DIY Network

Sports Collections: Rotating Display Case From "Major League Remodel" episode MLR-104

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This display case, made of wood and plexiglass, is ideal for showing off vintage, valuable or fragile sports collectibles. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J Figure K Figure L Figure M Figure N Figure O Figure P Figure Q Figure R

In this segment, Major League Remodel host Denny Janson builds a rotating display case for some of his prized baseball momentos. The structure rotates for easy viewing of the collectibles, and some of the more fragile or antiquated items are protected since the case has a plexiglass cover.


Rotating Display Case


Materials:

Lumber and plywood
Plexiglass panels
Rotating base
Cordless drill; screwdriver attachment
Pneumatic nail-gun
Finish nails
Wood screws
Wood putty
Wood stain



Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools and pneumatic tools.

Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation, when working with wood stains, solvents and other toxic solutions.


Steps:

• The case was designed by a wood-craftsman, and began with a computer-assisted design and layout (figure A). In our demonstration, the lumber, plywood and plexiglass panels were already cut to size.
  
  
  
  
• This project is easier with a second set of hands, so it's advisable to find another do-it-yourselfer to help with the assembly. Begin by attaching the corner braces to the square base unit using wood screws from underneath the platform (figure B). This creates the framework for the entire unit.
  
  
  
  
• Create a frame from 1x4's, and lay it in the center of the unit (figure C). The bottom frame will serve as a brace for the side panels, and will later double as one of the shelves in the display.
  
  
  
  
• Place the plywood side panels inside the frame base, and install a 2x2 to the corner for support (figure D). Nail the pieces together using an air-nailer and finish nails.
  
  
  
  
• Continue installing the side panels to create a "box" (figure E).
  
  
  
  
• Once you've installed all four side panels, attach a trim piece to the bottom of the unit on each side using wood glue (figure F). Miter-cut the corners of the bottom trim for a tight, clean fit.
  
  
  
  
• To create the first shelf, raise the original 1x4 frame to the desired height (figure G) and position a piece of corner trim on each corner to serve as a spacer to hold the shelf in position. For our application -- taking into consideration the sizes of the items that would be displayed -- we spaced the shelves about 8 inches apart.
  
  
  
  
• With the first set of spacers in position (figure H), nail them in place with finish nails.
  
  
  
  
• Continue the process, adding more shelf-frames and spacers (figure I) until all of the shelves are in position.
  
  
  
  
• The base unit is a 3-foot by 4-foot platform with 2x4's framing the platform as trim. The trim pieces are miter-cut and secured for a clean look.
  
  
  
  
• Measure and mark the wooden base unit to indicate the exact center point (figure J).
  
  
  
  
• Measure the rotating base from the center to the outer edge (figure K). This measurement will provide a guideline for measuring out from the center-point of the wood base.
  
  
  
  
• Transfer the measurements to the base unit draw a square around the center-point. These layout marks, forming a square, serve as the guide for placement of the rotating base (figure L).
  
  
  
  
• Position the rotating unit, and mark the location of the large factory-made hole in the unit onto the wood surface. A large hole is drilled at this location on the platform to help in attaching the rotating unit at a later time. Using the mark as a guide, drill the hole in the wood platform using a 5/8" paddle bit.
  
  
  
  
• Fasten the metal base in position on the wood platform using wood screws.
  
  
  
  
• On the bottom of the actual display case, a square of 1/4" plywood panel (figure M) -- of the same dimensions as the square box you drew on the top of the platform -- will be fastened. This plywood panel keeps the box raised to allow the case to rotate freely.
  
  
  
  
• Fasten the plywood panel to the bottom of the case using wood screws.
  
  
  
  
• With the display case turned upside down, set the base unit onto the case bottom (figure N), making sure that the rotating unit is lined up with the plywood.
  
  
  
  
• Secure the base to the case bottom using wood screws (figure O). The 5/8" hole drilled earlier serves as a guide for this process. Swivel the bottom platform on the rotating unit and continue fastening until all of the screws are in place.
  
  
  
  
• Once the rotating base is attached, you can turn the unit upright install the plexiglass inserts (figure P).

  Note: Our plexiglass sheets came with a protective blue film to prevent surface scratches during shipping and assembly.
  
  
  
  

• Check the fit of the top piece, and lower it onto the framework (figure Q).
  
  
  
  
• With the piece all assembled, some touch-up work will give it a finished look. We filled the nail-holes with wood putty, and stained the entire unit with a dark wood-stain.

RESOURCES :
Decorating with Family Photographs: Creative Ways to Display Your Treasured Memories
Model: 0806942118
Author: Ryne Hazen

Roadside Baseball: A Guide to Baseball Shrines Across America
Model: 0892047143
Author: Chris Epting, Joe Buck
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com

Triumph and Tragedy in Mudville: A Lifelong Passion for Baseball
Model: 0393057550
Author: Stephen Jay Gould
W. W. Norton & Company

Special thanks for DIY's Major League Remodel


Athlete's Advantage, LLC
Featured in Major League Remodel marathon.
www.athletesadvantage.com

Louisville Slugger factory and museum
800 West Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
Featured in Major League Remodel marathon.
www.slugger.com

Wilson Sporting Goods
Featured in Major League Remodel marathon.
www.wilsonsports.com

Stan Mar Sports Nets
Batting cage featured in Major League Remodel workshop, episode 101.
www.stanmarnets.com

SpaceMakers Of East Tennessee
Featured in Major League Remodel special.
www.spacemakersofet.com

Memories Photo and Portraits
Knoxville, TN
Photo transfer featured in Major League Remodel marathon.
www.memoriesphotos.com