Project by Blake | posted 12-23-2011 07:19 AM | 8885 views | 1 time favorited | 16 comments | ![]() |
![]() |
A few years ago my best friend won a series of awards from the army. The coins were the first awards in the series, followed by the knife and the Colt 1911 pistol engraved “NCO of the Year” by the army. He had asked me to build a display case for them and I finally got around to it.
The frame is built out of Padauk with inlayed banding. The items are “french fit” into a multiple-layered bed of 1/4” plywood sheets with the shapes cut out on a scroll saw. It is lined with stretched blue felt.
The frame is reinforced with hardwood splines and steel miter nails in several layers. The “glass” front is actually ‘unbreakable’ Lexan set into construction adhesive. The back is screwed into place with 12 stainless screws. A security cable is attached to the back and can be bolted to the wall. These all make for a “medium security” case. In other words, it is made to seriously slow someone down who might think of taking it off the wall. The recipient also has a home security system (and no children yet).
There is a desiccant tin built into the middle of the box to control moisture and prevent the pistol from rusting. Several “channels” run different directions in various layers of the plywood sheets to aid in air movement to the desiccant. The middle of the desiccant turns green when it is saturated and only needs to be baked in the oven to re-activate it. I included a plastic “window” in the back of the case so you can see when the desiccant changes color without opening the case (you can see the small round widow in the last photo).
Did I leave anything out? Oh yea, I am also including the appropriately sized lag bolt and stainless washer which the security cable attaches to and also the case will hang from.
He is out of state, and since I can’t send it to him in the mail (because of the gun) he will have to wait until he is in town to collect it. So these photos are his Christmas present.
Merry Christmas, Dave.
-- Happy woodworking!
16 comments so far
lanwater
home | projects | blog
3113 posts in 3994 days
#1 posted 12-23-2011 07:27 AM
The is a very nice display case. the inlay banding complements the padauck very nicely.
All the security measure will definitely slow down any Thief.
What impresses me is the moisture controll system.
Merry christmas!
-- Abbas, Castro Valley, CA
MShort
home | projects | blog
1798 posts in 4478 days
#2 posted 12-23-2011 07:47 AM
That’s a GREAT looking display case Blake. Well done!!!
-- Mike, Missouri --- “A positive life can not happen with a negative mind.” ---
a1Jim
home | projects | blog
118161 posts in 4637 days
#3 posted 12-23-2011 08:15 AM
Nice work blake.
-- https://www.artisticwoodstudio.com/videos
Ken90712
home | projects | blog
17984 posts in 4249 days
#4 posted 12-23-2011 10:38 AM
Blake what a cool story and great display case. Nice work, I always love looking at paduak. Hope you and your family have a great Christmas.
-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"
Richard
home | projects | blog
11310 posts in 4093 days
#5 posted 12-23-2011 11:44 AM
VERY NICE WORK Blake!! I’m sure your friend will be pleased!!
-- Richard (Ontario, CANADA)
Maveric777
home | projects | blog
2694 posts in 4137 days
#6 posted 12-23-2011 03:00 PM
Handsome top notch work Blake… Brother you never fall short of perfection. Very cool project!
-- Dan ~ Texarkana, Tx.
mmh
home | projects | blog
3684 posts in 4782 days
#7 posted 12-23-2011 03:35 PM
Beautifully done and with a unique design.
-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe
konaman
home | projects | blog
83 posts in 4691 days
#8 posted 12-23-2011 05:29 PM
i really like this case, great workmanship
HamS
home | projects | blog
1842 posts in 3449 days
#9 posted 12-23-2011 05:36 PM
Very nice work.
As a retired NCO I am aware of the significance of the NCO of the Year honor and this display is a fitting way to exhibit the tokens of that honor. I salute your friend.
-- Haming it up in the 'bash.
bob62
home | projects | blog
160 posts in 3678 days
#10 posted 12-23-2011 08:26 PM
This is a very well thought out project! Good Job!
-- Robert, Mississippi, http://www.lunberjocks.com
Dale J Struhar Sr
home | projects | blog
520 posts in 4190 days
#11 posted 12-24-2011 01:43 AM
Nice job Blake!
-- Dale, Ohio
NormG
home | projects | blog
6508 posts in 4064 days
#12 posted 12-24-2011 07:15 AM
That is some project and very nicely done, thanks for showing the assembly
-- Norman - I never never make a mistake, I just change the design.
ShopTinker
home | projects | blog
884 posts in 3828 days
#13 posted 12-24-2011 06:31 PM
That is a very nice display case. It would appear that you thought of everything when designing it. Your a good friend.
-- Dan - Valparaiso, Indiana, "A smart man changes his mind, a fool never does."
BTKS
home | projects | blog
1989 posts in 4524 days
#14 posted 12-24-2011 09:37 PM
Excellent work and support for a fine Soldier! Give him our best when he collects his treasure.
-- "Man's ingenuity has outrun his intelligence" (Joseph Wood Krutch)
Roger
home | projects | blog
21054 posts in 3864 days
#15 posted 12-26-2011 06:40 AM
a very nice display box Blake
-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Keep your dust collector fed. [email protected]
View all comments »
showing 1 through 15 of 16 comments
Have your say...