How To Build A Shadow Box

[@DevilDawg-jh8wx]

Good job. I’ve been making a shadow bow using half blind dovetails for the joints.

[@SuperTinyTurtle]

Everybody always makes these too complicated. Just brad-nail some picture-frame molding to standard 3/4 stock (on the edge). Miter cut the lengths you need, then glue/brad-nail them into a box. Glue the glass into the rabbit of the picture-frame molding. Lay the box on some flat stock (eucaboard, or 1/4" ply) then mark and cut it out. Screw it to the back of the box, then sand everything nicely. Paint, place the loot inside, screw down the back and DONE. You don't need all these fancy joints and jigs. Just use stuff you find at Home Depot.

[@robira1313]

I'd love to know how you cut that slot in the top.

[@SuperTinyTurtle]

Run it along the table saw to cut a kerf. I don't like that he did that. I'm curious why you like it.

[@TeamProsperity]

ok I’m a little confused at count 7:36 you’re removing protective covering from the lexan and sliding it into the slot at the top of the box after you installed the back but you had already installed the lexan when you assembled the two sections at glue up, the taped it up before spraying it? so when did you cut the slot in the top of the box to allow insertion of the lens and what happened to the lens already installed before you sprayed? Hmmmm I paused the video and zoomed it and after you sprayed there was not slot cut in the top to allow the insertion on the lens so what happened here?

[@fathersondiygarage3580]

After I sprayed the box and removed the tape I did not like the way the plexiglass looked. There was a little bit of paint and a few scratches even though I was trying to be as careful as possible. It was very difficult to sand and paint around the plexiglass. So I used the table saw to cut a slot in the top and removed the first plexiglass. I then inserted a new piece and that’s what you see in the video. Unfortunately I did not get video of me cutting the slot.

[@alonzowitt5931]

You sure did make that look easy!

[@superscort57]

That looks great

[@PIXIIYA]

Do you take order ? If so, what will be cost for unfinished 8x10 box ?

[@bungiefour4]

What did your wife use to attach the items to the background fabric?

[@kraxmel]

I know you uploaded this a year or so ago, but I wanted to say it's really helpful. I've been looking for some shadowboxes to display a few of my cycling jerseys from my racing days and I think this has inspired me to make my own. Nice video!

[@fathersondiygarage3580]

Thank you so much.

[@chantalhenderson6994]

I love your toys!!!!

[@clangford326]

Great job.. looks really nice. 1 suggestion is when your cutting your splines, try using a FTG or Combination saw blade. They have a flat tooth so it cuts a "flat" groove. Hope that makes sense.

[@dawnb2204]

Do you do custom orders?

[@marlenesantana472]

Hi! Hope you can answer, how did your wife did the back?! Thanks!!

[@fathersondiygarage3580]

Hello, my wife used cotton batting then wrapped the board with a cotton fabric and glued it to the back of the board.

[@Sinceretony]

Thank you so much for the vid ive been wondering what i want my first build to be in think i might have found it much love from Texas 🫡

[@pcer9973]

Very helpful, thank you very much

[@zam200864]

How did you go about cutting the slot in the top after it was all together?

[@SuperTinyTurtle]

Table saw. Why would you want to add the kerf? I don't understand why he added it.

[@matthewransom62]

How did you make the top slit for the plexiglass?

[@GrapplingIgnorance]

Once the box is assembled, you just make a rip cut along the top of the box at the exact same measurement that you used to make the grooves.

[@dennismcgehee2984]

Two things I noticed - #1 your table saw appears to be about the same model of Craftsman Table Saw that I use ALL THE TIME. I like your idea of using a level against the fence. #2 I also noticed that you have a dust collector hooked up to that saw. I'd be VERY INTERESTED in knowing exactly how you accomplished that and just how well it works for you. As for the shadow box you made? Nice job but I'm wanting something just a bit more elaborate but I can employ some of the principles you used. However whenever I use splines on my corners I like to turn the grain of the splines so that they're perpendicular to the corner. Maybe I'm overthinking it but it seems to me that would make a stronger joint. Finally, I notice a comment below about not having a riving knife. I have operated for years without one as well. Putting one on that model of saw would be no easy task. Good video!!

[@fathersondiygarage3580]

Hi, I apologize for the late response. The craftsman table saw is 30 years old. I purchased it in 1993. At that time they didn’t have riving knives. I thought about attaching on, however you are right. It would not be easy. As for the dust collection. I picked up a dust collection attachment from Harbor Freight. It’s a square tray with a 4 inch diameter port to attach the hose. I screwed the tray to the bottom housing of the saw. It works alright. But when ripping wood I still get saw dust coming from up top. Thanks for the idea about the splines. I’ll have to try that next time and thanks for watching the video.

[@jeanneeeeette]

Hi. What are the materials you used? Are those boxes?

[@GrapplingIgnorance]

He used poplar wood for the frame, 1/4" MDF for the back and 1/8" plexiglass for the front.

[@WhittySmitty54]

2:01 2:06

[@robira1313]

What about it?

[@alpachino468]

No riving knife? 😧

[@zachphirman6219]

It's not illegal to be a man and take the risks you choose.

[@wesleykeener]

The whole point I wanted to learn was how to assemble the items in the shadow box. To build depth and character.....super annoyed you just dropped the items in pre-fabbed.

[@nickjr4460]

WOMP WOMP

[@robira1313]

The whole idea was "how to build a shadow box". Not decorate it.