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WhataWorld wrote:

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As a winter project, I am considering building a pair of wall-mounted display cases, on two sides of a bay window, in a living room with wood-paneling. The dimension for each should be about 58" wide and height from 36" to 42". Would appreciate suggestions on

(1) depth for such a display case,

(2) what kind of backing, mounting brackets, etc., best for displaying bamboo rods,

If someone has a display case similar to the one I am considering to build, a picture would also be helpful.

WaW

WW,

If I'm reading you correctly, you have a living room w/wood panelling. Be care ful not to get too much wood in the works. It might get what we call "close".

If that is the case (no pun *g*) then a cheaper wood like poplar or the like will give you some lighter-appearing contrast w/o looking like you have too much wood. And if that's not to your liking, consider even actually painting said frame in a nice pastel color that would compliment some furniture woods like Black Cherry (for ex.) that you'd use for the door frames. Keep the framework comparatively slim so as not to overpower your rod display.

Proportion is terribly important in any wood project. I'd think given your measurements you included, maybe going for an interior dim. of 3 1/2 to 4" wouldn't get the case looking heavyish. Think about it some...

Also hide a small flourescent light on the underside of the top w/a round type on/off lightswitch hanging down a less obvious side. I've made Cherry display cabinets like this and they look good.

If you wish to display a few reels then by all means include a bevelled glass shelf, suspended midway up or slightly below that so it adds/compliments rather than detracts from your rods. You could fashion a means of support for this shelf by making a wooden cantilever of some kind. The design is intriquing to imagine but should be simple. Think of maybe a small triangle-shaped support that would hook/hold into the back. A neat little, free-standing shelf would look really cool!

I'm getting carried away here. Sorry. I sort of love this stuff.

Wish I could include pictures but when I made a lot of this stuff (I did it for fun/cash/tools) the internet wasn't available and I rarely took pics of my stuff other than what the customer sent back as a "thanks".

You have a tremendously rewarding winter project and I hope it goes well for you. Mine did the best when I gave it much thought, drew pictures (it's what I do for living) and didn't begin cutting wood until it felt right.

Good luck. I'd love to see how it comes out for you but that's not saying you have to post.

Jeremy.

edit: I just thought that in the event a wooden cab. is in your sights and since you have some older rods, consider using some red oak that can be "distressed" to appear older than it is. That might compliment your rods.

I did a few smaller jobs like this and did the "damage" with a length of heavy chain and beat the "H" out of the piece. Then gently sand off the piece with finishing paper to get rid of any raised slivers etc. Maybe even use the edge of an older hammer to add variation. I did.

And if you happen to stain it afterwards then those areas tend to take a bit darker than the rest. Looks really good! You have me wanting to get back down into my shop now....