[Rockhounds] DIY display cases

Thu Feb 13 11:32:29 PST 2020

There are 2 sets of plans in there, not the greatest diagrams and a bit
skimpy on instructions. The first one is the Northwest Federation of mineral
societies standard show case, the second is a really nice design that is
good for small specimens. It's perfect for smaller minerals, fossils, and
gemstones. I have planned to build one for a decade just never did get
around to it. If you're going to display in a rock & gem show the dimensions
are important. They're sized so 4 cases fit on a 4' x 8' table. I run the
17W daylight LED floods  (100W equivalent) that are a hair bigger than their
brackets and holes, so you want to have one handy if you're going super
bright. The liners are easy (you need 4bottom, back sides), stiff
paperboard, fabric (I like satin because it's showy), velcro if you want
other fabric options, cut to fit snugly. You can mess around with padding
under the fabric for a puffy look :)

Tim Fisher
Http://OreRockOn.com 
Email nospam at orerockon.com

https://lincolngemmineralclub.org/newsletters/archived/1972/483-1972-11-nove
mber/file 

-----Original Message-----
From: Rockhounds [mailto:rockhounds-bounces at rockhounds.drizzle.com] On
Behalf Of Kreigh Tomaszewski
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2020 9:16 AM
To: Rockhounds at drizzle.com: A mailing list for rock and gem collectors
Subject: Re: [Rockhounds] DIY display cases

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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