in my opinion),

However - they are not super practical to transport. The fear of not being secure is real. The question of if the case is strong enough is a reality.

What do you use to move around a 1000 chip set?

 

[Beakertwang]

Harbor Freight Apache 3800 or 4800 are very popular. The 3800 fits 800 plus cards and a dealer button comfortably. I think it can get 1000 chips. the 4800 has plenty of room.

 

[AlbinoDragon]

I've used acrylic carriers for over a decade with no problems. That said, It's a careful carry to the car and then to my office (where I play). I do double check the screws in the bottom regularly, and the cages I use have the larger "paddle" across the bottom that use three screws.

I've considered epoxying the paddle to the bottom, but again, haven't had a problem nor felt it would be. I don't manhandle the cages and don't try to do anything crazy while carrying them.

I took three full 1000 count cages to RIA-I last October, a full two hour drive each way, and hauling them was not a problem, nor was I ever concerned with them.

That said, I did get a 1000 chip Versa carrier a few months ago:

https://www.amazon.com/Versa-Games-1000pc-Deluxe-Carrier/dp/B07L8LLCR8

and have liked it a lot as it's much more secure, lathes shut with six latches and feels a lot more robust.

There is a bit of a trick trying to get the bottom racks out of the case. There are posts about the rack tipping trick to get the bottom ones out, but I have been using a sling made of an old scrap of speed cloth that makes that process unnecessary and makes getting chips out of the bottom much easier. I need to make a post on how this works.

 

[tabletalker7]

IMG_20200326_141624.jpg

• tabletalker7
• Apr 30, 2020
• 1

Apache 4800

Here is 1200 chips, in racks, in an Apache 4800 from Harbor Freight. This case has hauled these things for a 5 hour interstate ride just fine on multiple occasions. It can work for you too.

 

[Sprouty]

I use the Viper from Jacks Poker in Australia.

https://www.jackspoker.com.au/the-viper-1000-chip-poker-case-no-chips

 

[5cent]

I've used acrylic carriers for over a decade with no problems. That said, It's a careful carry to the car and then to my office (where I play). I do double check the screws in the bottom regularly, and the cages I use have the larger "paddle" across the bottom that use three screws.

I've considered epoxying the paddle to the bottom, but again, haven't had a problem nor felt it would be. I don't manhandle the cages and don't try to do anything crazy while carrying them.

I took three full 1000 count cages to RIA-I last October, a full two hour drive each way, and hauling them was not a problem, nor was I ever concerned with them.

That said, I did get a 1000 chip Versa carrier a few months ago:

https://www.amazon.com/Versa-Games-1000pc-Deluxe-Carrier/dp/B07L8LLCR8

and have liked it a lot as it's much more secure, lathes shut with six latches and feels a lot more robust.

There is a bit of a trick trying to get the bottom racks out of the case. There are posts about the rack tipping trick to get the bottom ones out, but I have been using a sling made of an old scrap of speed cloth that makes that process unnecessary and makes getting chips out of the bottom much easier. I need to make a post on how this works.

I’ve seen Vera’s mentioned a few times. The bottom racks are a concern, but it sounds like you figured out a hack. I like it.

 

[5cent]

IMG_20200326_141624.jpg

• tabletalker7
• Apr 30, 2020
• 1

Apache 4800

Here is 1200 chips, in racks, in an Apache 4800 from Harbor Freight. This case has hauled these things for a 5 hour interstate ride just fine on multiple occasions. It can work for you too.

They are in racks?? Interesting. I’ve not seen a briefcase that accepts racks. I may have to check this out! Thank you

 

[Tonysquander]

I second the Viper case. I have Apaches for home storage but for travel the Viper is the way to go IMO.

 

[Colquhoun]

The perfect description of what you’re looking for is the Versa birdcage. I have both the 1,000 and 600 chip versions. Nested racks in a secure case.

 

[5cent]

Yeah, that’s the one option I’ve seen. I think that’s where I’m heading.

What do casinos use to move chips around? I thought I’ve seen basically “locking” birdcages.

 

[AlbinoDragon]

I've seen acrylic cages with a lock through the handle at a casino. I've also seen wire cages with gaps that seem like asking for trouble as one good bump could shake chips out the gaps in the wire.

 

[5cent]

Interesting. I’ve always seem to remember a birdcage with locks at the bottom (probably 1000 chips). They whip them around, which made me think they were pretty sturdy and secure.

The ones I saw, the guy had two. One in each hand, just walking to a pit. Not a care in the world.

 

[Taghkanic]

I modified a Versa 1,000-chip case to take racks. It now fits 1,100 chips plus two card set-ups.

Thread including the demolition starts here:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/versa-cases-back-in-stock-at-dps.20404/post-1237572

The Versa cases are much more substantial than most cheap aluminum chip cases. So they are already heavy, and became even heavier with racks in them.

I don’t move these from my poker barn often. I can lug one if necessary, but some might want to use a suitcase roller or the like.

 

[Taghkanic]

Another route to go with the Versa 1K case is just to eliminate the center blocks (which are meant for cards and dealer pucks etc) and use foam to allow this space to take chips instead. I found a black foam board at Joann Fabrics, which I cut in strips and stacked to divide the space:

This again incrases capacity in the case (more like 1,150) without adding the rack weight. But I prefer having the racks so the chips are in barrels.

 

[chippitydoodah]

Adam Savage (MythBusters) modified his Versa like this.

 

[Tonysquander]

If you decide to go the versa birdcage route let me know (or if anyone else needs another one). I have one that was barely used and is like new. I don’t use it or need it. Would sell for $45 plus actual shipping (probably about another $15).

 

[Colquhoun]

Adam Savage (MythBusters) modified his Versa like this.

It still makes me laugh that Adam couldn’t figure out that the foam doesn’t go under the racks, but in the top.
The carrier sled is a cool build, but not as necessary if you put the foam in the proper location.

 

[ChipMonster]

The perfect description of what you’re looking for is the Versa birdcage. I have both the 1,000 and 600 chip versions. Nested racks in a secure case.
View attachment 1126859
View attachment 1126860

I just bought this case and am traveling with my chips tomorrow for a game and for some odd reason, can’t get it to actually lock. I’m afraid of it popping open in the car and spilling everywhere. The key goes in and turns but not to the point where anything is latched and I can’t get it all the way around where I can remove the key again. What am I missing?

 

[Colquhoun]

I just bought this case and am traveling with my chips tomorrow for a game and for some odd reason, can’t get it to actually lock. I’m afraid of it popping open in the car and spilling everywhere. The key goes in and turns but not to the point where anything is latched and I can’t get it all the way around where I can remove the key again. What am I missing?

Not sure, but I have never locked it...never felt the need. With 6 latches, I cant imagine it popping open.

 

[ChipMonster]

Not sure, but I have never locked it...never felt the need. With 6 latches, I cant imagine it popping open.

I’m sure it’s fine. I’ll look at it in the daylight when my old eyes can see better!

 

[abby99]

At one point I was thinking about getting some luggage/suitcase straps that would provide sufficient support from the bottom. However, considering that I can't carry a full birdcage and I used them just for display purposes, I never actually bought one. It should work, though.

 

[ChipMonster]

At one point I was thinking about getting some luggage/suitcase straps that would provide sufficient support from the bottom. However, considering that I can't carry a full birdcage and I used them just for display purposes, I never actually bought one. It should work, though.

That’s actually a great idea. The Versa case seems solid overall but those latches just don’t really seem to bite together enough to fully trust them.

 

[DZPoker]

That’s actually a great idea. The Versa case seems solid overall but those latches just don’t really seem to bite together enough to fully trust them.

I’ve used one for several years on countless 1.5hr drives and can honestly say that I have not once had a single latch come undone, let alone all six! Do with this information what you’d like though!!

 

[ChipMonster]

I’ve used one for several years on countless 1.5hr drives and can honestly say that I have not once had a single latch come undone, let alone all six! Do with this information what you’d like though!!

That’s helpful. I figured out the locks today (user error!!). The case does seem really sturdy overall.

 

[brewdawg]

I used the birdcage carriers for several years transporting my chips back and forth and never seemed to have an issue. But was always worried. I got a Harbor Freight 3800 for my Samurai Palace chips and I am very pleased with the security of it. I have around 700 chips in mine and it is starting to get heavy, so 1000+ in a 4800 is going to have some serious weight.

 

[Pinball]

I use the Viper from Jacks Poker in Australia.

https://www.jackspoker.com.au/the-viper-1000-chip-poker-case-no-chips

@5cent This one 10000x

 

[l33tf0b]

IMG_20200326_141624.jpg

• tabletalker7
• Apr 30, 2020
• 1

Apache 4800

Here is 1200 chips, in racks, in an Apache 4800 from Harbor Freight. This case has hauled these things for a 5 hour interstate ride just fine on multiple occasions. It can work for you too.

how do u have the inserts or did u carve them out? can these hold with racks or just chips?

 

[tabletalker7]

how do u have the inserts or did u carve them out? can these hold with racks or just chips?

The chips are in racks, and pick n pluck foam makes it easy to cut out what you need

 

[Timmah]

Harbor Freight Apache 4800 using the Justin racks!

 

[Jimulacrum]

I've been carrying a set of 920 Chipcos + 80ish old-school ceramics from my car, upstairs into my local club, and back to my car once a week since the spring. My birdcage only has two screws on the bottom, and I'm using standard racks, i.e., 20-chip barrels of Chipcos sit one chip loose and shake around a whole lot.

I've never had a concern. It feels quite sturdy despite the chips shifting around. I haven't noticed any looseness or other issues in the case itself.

That said, I don't really need 1,000 chips for the game and will probably pick up a 600-chip carrier and some Chipco racks, eventually. But no actual problems with the birdcage.