display cases

I have never been able to marry photos to the text when posting on here, things always come out wrong, so I will just refer you to my photo album. Although what is shown there is not a display case, the method of construction could be used to make a nice case. Starting with some sheet brass, I cut 1" strips and folded them into 1/2" angle section then mitred the corners. Next make a small reinforcing piece to go inside the corner, then with the aid of the jig solder the four parts together. repeat the opp for each corner. To hold the frame in place, (or to hold glass in place) I intend to use some very strong double sided adhesive tape.

Cheers Derek.

P.S. The photos in question are in the "Clock base" album

Edited By magpie on 10/02/2014 16:39:46

The base/display case looks very nice Derek. Would it be a problem to use brass angle?

Thor

Hi Thor. I would have used brass angle if I had some, or could have afforded to buy some. Everything on the base, and everything on the clock it's self is made from scrap from the local scrapyard, even the Perspex came from there. The only "new stuff" are the electrics. When making the frame, I used soft solder which is ok on such a light material, however as the only half inch brass angle if have managed to locate is 1/6" thick, I think I would be inclined to silver solder that stuff.

Cheers Derek.

Hi Magpi

What about wood? and glass.

When I was A kid I contributed my fair share of fingerprints leaning over wood bound display cases at the science museum. Come to think of it I still do it!

Get some 20 x 20 hardwood and cut a corner out making it into 20 x 6mm angle with a router or on the saw bench then round the edges that will not touch the glass, you will need to make a jig, then mitre the pieces to make a frame. cut to size glass is not that expensive.

You will need a rebated base and a thicker mould around the bottom edge, you will also need some 6mm or thereabouts quarter round for the inside corners of your case. You may be able to get the materials ready made from a specialist timber boulder. and a tube of silicone or some epoxy to glue it all together.

A little French polish and the job is done.

You will need a rag the fingerprints that visitors leave as they are in awe of your work.

Regards
John

Sounds like John has the right idea. Start with the glass. The big conceptual leap when using silicone sealant to bond is that the glass holds the frame together rather than the other way about. You can use brass or wood and you don't have to bother fixing fiddly corners together.

regards Martin

I'v got a tube of Loctite glass bond, with that you could make a frameless display case, like an upturned aquarium. The glass bond is UV setting. Just looking at the tube, in one place it says Made in Ireland, and in another Loctite (UK)ltd. Welwyn Garden City. Ian S C