Display Cabinet Help

[jeditopher]

I am working on designing a cabinet specifically for helmets, although at the time I don't have everything to fill it. I'm OK at designing things, but not so great with structure strength or if this will be in danger of tipping over. If anyone with cabinet building experience can tell me if this thing will hold together I'd appreciate any input.

The smaller sections are 18 inches high with the top section being 22 inches for Vader and Fett helmets.

The boards that make up the sides are 1 x 2 and the boards under the shelves are also 1 x 2. The shelves are 19 inches deep and 36 inches wide; I think I am going to add a smaller strip under the front of the shelves to help hide lighting. The top and bottom pieces are 20 inches deep.

The legs are exposed right now, but I am probably going to add some piece of trim to cover them.

The glass doors are going to be held with European Hinges, the placement of the round circles represents the hinges, but are placed too far away from the sides in this rendering.

The glass on the sides is currently planned to be inside of the outer wood, but I am considering screwing it to the outside and get something like the round covers on the hinges to hide the screw holes.

Its height is currently 81 3/4 inches and is going into a space with a lower ceiling of 84 inches. There is a vent there as well, so I'm not likely going to put anything around the top of the cabinet.

 

[robstyle]

A trick ive used for "iffy" shelving set ups is simple, add weights to the bottom. To keep it basic just drill two holes on either rearward side of the bottom shelf, run a bolt through a washer from the top, under neath that bolt will go through some weights, add another washer then the nut. The weights can be anything from off the shelf dumbbells to iron bar stock. Anything thats heavy enough and the right size.

 

[RPGnerd]

What materials are you using, because the glass is going to put some force on those 1x2s, and the momentum and weight of the doors might also stress the frame when opened. You don't want any warping over time from the light framework.

Keep in mind with wood in those dimensions, your screw size is pretty limited and glue will be your friend. Over time with those heavy doors it may lose stability over time with the doors opening and closing. Adding an extra set of hinges (8 instead of 6) will take some pressure off the other hinges.

As it appears, tipping over when the doors open seems a possible issue. If you can attach it to the wall near the top, even with a couple of screws into a wall stud it will add a lot of stability and defense against clumsy/drunks/kids/pets/etc.

 

[jeditopher]

What materials are you using, because the glass is going to put some force on those 1x2s, and the momentum and weight of the doors might also stress the frame when opened. You don't want any warping over time from the light framework.

The material is yet to be determined. I want to match my other Ikea furniture that has the Birch veneer. I wont be using a veneer, I will be using real wood stained or MDF painted white or black.

Keep in mind with wood in those dimensions, your screw size is pretty limited and glue will be your friend. Over time with those heavy doors it may lose stability over time with the doors opening and closing. Adding an extra set of hinges (8 instead of 6) will take some pressure off the other hinges.

I think I can use a thicker wood, but a 2x4 seems real bulky, plus it maxes out my width. I am considering a tongue and grove fit for the side pieces. More hinges would be an easy add. I've also considered using sliding doors. I am leaning towards polycarbonate glass, but at the size I need it is going to be a small fortune. I also need to find out how well the edges can be finished. I want to avoid having to build a frame on the front as that would limit the viewable space.

As it appears, tipping over when the doors open seems a possible issue. If you can attach it to the wall near the top, even with a couple of screws into a wall stud it will add a lot of stability and defense against clumsy/drunks/kids/pets/etc.

I have also considered attaching to the top of the wall and I could do that easily.



The counter weights are a great idea robstyle.

 

[Amish Trooper]

I say save yourself the headache and hit Ikea and get some Detolfs. Alot of members here use them and they display nicely.

Minnesota locations:
IKEA | Store Locator

Detolf:
IKEA | Search result

 

[jeditopher]

I say save yourself the headache and hit Ikea and get some Detolfs. Alot of members here use them and they display nicely.

Minnesota locations:
IKEA | Store Locator

Detolf:
IKEA | Search result

I am aware of those, but they do not maximize space very well unless you display the helms off the stands, plus a Vader or Fett take up two spaces. Space is at a premium in my display room.

 

[DS Operative]

Don't forget to incorporate some lighting too.

 

[jeditopher]

Don't forget to incorporate some lighting too.

I am considering some flexible LED light strips.

YouTube - How To Install Multi-Color LEDinsider Flexible LED Strip Lights

 

[Rusty85]

I wish they'd make a double-wide Detolf case.

 

[jeditopher]

I just came back from the hardware store and concluded that the pollycarbonate glass is to flexible to use as doors, so glass it will be. I may have to redesign the cabinet so it will have 4 doors instead of 2.