Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Display cabinet

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Expert: - 2/16/2010


Question
Greg,

I am a model ship builder and want to build a large (6'h x 42"w x 20"d) cabinet. The cabinet will have glass on at least 3 sides and with glass shelves and interior lighting. It will be for the display of several of my models including one which is 33"l x 12"w x 24"h.

I have played around with designing it but am at a loss as to the best way to secure the glass and the best way to assure the case will not rack and crack the glass. I am thinking of adding a cross member halfway up and also using two doors in the front with a cross member halfway up.

I also have questions on the wood choice and size for the vertical and cross pieces. I probably have a million other questions but don't know what they are at this point.

Your sugggestions would be welcome and any reference materials you suggest I look for. Thanks in advance, Pat

Answer
Hey Pat, a cabinet that size will have very large glass shelves, and they'd need to be 1/4" and they'd be very heavy. They'd also need center support, for sure. If you've never attempted building a cabinet of this size and scope I would start with a smaller project to familiarize yourself with the techniques, or at the least, study some similar pieces very thoroughly...proper joinery, glass support,and weight distribution,combined with structural rigidity and stability in the design are imperative, and that comes with good design and knowledge of the methods, and characteristics of said design...not an easy project.This is advanced woodworking and design.I would suggest visiting some furniture stores to look at the techniques and construction used in larger display/curio cabinets...this will teach you a lot and give you a better feel of the subject than a book or video can....hope this helps a little- please post back- Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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