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Display cases

Lots of good advice in this discussion and I have only two tidbits to add. I put a molding around the base that is higher than the base itself so the case will fit inside without the need for a router as shown in the below photo. Also, if case cost is a big factor for you, select a modeling project that will fit inside one of the pre-made cases from a hobby store or an aquarium.IMG_2466.jpeg
 
I agree, if you can build a ship you can build a case. I have found companies that make the legs for me. I build a nice base out of various wood types. Stain and varathane.
Acrylic turned out easier than I thought. I used some old scrap blocks and cut grooves into them so I could set my 4 sides of acrylic up. Used to clamp to hood it all in place and the. WeldOne.

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Quint said:
I've built plexiglass and wood frame cases, out of necessity. Not going to pay the big bucks! As someone noted, if you can build a ship model, with some practice and the right tools you can build cases. Basic tools, table saw, router/table, compound miter, orbital sander. I bought all my tools used, Facebook Marketplace, I've even bought tools from Pawn Shops. Bought "new" saw blades and router bits. You can use the table saw with correct blade to cut plexiglass. Thanks, YouTube!

I paid $30 for the router and router table combo, $80 for the 10" table saw, $75 for a 10" compound miter saw. All name brand name. Found a local woodworker shop, bought some maple, walnut and cherry wood. Cheaper than buying stock wood from a big box store.

Obviously, if you're not familiar with working with these tools the process can seem intimidating. Practice using the tools with some scrap, follow safety precautions, wear safety glasses and relax. You can get a lot of self-satisfaction with these projects.

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Very nice. I did the same thing with a used router that I affixed to a cheap router table and used a miter saw to trim boards. I found places to get acrylic sheets cut to spec very inexpensively and more precisely than I could do myself. Altogether way cheaper than having them built. Also, shipping costs are exorbitant.
 
Interesting. Especially the prices you quote. Glass, even acrylic, seems way more cost than in the UK
For my two models, Endeavour and Victory, I shopped around local glass suppliers, explained what I wanted and what it was for and they supplied me with glass panels to exact size. I constructed the case using silicon gel (as used for aquarium cases) as jointing on all attaching edges . Then I purchased some right-angle-section wood strips, cut to suit and stained, and then glued them on all the edges to hide the silicon joints. The base was formed from an old wardrobe door stored in my garage (I knew it would come in useful one day) with felt PVA'd onto the upper surface and a small wooden strip (using surplus walnut strips supplied in the kit) glued all around inside the base for the glass to fit against and provide a dust seal. The standing cabinet I bought second hand from ebay.
My Victory was the larger model and the case measures 116cm x 47cm x 83cm high. Picture attached.
This was about 4 years ago. The cost was just under £180 for the glass, £15 for silicon, £5 for the felt, angled wood strips about £12 and £25 for the cabinet. Total £227. Or about $300.
The most difficult part of it was lifting the glass case onto the base, with model already attached, once finished. Because of the weight. It took two of us - one each end - with two more standing by in case it slipped and destroyed 20 years work.
Ok, so it is not cabinet maker standard but I think it looks ok.


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IF you have a table saw, see if you can buy a set of moulding cutters for it. Sears used to sell ones. I bought mine in the 1970’s. They may be listed on EBay or maybe specialty woodworking dealers may offer them. I find them to be much easier to use for cutting moulding for glass cases than a router.

If you do but a set, post here or send me a PM before trying to use and I’ll post my setup.

Roger
 
I believe that anyone that has the skill to build a ship model, would have no trouble building a display case. The case doesn't need to be a piece of fine furniture, but with basic tools anyone can build one. And it’s a lot cheaper than purchasing one.
Youtube has a lot of DIY videos on building a display case
 
In my area, there is a small company that manufactures display cases and brochure stands for businesses. They were more than happy to slip a display case into their schedule for me. I felt the price is reasonable, considering the time, materials and level of perfection they put into it. This was for my 1/400 Titanic. Clear acrylic over a black lexan base which is “beveled” (by adding a smaller layer to map the clear portion from sliding off and taking Titanic with it) cost around $175 USD. A small price to pay for peace of mind after all the work that went into the build. The good thing about this company is that they can work custom shapes. Hard to see in this picture, it’s the only one I have in the case.

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My casemaker tells me NOT to use conventional cleaners on my acrylic panels. He says it yellows the plastic. Supposed to use a special plastic cleaner. Just passing it on...
 
Has anyone seen this YouTube video of an excellent way of building acrylic display cases? Doesn’t use glue but double sided tape only 3mm wide and very thin. I’ve made a few myself and works very well!
Just need the cost of acrylic sheets. And maybe a table saw for cutting. No other tools required.
 
Bluemaxone said:
My casemaker tells me NOT to use conventional cleaners on my acrylic panels. He says it yellows the plastic. Supposed to use a special plastic cleaner. Just passing it on...
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RussF said:
Definitely nothing with alcohol such as Windex.
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This stuff:


They also offer fine and coarse scratch removers, but I've never tried them:

 
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