How to Make Wooden Divider Display Cases

Case

• 1

  Select a stout picture frame that has a flat backed frame molding at least 3/4 inches thick and glass in it to serve as the front of your case. Measure the inside of the back of the frame, around the glass.

• 2

  Cut four pieces of 1-by-4 lumber to fit the frame, two to fit the sides and one each for top and bottom. Make the pieces 1 1/2-inch longer than the inside dimensions of the frame. Cut the ends of each board on a miter saw to 45 degrees, one right and one left, so that each piece creates an oblong trapezoid.

• 3

  Set a table up with a 1/4-inch-thick dado blade. Remove the regular blade with a wrench, loosening the arbor nut at its center by turning counterclockwise, and put two stackable dado blades on the spindle, Replace the nut and tighten it. Set the depth of the blade to 1/4 inch.

• 4

  Adjust the table saw's rip fence, so that it is 1/4 inch from the blade, and lock it in place. Run each of the four pieces over the blade, with the smaller wide face down, so that the ends of the miters point up. Run the edge of the boards along the fence, so that they receive a 1/4-by-1/4-inch dado, that is 1/4 inch in from the edge.

• 5

  Cut a piece of 1/4-inch-thick plywood 1/2-inch wider and longer than the opening in the center of your frame. Nail the two side pieces of 1-by-4 to both ends of one of the end piece and slide the 1/4-inch plywood into the dado. Nail the remaining end piece in place to complete the box and lock the 1/4-inch plywood back in place.

Dividers

• 6

  Measure the inside dimensions of your box and cut two pieces of 1-by-3 lumber to fit inside it the long way, and two to fit inside it the short way. Measure and mark these four pieces so that they are divided in thirds.

• 7

  Make a notch centered on each 1/3 mark on each of the 1-by-3 pieces, so that it runs 1 1/4 inches in from one edge, and is 3/4 inch wide, running 3/8 inch on either side of each 1/3 mark. Cut these notches out with a band saw.

• 8

  Fit the four divider pieces together, so that the notches nest into each other to create a grid with nine evenly spaced boxes. Fit this frame inside the box and nail through the sides of the box into the ends of the dividers.

• 9

  Attach a piece of piano hinge to one outside side board of the box, flush with the open top using 1/2-inch wood screws. Fasten the other half of the hinge to the back of your frame with wood screws.