Building a display case is a great way to show off your valuable antiques without damaging them by exposing them to the elements. A display case is filled with foam that presses the objects delicately against the display glass, so you can proudly display your personal treasures.
Begin by selecting a suitable species of lumber for the outside panels. Since this project calls for one by one inch panels, get a few good 1×4’s from the local home improvement center then rip them down on a table saw. You’ll also need a piece of 12×12 glass, preferably tempered, for the display case. A 12×12 piece of ¼” veneer panel is needed for the display cases back. Also don’t forget two small hinges and two locks or clasps. This is the hardware that makes the display case work and keeps the door shut tight. A 12x12x1½ foam insert is also needed for the interior of the display case.
Once you bring all the materials home and rip down the stock to 1×1″ pieces, you can begin cutting the eight corners of the display case with a miter saw set on a 45 degree angle. Cut the lengths according to the dimensions in the blueprint.
Next you’ll need to router the inside edge of four pieces for the bottom panel insert. A router table works best, but a dado set on a table saw works equally as well. Cut out a ½”x½” piece from the bottom inside edge on each of the four pieces.
Now using wood glue and a few well placed brads, attach each piece to the other forming the square. Set this down bottom side facing up. Next place a few tiny dabs of glue along the length of each of the grooves you just cut out. Insert the 12×12 veneer panel and put in a few brads to hold it on place. Set this aside for now and begin assembling the top piece.
Take the four remaining pieces a using a router and table set with a roman ogge bit, rip the tops of the inside edge. Now either use a router or dado to rip out another ¼”x¼” piece on the bottom inside edge of the last four pieces. Glue the last piece together just like you did for the bottom section. The only difference is you add silicon along the glass, place it into the grooved sections, and then silicone the glass to the wood. Allow the panel to dry overnight.
The next day, attach the two hinges and two clasps 3″ on center, in from each end. Insert the foam and your display case is ready for show.
Reference:
- Helpful Handyman Hints Homepage sites.google.com/site/helpfulhandymanhints/
- Helpful Handyman Hints Group groups.yahoo.com/group/the_helpful_handyman/
- Helpful Handyman Hints Newsletter helpfulhandymanhintsnewletter.blogspot.com/
