[Rockhounds] DIY display cases

[Kreigh Tomaszewski]

The "Wichita Case"

The 'Whichita case' is designed to utilize standard size window glass, can
be used in horizontal poistion at shows, can be disassembled for auto
transportation or storage, ar - and here is the prize-winning hidden
feature - it can be easily transformed with the use of pins and three
shelves into an upright case for home use between shows.

Here is how the case is made and it goes without saying one had better be
handy with tools.

A 1 x 12 board 14 ft. long will make three cases with no waste if properly
cut. Saw this into three boards 23 3/4" long for the sides of the case and
int three boards 30 3/4" long for the fronts and backs. The boards must be
cut on a saw that cuts absolutely square. Now split the 23 3/4" board
diagonally from one end to the other, in such a manner that the larger or
back ond of each board will be 7 3/4" wide on the inside face of the back
panel and 3 3/4 on the inside face of the front panel. All sides should now
be grooved for the glass and masonite. 1/8" non-tempered masonitge is used.
The glass is 24 x 30" double strength window glass; single strength is too
flimsy fr the lie down case.

The groove should be 1/4: deep for the masonite and 7/16: deep for the
glass. The masonite groove should clear the bottom of each panel 1/4". The
glass groove should open at the top to allow the glass to drop in. Groove
in ends of front and back boards 3/8" for the side boards to join the front
and back.

Put front and two sides together, slide in masonite, then put on back. The
glass drops into the 7/16" groove on top. Ten screws, size 8x1 hold the
case together, three on each side of the back and two on each side of the
front. Use no glue as it is designed for quick disassembly for
transportation or storage. It can be painted, stained, or varnished. Brass
corner strips or pieces of wood may be added to the top edge of the back
and front to hold the glass in place if desired.

This case may also be used upright for display in the home. The original
back then becomes the bottom and shelves are fitted in. These shelves are 5
3/4", 4 3/4", and 3 3/4" deep by 20" long and are set on 1/8" pins set in
bored holes. thus the shelves can be removed quickly and the pins pulled
out so the case can be used for flat display.

Variations of above may be used to please.

From: "Quarry Quips", Wichita Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.

From: "the Glacial Drifter", The Grand Rapids Mineral Society (vol 2 no 9,
Sep 1960)

In fairness I must admit I have never actually made one of these, but the
plans seem reasonable; I have only used them, borrowed or purchased, and
always thought them to be quite handy. I've seen five variations on this
writeup, but all agreed on 'Whichta', and the dimensions -- but this was
the only one in the 'public domain'. I hope you find it useful.
http://tomaszewski.net/Kreigh/Minerals/Homemade.shtml

On Thu, Feb 13, 2020 at 11:51 AM Lawrence Bull <llbullbull at hotmail.com>
wrote:

> Check the Federation web site.
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Dennis Buffenmyer <buff1 at ptd.net>
> Date: 2/13/20 10:31 AM (GMT-05:00)
> To: Rockhound List <rockhounds at rockhounds.drizzle.com>
> Subject: [Rockhounds] DIY display cases
>
> I was wondering if anyone  knew of any do it yourself plans for mineral
> display cases, the ones that we have historically seen at shows with the
> large clear window in front. Materials have improved since last I looked
> at this, but even to incorporate LED lighting would be an advantage...
> old plans could be adapted.
>
>
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