Jewelry display cases

[DayDr]

Has anybody seen some plans for a jewelry display case....about 3" deep.....length and width aren't that important. I have alot of necklaces and earrings to display at a show in Novemner.
Any help would be appreciated.:rolleyes:

[dananne]

Steve - I built some boxes for the Big Bend Museum a while back for display and I used plywood set in a grove in the sides for the bottom and a piece of plexiglas for the top, also set in a grove. 1/8 for the plexiglas and 1/4 for the plywood. Sides were 3/4 by about 4 inches. I think each was about 18 inches long. After putting it all together, I cut the sides in half on the table saw. All four of them. It does not do a perfiect job that way but the top fits the bottom and is the easiest way I know of to be sure the top and bottom fit. You can use a butt miter joint for the corners and it looks o.k. for a display box. If you hinge it on the coustomer side and put a small hasp and lock on your side, it works good in a craft show where you want to let them see but not pick up and walk off with. I make boxes I carve the tops of out of scrap pine that way now except they are smaller and I can cut them on the band saw. Will add a picture on one to my Dan's Do'ings gallery.

[DayDr]

Thanks for the help.........................I like the idea of cutting ALL 4 sides to make the lid...very clever. Also, I guess I should route the grooves before cutting as well. I have to give this a try. A million thanks..will let you know how it turns out.

[dananne]

Hi Steve - I cut the groves for the top and the bottom on the table saw. One pass about 3/8" deep or less for the plexiglas then I turn the boards around and cut again, same settings, for the bottom. Then I move the fence 1/8" and cut again for the 1/4" plywood. When you rip the sides to cut the top off, be careful and cut slow, don't let it rock sideways, and I try to cut just enough to have a strong top but leave most of the board for the sides of the bottom. Be glad to answer any questions. Dan

[DayDr]

Using the table saw versus the router seems to be a better idea. Will be getting material next weekend. I'll post a pic when (and if) I get them done. Thanks again

[dwdajo]

I have also used the table saw to separate a box into a top and bottom. I always make it in two or more passes per side. After I have two sides completely through I use shims the thickness of my blade and use a couple of clamps just tight to maintain the thickness for the last two sides. I also have a straightedge clamped on the table on the other side of the blade against the piece but not tight. Lastly as I get to the end of of the last cut I lower the blade down and then move the piece forward and raise the blade through til I'm through.
Its a little extra but it I've been having good results and a good blade sure don't hurt.

[dananne]

That's good advice. As you most likely found out, the problem is at its greatest on the last cut. That is the one that can be messed up the easiest. Those tips you give will take care of that. Another thing I didn't mention, after you finish, be very careful if you try to sand the cuts. Almost anything you do will cause a gap in the joint. That "GOOD" blade, care in cutting, and just a wipe with a sanding block should do the job.

Dan