Display Cabinet

One of the things I have wanted to do for quite awhile is build a display cabinet to showcase my work. This past weekend a couple of things came together to make this happen. I was driving around when I heard that IKEA was having a sale. I often use IKEA cabinet doors for jigs so I decided to head down there to see what they had to offer. Once there I immediately headed to the clearance section and saw two black doors that were $1.99 a piece. I grabbed those. Then I saw three glass shelves for $9.99. I instantly started thinking about a display cabinet so they went in the basket. On the way out I saw complete PAX bookshelf kit. The price was $9.99 (They normally sell for $150-$200.). In that moment, I knew what I was going to do.

I have to say that I screwed up the first set. So add another $9.99 (and travel costs) for another kit. The light was $13.99. I built it over the weekend using a combination of my Stanley and Dowelmax doweling jigs. I bought the Stanley Doweling Jig on E-bay for $25 to help FIL (Father-In_Law) fix some chairs. I have since used it quite a bit for varying projects. It’s not going anywhere soon. Also, the more I use the Dowelmax jig, the more I like it. I used it to join the black pieces.

Dowelmax Tip: I initially struggled to find the correct measurements to get the pieces exactly where I wanted. In the end, I drew a line where I wanted the dowels to go. I then drew a pencil line in the middle of the core piece of the Dowelmax. I matched up both lines and then clamped an edge piece next to the Dowelmax. Viola! Perfectly aligned and centered dowels without a lot of fuss. I love that!

While I know that as a woodworker not using real wood is a sin. HOWEVER, the material was ridiculously cheap and the end product looks great. I remember Neil Lamens of Furnitology mentioning once about building sellable items – things your neighbor would buy. That stuck with me. I have already had a couple of offers for four times what I paid in materials. From a time perspective, it probably took less than 8 hours. If I decide to sell it would be the first project where I would actually make money.

Well that’s my story….and I’m sticking to it!

Enjoy.

Tim

-- www.craftedbytim.com - A Woodworking & Renovation Blog & www.craftedbytim.com - I make. You buy.