SteelBook Shadow Box

Hep

Feb 12, 2012
57
Ontario, Canada
Hello Hi-Def Ninja folks! Some of you may have seen this elsewhere, but I thought the forum here might get a kick out of my SB display solution.

I had a problem many SteelBook collectors likely deal with; too many SBs and not enough display space. My goal was to find a way to display my SBs without using valuable shelf space. I am very happy with the results.

I am fan of minimalist design, and therefore tried to fabricate a display system that is simple, clean and complimented our home’s decor. I initially toyed with the idea of building traditional cabinet style shadow boxes that included a hinged glass face. For my particular situation I do not need frequent access to my SBs since all the discs are stored in BD changers, so I opted for a more semi-permanent and simplistic design. In order to achieve the smallest possible profile against the wall I decided to only accommodate slim SBs; so you will notice a couple of modified fatties in my collection. Furthermore, this design will also fit other collectable packages of similar dimensions such as Iron Packs, and amarays (they look particularly sharp filled with Criterion Collection titles).

Below I will add brief instructions and pictures of the construction process should anyone else want to replicate this project. Variations, such as a hinged cabinet face, could be easily applied to my basic frame design. The construction process for all four units took me about four days to complete. Moderate woodworking skills (and a good deal of patience) will be required to obtain a satisfactory result. Each finished shadow box ended up costing approximately $250 CAD to complete (three quarters of the cost being the custom glass).

Enjoy.

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Comlplete Plan
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Complete Measurements
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Frame Plan
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Frame Measurements
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Glass Plan
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Glass Measurements
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Hardwood:
1) 1” x 6” x 8’ (1, for vertical dividers)
2) 1” x 6” x 6’ (1, for horizontal dividers)
3) 1” x 4” x 8’ (2, for vertical frame members)
4) 1” x 4” x 6’ (2, for horizontal frame members)

Backer Board:
1) 1/8” x 4’ x 4’ (4)

Glass:
1) custom 6mm (1/4”) Tempered Glass (4); polished edges, rounded corners

Liner:
1) black felt (5m2)
2) 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive (1)

Hardware:
1) ¼” hardwood dowels (64)
2) ¾”finishing nails (160)
3) screw covers (16)
4) 1” #12 wood screws (16)
5) 5/8” #5 wood screws (8)
6) rubber washers (16)
7) flush mount picture hangers (8)

Finishing (optional):
1) stain (1L)
2) polyurethane (1L)

Tools Used:
1) table saw (with lap joint jig)
2) router (flush-cut bit & ¼ round bit)
3) drill (with ¼” and 5/32” wood bit & 5/8” forstner bit)
4) chisels
5) ¼” dowel jig
6) screw driver
7) tape measure
8) rubber mallet
9) finish nailer
10) stain cloths/brushes
11) Xacto knife
12) flush-cut scissors
13) putty knife

---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 AM ----------

Carpentry:
1) cut divider stock to length (vertical 36 11/16”, horizontal 30 1/8”);
2) measure and cut dados on the face of the vertical divider and the back of the horizontal divider;
3) rip dividers to ½” widths (this will produce 16 vertical and 16 horizontal dividers);
4) cut frame stock to length (vertical 40 1/16”, horizontal 33 ½”);
5) rip frame stock in half (1 11/16”);
6) cut half lap joints for the frames;
7) layout and drill ¼” dowel holes in frames and the ends of the dividers;
8) cut backer board to size (40 1/16” x 33 ½”);
9) glue and assemble, confirm square;
10) secure assembly with finish nails around the back perimeter and at each divider intersection;
11) install picture hanging hardware on back (5/8” forstner bit used to flush mount);
12) router ¼ round corners as desired.

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Finishing:
1) apply finish (stain and polyurethane as desired);
2) cut felt liners (produce a felt liner cutting template out of spare backer board);
3) apply felt liners with spray adhesive (putty knife to seat the felt in the corners);
4) trim excess felt (flush-cut scissors);
5) mark and pre-drill for glass mounting hardware (5/32” drill bit for #12 screws);
6) insert your desired SteelBooks and fasten the glass (1” #12 wood screws);
7) hang on the wall;

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I first saw Hep's shadow boxes a few years ago, and they are still my favourite way I've seen steelbooks displayed :thumbs:

On a side note, great to see you here Hep!
 
That is fantastic.... If you where in the uk, I'd get you to make a couple lol....


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