I would like to build display cases for my models, but would like some guidance. I have a good level of experience in woodworking, and have all of the equipment I could need. However, I would like some of your input. Have any of you built display cases, or have any helpful tips? Any input would be appreciated, and you get bonus points for pictures. My main question would be what to use for the clear panels, all I know of would be an acrylic sheet, but would like to know if there is a more appropriate or cost effective material. Where is the best place to get that material? Any help or info regarding display cases would be greatly appreciated, thank you for reading.
Derek, my display cabinets were built by an old friend who owns a cabinet shop. The first one(on the left in these pics) was built 20 years before the second. The only improvement I would want would be some lighting inside.
Gary
before finishing number 2:
Thanks for the input Texgunner, those are some great looking display cases. My only problem is that I would need to downsize at least a little. I’m actually only 17 and therefore still live with my parents, so I would need to build something I can use in my room (I don’t think my mother would be overly-fond of having models all over the house). The lighting really is a great idea, and it’s actually something I’ve been contemplating. My idea to incorporate them would be to router a recess in the wood directly above the shelf, and put LED strip lighting in the recess. Once again, those are some great display cases and I’m already jealous. Thank you for the pictures and lighting idea.
Wow, Gary! Those are great-looking cases. I have an old shotgun cabinet that I keep mine in, and it’s full with just 11 kits in it (it’s tall, but very narrow).
Your best bet is to wander around your local hardware store. I know Home Depot generally carries acrylic sheets (which can be cut at a bevel and glued). Are you looking for one larger display case for several models, or just individual cases?
Texgunner, have you tried googling under cabinet lighting?
Groot
The only thing I would tell you is make sure the shelves are deep enough to handle the biggest kit you plan on putting inside mine are 16" deep. But I don’t have a cabinet just glass shelving
Here are my shelves
Thanks DD! Rob, we have under-cabinet lighting in our kitchen, and some rope lights over the cabinets (yeah, we’re light-poor around this crib, lol). I think the rope lights would work well in the display cabinets. They could probably be concealed behind the front upper edge(?) above the doors. I’m just a lazy bastich [:D]and haven’t tried them. Thanks for the good suggestion!
Gary
Texgunner,
Look into the small fluorescent lights or the “puck” lights. The puck lights are pretty cheap and super bright (though they might be self-adhesive vice screw in which could potentially lead the adhesive to drying out over time) and are usually battery powered. The fluorescents are more expensive, but you can link them together so you only have one switch to hit. They’re brighter and you could probably do one or two per cabinet.
Rope lights would also be rather simple, if you get them small enough mounting would be pretty easy and you’d never see them. If you got really squirrely you could always do the rope lights up the inside of the front corners running vertically from top to bottom which might shed light on the lower models better.
Groot
Great minds must think alike Rob [:D] because I had thought about doing the rope lights up those vertical corners. Man, this has somewhat inspired me to get busy on that. No doubt, the cabinets and their contents would look better illuminated! Thanks![:D[
Gary
Just watch out for “hot” lights. I made the mistake of putting a puck light with a halogen bulb under the top shelf of a cabinet. It was too close to the model on the shelf beneath it, and deformed the top engine cowling quite badly! Duh!
They’re making LED lighting now too for home/kitchen/cabinet use. That’ll be the route I go when I get my new display cases built. They draw very little power, last a lifetime, no bulbs or tubes to replace, and don’t put off any heat.
I built a couple back when I lived near Ft Lauderdale but sold them when we moved. I went to a glass shop with my dimensions and they cut the glass to my specs. One thing I learned is to make it wider so it’s more stable and not too big as the bigger it is, the heavier and more difficult it is to move. Also consider using a mirrored back for better display views and small florescent lights to brighten up displays. I personally like the sliding front side for better access to the models. I’m planning in the near future in building a couple of cabinets as I’m running out of display space. With the Kreg pocket hole jig, you will have that carcass together really quick!
Not only are there dangers with HOT lights, keep in mind that fluorescent lights can be harsh and might fade your paint jobs and decals over time. With the expanded availability of LEDs lately, I’ll be going that route when lighting any display stuff.
That’s an EXCELLENT point and one to consider. Great option with the LEDs.