Shot Glass Display Cabinet #4: Ready to hang on a wall...

I still think it’s cool

-- https://www.artisticwoodstudio.com/videos

That looks awesome! I’ve been looking around for something like this. I would like to build my own, but I am not very experienced. Do you know where I could find plans on how to build something like this?

Thanks for the comment. I do not know of any plans per se, but if you want dimensions, etc., let me know. I just designed this based on the dimensions and number of shot glasses and used my usual sketch pad/pencil to work it out.

-- GSY from N. Idaho

Dimensions would be great, thanks. I have a little over a hundred shot glasses that I’ve collected, but I want to keep my first display case small just to try it out. Kind of like a trial run I guess. What you built is exactly what I have had in mind, only difference is that I plan on putting a mirror in behind the shelves. The mirror I have right now is about two feet wide and three feet high, but I’m not sure if it’s going to be the one I end up using. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to help me out.

All material 4/4 milled to 3/4. Back: 1/4 ply
Interior dimensions: 30”H x 20”W x 4”D
Exterior dimensions: 33”H x 23.375”W x 6.75”D (includes moulding)
Main carcass pieces: Top/Bottom: 21.5” x 5” Sides: 31.5×5”
Back is set in ~1” from the back (Ply thickness plus 3/4). This gives a 3/4” recess to bring the french cleat flush with the back edges. I thought about putting in a mirror as well. I decided on the wood back and interior lighting.
The main carcass is assembled as outlined in the blog. I went with dovetails for strength given the potential weight.
The door dimensions are: 29.75”H x 21.5”W
Once the main carcass with back was glued up, I glued a 3/4×3/4 strip to the front edge of the top and bottom to extend them. (that little exercise was due to a change in design on the fly…never a good idea). I installed the cleat in the back with glue and screws from the top. Then, I attached the top and bottom caps (hiding the screws) and applied the moulding (hiding the joinery details). The door is made with a raised panel router set, but could just as easily be done with grooves and stub tenons on the table saw.
Finish is General Finishes Arm-R-Seal wipe on poly (6 coats), then rubbed out with 0000 steel wool and wax.
I installed a battery operated LED lighting system in the top that is hidden by the door’s upper rail. While the LED light is somewhat cold/blue, it is balanced out nicely by the warmth of the wood.

Hope that helps.

-- GSY from N. Idaho

Wow, that was great! That was more information than I was expecting so it will definitely help out a lot. Thank you for taking the time to help me with this. About how much did the supplies cost you so I have an idea on how to budget myself? I think you did such a great job that I would consider paying you to build me one lol.

- Paul

No problem…that’s what LJ is all about. I had about $150.00 in total supplies: $50 for the glass (largest cost due to the polished edges of the glass shelves), $40 for the wood (from my local wood monger and not HD or Lowes which charge more for lower grade material), $20 for the lights, and about $30 in hardware. I also figure in sand paper, finishing supplies, etc. I sold it for $300, which based on what you can find online for $250, is a very reasonable deal. She wants another one now for her international collection and expansion. I’d be happy to build you one as well….for a price. However, its much more satisfying for both of us to see what you come up with on your own!

-- GSY from N. Idaho

Thanks again. I’m going to try it out. The only real experience I have working with wood is putting some molding in a house and raising the celling out on the deck, nothing that really hard. This should get pretty interesting. We’ll see, thank you for all your help.

- Paul

A friend forwarded this to me. Exactly what I’ve been TRYING to get my husband to build. My shot glass collection is now sitting on open shelves and very dusty. Not good when you actually USE the shot glasses every now and then. Nice job!