A wooden pocket watch display case is a beautiful way to showcase and preserve your pocket watch collection. Building one yourself can be a rewarding project, giving you a chance to tailor the design to your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple yet elegant wooden pocket watch display case.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wood: Choose hardwood like oak, walnut, or cherry for durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Wood glue
- Screws (optional for extra durability)
- Wood finish: Clear wood finish or stain to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
- Glass: Cut to size for the display case front.
- Felt or velvet lining: To cushion and protect the pocket watch.
- Brass or stainless steel hinges (if you want a hinged door)
- Woodworking tools: Saw (table saw or miter saw), drill, screwdriver, clamps, sandpaper (or sander), and measuring tools.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Design and Planning
- Start by measuring your pocket watch to determine the size of the compartments in the display case. Typically, each compartment should be about 3-4 inches wide and deep enough to accommodate the pocket watch without it being too snug or too loose.
- Sketch a design for the case. A simple rectangular box with a glass front will work well, but you can add intricate details like decorative molding or compartments for multiple watches.
- Decide on the number of compartments you need, depending on how many pocket watches you plan to display.
2. Cutting the Wood
- Using a saw, cut the wood pieces for the case: two sides, a top, bottom, and back panel.
- The two sides should be the same height, typically around 6-8 inches.
- The top and bottom should match the width of your design.
- The back panel should match the overall dimensions of the case.
- If you’re adding multiple compartments, cut additional pieces of wood to form dividers.
3. Sanding and Smoothing
- Sand all the edges and surfaces of the wood pieces. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper to remove rough edges and then move to a finer grit to smooth everything out. This will ensure a smooth finish for both aesthetics and safety.
4. Assembly of the Case
- Apply wood glue along the edges of the side panels, then attach the top, bottom, and back panels. Use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries. If you want additional security, you can screw the panels together, but make sure the screws are countersunk so they are not visible.
- For extra compartments, glue and secure the dividers inside the box, making sure there’s enough space to comfortably fit each pocket watch.
5. Preparing the Glass Panel
- Cut the glass panel to size based on the dimensions of the front of your case. You can take the wood frame to a local glass cutter, or you may already have the tools to cut glass yourself.
- Once the glass is cut, clean it thoroughly to ensure a spotless display.
6. Attaching the Glass
- Attach small wooden supports or cleats to the inside of the frame where the glass will sit. These can be glued or nailed in place to hold the glass securely.
- If you want a hinged door, attach the hinges to one of the side panels, and then affix the glass to the other side of the frame.
7. Finishing the Wood
- Once the case is assembled, apply a wood finish or stain to enhance the wood’s natural grain. Make sure to use a finish that is appropriate for the type of wood you’ve chosen.
- Allow the finish to dry completely, and then lightly sand with a fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth, polished surface.
8. Adding the Lining
- To protect the pocket watch from scratches, line the bottom of each compartment with felt or velvet. Cut the fabric to fit the interior of the compartments and use wood glue to secure it in place.
- You can also line the back panel of the case with a felt backing for a soft look and to avoid any marks on the wood from contact with the wall.
9. Final Assembly
- Insert the glass panel into the front of the case and secure it in place.
- If you’ve added a hinged door, make sure it swings open and closed smoothly.
- Finally, place your pocket watches into the compartments and admire your work!
Conclusion:
Building your own wooden pocket watch display case not only adds a touch of craftsmanship to your home but also ensures that your valuable timepieces are displayed with care and elegance. With a few basic woodworking tools and some patience, you can create a beautiful custom case that perfectly suits your collection. The case will not only protect your watches but also serve as a decorative piece that shows off your collection in style.
For more advanced woodworking techniques and inspiration, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.