diy halloween decorations

Halloween Decoration: How to Make a Miniature Coffin (page 2 of 2)

The proverbial pine box in miniature will surely get some stares when trick-or-treaters pop by this Halloween. Try this easy project for beginner woodworkers.

By Chris HillMore in Decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Project Cut List page 1
Cut the Pieces for the Base Assembly page 1
Create the Base Assembly page 1
Attach the Bottom current page
Attach the Lid current page
Add Finishing Touches current page

Attach the Bottom

Position the base assembly on top of the sheet of plywood and mark the outside and inside edges of the assembly on the plywood (image 1 and 2). This will be the bottom. Move the base assembly to the other half of the sheet of plywood and mark only the outside edges of the assembly for the lid.

Use a jigsaw to cut the bottom and lid to shape. With the marked side up, position the bottom flush with the edges of the assembly and attach using glue and 1-1/4" deck screws (image 3). Use three deck screws on each part (image 4).

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Attach the Lid

Turn over the assembly (image 1). Position the lid flush with the edges of the assembly and mark the center of the left side of the lid (image 2).

Position the continuous hinge centered on the left edge of the lid and left side. Apply masking tape or painter's tape to the hinge to hold it in place. Use a self-centering hinge bit to drill pilot holes for the hinge screws. Start with the middle screw holes, then the ends and work back toward the middle (image 3).

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Add Finishing Touches

Attach the two support blocks together using glue and #18 x 1 1/4-inch wire brads. Drill pocket holes (for 3/4" stock) on the support block assembly.

Position the support block assembly 27-3/4" from inside edge of the bottom end with the end of the assembly perpendicular to the side. Attach using glue and 1-1/4" pocket-hole screws (image 1).

Turn over the coffin assembly. Measure 29-1/4" along the same edge to which the support block assembly is attached. Mark a line perpendicular to the edge. Drill a countersunk pilot hole at 4 inches from edge on this line and drive a 2" screw through the bottom and into the support block assembly (image 2).

Turn over the coffin assembly. Drill a pilot hole for the folding support hinge centered across the width and 1/2-inches from the end of the support block assembly. Attach the folding support hinge to the support block assembly using one of the screws supplied with hinge (image 3).

Position the lid perpendicular to the coffin assembly and attach the other end of the hinge to the lid using #8 x 1/2" washer-head screws (image 4).

Position the handle 28 inches from the end of the lid flush with side. Attach using glue and #18 x 1-inch wire brads.