Display Case

[BrokenolMarine]

I got back out in the shop and had given the mounting a lot of thought. The bulk of the weight can be supported by the line of screws in the case edges, vertical sides. I can put two inch screws there without endangering the leatherwork. The total thickness in the leather areas is 1-1/4". I have those screws. The leather is NOT glued in place, and is floating, held in place by the edges and the middle. The screws, PROPERLY installed, MIGHT touch the back of the leather or even push it, but should not penetrate. "Should.not.penetrate."

One last step before installation is an extra safety measure to insure the cleats stay engaged. Take a sharp plane and break the sharp edge on both halves of the cleats. As you see below.

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Look at the difference in the two halves here. A half dozen shaving passes with the sharp plane, and the difference is readily apparent. You can also tell how sharp that old plane is by the thin shavings it took.

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The purpose is simple. It allows the junction of the two halves to create this minor pocket at the bottom of the cleat in case there is a buildup of dust or dirt from airborne debris. This could eventually cause the cleat to sit higher and not as secure. MORE important in items that would be moved often, but I might take the case down to clean the glass or dust... not likely, but you never know.

121 creates that pocket.jpg (471.57 KiB) Viewed 5611 times

Careful layout prevents mistakes. I will be using two sizes of screws, the two inchers on the edges, and 1-1/4 where the leather is located. Important to get that right as I have to predrill. Wouldn't want to predrill thru the leather with the 2" depth set. Note the red marking for the 2" depth. As in real estate, location location location... important to know where you are.

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Careful planning, resulted in an almost error free installation. Here the case mounted cleats are screwed and glued. ONE screw got caught by the grain and turned and exited at the very end. I already made the beginning of the patch. It won't be noticeable by the general viewer, even I won't find it on casual glances. I only mention it because for YOU guys, I'll admit my mistakes.

123 screwed and glued.jpg (397.26 KiB) Viewed 5611 times

[BrokenolMarine]

An interesting anecdote. If I could only take ONE tool out of the shop if it were burning...? That little plane would be the tool I would grab. Sure, it's a great little $20 plane. Fifty years old if a day. But... there are tens of thousands of dollars in tools in the shop. THAT plane belonged to my Step-Father who taught me to love Woodworking and Carpentry and to be anal about it. He ran a small construction company, and never advertised. He always had a few jobs lined up, the people were willing to wait for his work. He was a perfectionist, anal about the quality.

That plane rode in his personal tool box or his tool apron. WE weren't allowed to touch it. When he passed, I got the plane, his hammer, and his square. I still have the tool box he built for his personal tools.

Yup, only get to save one tool... that would be it. I could grab two... I'd add his hammer. When I use that plane, I can feel his hand on my shoulder.

[BrokenolMarine]

Tomorrow, organize the wires, cut the trim to install after the case is hung, and hang the wall cleats. We are SO close.

[BrokenolMarine]

Out in the shop after breakfast. Got the wires all organized and snugged down. Got the molding matched a bit better and stained and ready. And ran a lighting test on the display case.. It looks awesome.. Okay, "I" think it looks awesome.

124 lighting test.jpg (448.06 KiB) Viewed 5589 times

[Hatchdog]

Yep awesome is a good description. That lighting looks great. Sure makes the leather look rich. Your description of planning the sharp points off the mounting blocks to prevent riding high if debris collects is just another great example of the detail and care you put into your projects. Your Step-father did a great job training you.

[BrokenolMarine]

Moved the table out and took down the picture, cleared the wall and marked the eyeline. Measured up 8" from that, and down. Careful measurement of the back of the display case let me mark the height of the top cleat on the wall. Using a level, I marked a reference line for it's installation. Using a stud finder, I marked the position of the studs in the wall, and holding the cleat up, I transferred the info onto the cleat. I took my time, and double checked the work. I did the same with the two lower (one foot) cleats, marking the location of the stud that fell on the right hand cleat, and the lack of studs on the left hand cleat.

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I took the cleats to the shop, and using the 6' metal ruler, laid out the location of the holes to be countersunk and drilled, and CAREFULLY determined which would be into studs. THOSE didn't need countersunk due to screw type. Got the countersink done, then drilled thru them all.

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The cleats HAVE to sit flush against the wall, so I cleaned up the slight blowout on the back. I could have avoided blowout with a scrap backer, but I wasn't worried about the looks.

127 trimming blowout.jpg (362.68 KiB) Viewed 5553 times

Okay, here we go, time to get 'er done. I used two screws in the studs to temporarily mount the cleat, then an awl to mark ALL the hole locations. Took the cleat back down and set the wall anchors where needed. THEN put the cleat back in place and mounted it. Worked as planned, she's up there.

128 top cleat mounted.jpg (271.72 KiB) Viewed 5553 times

With the case hanging on the cleat, I could slip both the bottom cleats in, and mark their location from the side, then take it all down and mark the holes for mounting, and repeat the process. All the cleats got screwed in place and we are solid. Looks good. I added the trim to hide the cleats.

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A closer look...

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The project is done, the book is closed. Time for a nap.
I am really happy with the way it came together.

[dave77]

Looks good. Nice collection of knifes.

[BrokenolMarine]

Looks good. Nice collection of knifes.

Thanks...


I made all those... ... And a dozen others.

My collection is mostly in the safe, a few are on display in my office or hanging on the walls around the house.

[Mags]

I wasn't sure of liking the yellow leather stain, but seeing the whole case together it all looks fantastic!

[BrokenolMarine]

I wasn't sure of liking the yellow leather stain, but seeing the whole case together it all looks fantastic!

I would normally have antiqued the yellow base quite a bit darker. However, it was going to be inside the shadow box, inside a fairly dark room. I wanted the background to reflect the lights back on the knives. It worked.