Every now and then, precious relics from our past are discovered abandoned in the attic or cellar, where they are likely to be forgotten and ignored. To keep these items clean and dust-free, glass-fronted shadow boxes may be utilised as storage containers.
How Shadow Box Operation Works in a Real-World Situation
It is necessary to have a glass front in order to view what is contained inside the shadow box. Because the glass in the box is kept in place by screws, it is required to unscrew the lid of the box.
We’ll walk you through the process of tearing down an old door and putting this project together step by step. You’ll also learn how to mend holes and cut glass by following these instructions. It’s possible to create your own antique shadow box in your workshop if you are unable to get a salvaged door at a reasonable price.
If you wish to do this, you’ll need to find an ancient door.
The inherent beauty of the wood may be appreciated more fully with a clear finish. Clear finishes, in contrast to paint, do not provide a risk of lead poisoning to the user. If the door tests positive for lead paint, it must be stripped down to its bare wood before any further work may be done. Please visit lightboxgoodman, if you need more info.
It’s Time to Put It All Together
Cut the hinge-side stile of the door using a circular saw equipped with a rip fence or with your fingers while maintaining a tight hold on the saw’s shoe. (There are no doorknob holes in this stile.) You may be able to free a door panel by cutting along the stile and rails on the other side of the door.
Remove the Extraneous
Use a mitre saw to cut 45-degree mitres into the ends of each of the four parts once the finish has dried completely. As you make these cuts, be sure that each component is aligned against the fence with its rabbet and dado pointing outward.
Before installing the back panel, make sure it is the correct size by cutting it to the proper dimensions.
With the rabbets as a reference, measure the length and breadth of the box and cut the pieces accordingly. To allow the panel to change with the seasons, subtract 1/8 inch from each of the three measurements. Trim the back of the chair to meet these somewhat smaller specifications using a table saw.
First, apply the Glue.
Apply glue to the mitres of the short end piece in the manner indicated, using a cloth. Each long side piece has a mitre at one end that matches the other long side piece.
Keep Miter Joints Stabilized at All Times
The glued mitres on the end piece should be lined with the glued mitres on the other two sides of the piece, as shown in the illustration. After ensuring that the dadoes and corners are aligned, use two 2-inch brads to secure the pieces in their final position.
The Cup is yours to keep if you want it.
Make a trace of the pattern on the back of the box onto the glass using a felt-tipped pen. Adjust the panel’s location so that the glass cutter’s wheel is centred on the markings if you want to use it as an auxiliary guide for the cutter. Make sure the wheel is completely submerged in cutting oil before starting to push it along the panel while wearing protective gloves.