Build Your Own Flag Display Case / Jon's DIY

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Ensign Medals Shadow box.amzn.to/2GP2ivM
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A co-worker saw my site and brought me a family heirloom and asked if I would build a simple triangle for her. Of course I said yes and in the process I thought I would build one for my father-in-law. Step through the process and see how easy these display cases were to make. Cpl Louis Wertz and Col John R. Elliott, I thank you for your service. Most people will never fully comprehend the sacrifices you have made for this great Nation. Jon
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. #jonsdiy

[@rudyardgomeas6042]

As a veteran, I have seen many display cases, your style is amazing and I look forward to building some. A little side note; nothing should be attached to the flag. That out of the way, the cap was a beautiful touch, along with the plate. Gorgeous, simply gorgeous.

[@charlottewirtz5461]

My dad Russell J Wirtz passed 3/20/17, he was a Vietnam Vet and it was just him and I when he passed. I got married a month later, April 21st 2017 and his flag was with me when I walked down the aisle. Right now I am building my own flag case for him as he showed me very thing I know with carpentry as well as woodwork and staining. I am very proud of my dad and I just hope I can do the same for him especially for Memorial Day 2017!!!

[@JONSDIY]

Charlotte, That is a fantastik story... would love to see a pic of your display if you have time. send my way on Facebook (Jon's DIY) thanks Jon

[@Doneb23]

Hope it turned out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmGZgJ14bL5qpM0

[@joeyscerbo7776]

Charlotte Sanderson Rest In Peace to your Dad and I thank him for his service! It is great he continues to live on with your memories and actions🇺🇸!

[@tomanderson9979]

Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it. Also thank you to the memory of your Dad for his service.

[@charlottewirtz5461]

@@tomanderson9979 thank you it turned out beautiful

[@brianolson3988]

Great work! In the future, PLEASE DO NOT WEAR GLOVES around any spinning blade, especially Mitre and table saws! Happy sawdust!

[@robmill54]

Great job, but wearing gloves with a table saw is dangerous!

[@JONSDIY]

Yes, I have been chastised repeatedly and no longer wear gloves.... check out some of my other videos so you can see I do listen to my viewers. Thanks Jon

[@jonikilpatric5598]

Jon, Grandpa Wortz's flag display turned out just beautiful! I love the detailing and care that you took while assembling. It is a great tribute to my grandfather and his memory. Thank you so much!

[@orlandoduffy7954]

Recently retired from the Army and wanted to case my retirement flag. I'm trying to learn a bit of woodworking as a hobby to pass time so this will be an awesome project both of yours look awesome. I wanna try and make a hideaway slot in the rear as well. GREAT TUTORIAL!

[@ebrich40]

Great video but I gotta tell ya those gloves on the table saw are very dangerous, if the blade catches the glove it’s gonna pull you hand in and eat you up, sorry just saying!

[@JONSDIY]

Nope, you are 100% correct.

[@constancelacy6050]

Hi Jon. Some of the medals I have for my Dad's box have push in pins but some have a pin like a brooch. Any ideas on the best way to mount these in his shadow box?

[@JONSDIY]

Hey Constance, I have over 100 videos of shadow box builds showing this. In any of these videos you will see that I use a half inch of foam board. I specifically do this so I can push any object with push pins directly into the display board. As for a pin like broach. you can take a Philips head screwdriver and indent the foamboard (display board) and then use the needle of the broach and push it into the display board to make it flush . If you do not like the way that looks, you can always take a pair of needle nose plyers and break off the back of the broach pin and super glue the broach directly to the display board. kzbin.info/aero/PLNfmeekcZNRmtuby-t8YsJLgmF-fw94dh

[@johnbarney5787]

Awesome! I like the mahogany best...just because i like the species of wood better. The cap was a great idea!

[@stevenharrill1]

Both look great! What type and color stain did you use on the red oak case? I really like that look!

[@JONSDIY]

I think it was Classic Honey Oak.

[@SPMech1]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JONSDIY]

thanks Bob!

[@garymccoy2888]

Very nice. And you didn't have to make that difficult 22.5 degree miter at the bottom. New sub.

[@JONSDIY]

Only those gifted in the Pythagoras Theorem can pull that off. Lol! I make it up as I go, and that does not include math! Thanks for the nice comment!

[@KnifeHandWoodDesign]

Could makes so they sit ontop of a shadow box?

[@JONSDIY]

YEP. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4C4ZGyIasuiqMU

[@charlessutcliffe8217]

Oak

[@proudbam]

Thanks for the video. My brother passed away about 2 months ago. He was an Army Vet and I have his flag. I really want to build the case myself. I also have a request from my ex-mother in law (yes we are still friends) for 2 cases one for my children's great-grandfather and her brother's flags. I love woodworking but am still learning.Thanks again.

[@betterbuiltinteriors6774]

Jon, I just finished building 8 flag displays. I used maple that being my favorite wood to work with. They came out great. I would upload a picture if I knew how.

[@JONSDIY]

Alta, just shoot me a pic at [e-mail]

[@TheGrainSideUp]

Great work.....Oak seems to be a good pick for any project, but that Mahogany is stunning!

[@MarkWRand]

Very nice but where are your push sticks? Flags should not be unfolded.

[@wildwillboo99]

It healed ok, I was making some cookie coasters from a cherry blosom tree. Hit the bone a bit so it is sensitive when it gets cold out. The flag case I made found its way to the vetrans stand down home. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@audreyyoung5154]

I need to make one for my dad flag that I got when he passed away 😪

[@JONSDIY]

Follow these step and make the box fit the flag not vice versa. Sorry to hear about your dad.

[@plasma3211]

You should use push sticks and never work around rotating equipment with gloves on! Sorry I am old school and safety was drilled into my head working in the Steel Industry for 44 years. Nice work BTW Thanks!

[@JONSDIY]

Robert, you are 100% correct. I have been schooled by countless viewers on my error. If you check out any of my other videos you will see, I actually do listen to my subscribers. Thanks for your comment and watching the video. Jon

[@garymccoy2888]

I'm going to make a flag box for a friends. He passed away last week. I was amazed to see this video so close after his death. Was almost like a "sign" that I needed to do this. I saw that the base was 24 inches. Can you give me the length of the sides? Thanks. Gary

[@JONSDIY]

Gary, The length of the sides depends on the size of the flag. Measure one of the top sides of the flag once folded. After making your 2 top side cuts and joining them, the length of your base might need to be bigger or smaller based on how the top fits. You want a professional looking fit. Good luck and sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. Jon

[@TheLosiracer]

Thank you for doing this video. My father just passed away 3 days ago and I’m going to make one for the flag that was given to mom at his funeral ceremony from the Air Force. Thank you.

[@JONSDIY]

Sorry to hear about your father. Thank you for his service. Thanks for your comment and good luck with your build. Jon (don't forget to subscribe!)

[@mmclaugh08]

Good looking cases. Mahogany is a favorite of mine. A suggestion from King's Fine Woodworking: a plastic straw is great for removing glue in tight corner seems. Press it into the seems and run it down; it's non-rigid; forms to seem; and won't scratch or gouge the surface. Excess glue goes into straw and is removed clean.

[@JONSDIY]

mmclaugh08. Thanks for the complement and the tip, I will give it a try. Jon

[@zerocaster6818]

Hooah. Absolutely beautiful. Nice job bro.

[@JONSDIY]

Shoot me a pic when your done at [e-mail]. Would love to post it on my FB site. Jon

[@j.j9232]

JON'S DIY

[@noed.martinez9358]

Hi, Noah here from Waller, Texas. I am a new subscriber. I have to say these display cases are amazing. I am loving your videos and the ideas you have. Keep up the good work.

[@JONSDIY]

Thanks Noah. Really appreciate you subscribing and your positive comments! Jon

[@umass84jackcnh]

Thanks Jon! This was easy to follow and fun to build. I'm going to build one for my son who just completed his Eagle Scout. They each get a flag that's flown over the White House (for one day).

[@JONSDIY]

Thanks Jack, would love to see a pick when your done. Hit me up on Face book (Jon's DIY) Hit that subscribe button, thanks Jon

[@kennymoore7079]

Do you use all 45 degree angles on all pieces

[@JONSDIY]

The two top pieces are 45 both ends. The bottom piece is larger and extends beyond the top piece angles. It is not even cut to any angle.

[@MrSrtman18]

I like the dark color better, but with the plaque on the far right. I like to be able to see the full flag with plaque to the side.

[@JONSDIY]

The dark seems to be the favorite of most. I agree on location of the plaque.

[@apmgold]

Hey Jon Great project. The detail and the explanations give a really valuable insight into the build process, thanks for the effort. Mac

[@JONSDIY]

! Thanks APM ! and thanks for subscribing.

[@riddlerzelbow3555]

could you make me one please sir

[@apmgold]

Liked and subscribed

[@Andy8296]

Where did you get/order the name plates for them? Would like to get one for the one I am building

[@JONSDIY]

Just had them made at work. But any engraving shop can make them. Any Navy Exchange has the ability as well.

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Thanks. Nicely done.

[@davidtew]

I was watching until you said 2/16’s!🤦🏼‍♂️

[@JONSDIY]

Thats sad that it takes so little to trigger you. You should stay away from my channel, because just like I said in my intro, I'm obviously not a pro like you.

[@pmelchman]

Great video. When using a router as you did, it is recommended to use a starting pin. You rest the board against the pin and then into the router bit.

[@JONSDIY]

Yes you are right. I could not find it and did not have time to keep looking. I actually found it 2 days latter. Lol. Along with my misplaced ear plugs

[@ritarevell7195]

Nice work. Thanks for showing us how.

[@KSFWG]

Both are beautiful. A wonderful tribute for our Veterans, and a wonderful way to display these treasured heirlooms. Thank you for the video.

[@JONSDIY]

"K" thanks for the nice comment. And thanks for the correct spelling of heirlooms. Lol Jon

[@wildwillboo99]

Very nice work.

[@sigguy1361]

Very nice. Where did you get the glass?

[@JONSDIY]

Home Depot.

[@rayvendryes8107]

Have done 2 of these. My next one will be using oak with Early American Minwax.

[@mas4942]

i like the idea of putting that sheet into the flag to make it look really nice but most people will not want their flag unfolded the way you did. i hope you got permission to unfold your clients flag as some people have strong opinions against doing that because to some people once a memorial flag is folded, it should not be unfolded again. not everyone believes in it but its safe to make sure just in case.

[@JONSDIY]

O_YEA I agree. I served 28 years in the service and understand the significance of a memorial flag. Neither of these flags was a Memorial flag. They were both retirement flags. And I have no clients.

[@shanewalton3361]

Burial flag is one thing. Retirement flag another. If you are going to case a burial flag leave it folded as is....once it’s folded it’s not to be unfolded again...out of respect to the family I love these videos. Keep up the good work Jon!

[@jeffroth6575]

I like the mightn’t the best hey can you make me a case to

[@JONSDIY]

Jeff, not sure which one is the "mightn't" LoL. depends where you live. Email me at [e-mail]

[@davidcolombo6096]

Love it looks great

[@gpdoyon]

Great job!

[@phillipchandler2276]

I like the oak!

[@rayvendryes8107]

Looking good. Using this to make one for my Dad. I am the eldest so I received his flag. One question: Are there any tricks to cutting the plexiglass cleanly?

[@JONSDIY]

I thought I used glass on this one, and if you do use glass, I am the last person to give advice on glass. Lol (very unlucky with it. But if you use Plexiglas (a lot easier see some of my other vids) you can use a gig saw or bansaw, even the table saw. But what ever you do don't take off the plastic protection until the very end.

[@rayvendryes8107]

Thanks. Plexiglass was on the inside of the flag.

[@rayvendryes8107]

Update: Made a case using plexiglass for the front. Marked it with a magic marker. Reversed the blade on my table saw. Raised the blade so cutting point was on the down side. Lowered saw speed so plexi didn't melt. And didn't take protection off. This seemed to work well. A lot of trial and error. :-)

[@JONSDIY]

Ray, would love to see some photos when your done. Hit me up on Face Book. (JON'S DIY)

[@sumandl]

Thats a great project. Subscribed!

[@JONSDIY]

Sawblade: sounds like a cool mean guys nickname! Lol Thanks for the nice comment and thanks for subscribing. Jon

[@mitchsorrell2861]

Nice job, they came out sharp!

[@JONSDIY]

Thanks Mitch, I made one more and routed the triangle also. Its an extra touch I think makes it look great. Thanks for your comment. Don't forget to subscribe!

[@kevinlucas5498]

I like the Oak one

[@JONSDIY]

Me too! I think the grain in the oak was by far more vibrant. It looks great. Thanks for your comment. Jon

[@kennethvanhook1758]

Excellent! I have made several of these and still learned something from you.

[@SuperParisdog]

Great job. I love these, especially your bases. What are you using to cut the glass?

[@JONSDIY]

Parisdog, for a long time I just used the standard glass cutter that you can buy at Home Depot. But I finally broke down and bought a Pistol Grip glass cutter. I suck at cutting glass and these work great. So If I have to recommend a glass cutter it would be this one. It has not failed me yet. www.amazon.com/Professional-Heavy-Pistol-Glass-Cutter/dp/B018C4V2RA/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1509194027&sr=8-14&keywords=glass+cutter

[@JONSDIY]

Oh yeah... dip the oil, don't fill it. It leaks.

[@SuperParisdog]

JON'S DIY I’m going to have to check those out. Thanks for the info!

[@vincemoser4636]

very nice, I made my flag case out of left over hard wood flooring, I like the placard idea that's cool

[@JONSDIY]

Vince! Wish you would have made a comment earlier! I have a stack of wood left over from my hardwood floor as well in the shed. I need to pull them out and use them on a project. Thanks for the nice comment! And thanks for the great idea!

[@vincemoser4636]

JON'S DIY I have photos on my facebook page cant sem to pot them here , it came out really nice, also made a jewelry box with a mirror lid from it

[@JONSDIY]

Vince, Post them on my facebook link facebook.com/JONSDIY/ would love to see them. Thanks

[@timhunt7830]

I hope u posted them on his FB page. I’ve got some oak I was thinking about using but not sure if it’s doable woth this. It’s tongue and groove:/

[@vincemoser4636]

@@timhunt7830 yes its doable with T&G oak as long as you have a table saw to rip down to width . Ive made some using T&G prefinished oak flooring and made a few with laminate flooring too

[@chuckball5647]

Great Job,well done.

[@JONSDIY]

Thanks Chuck!

[@lewisr993]

2/16th.... really? 1/8th

[@JONSDIY]

LOL. I know right. the things we say when trying to do dialog for a video. Thanks for watching.

[@tomschallsr5931]

No gloves

[@ericbrownlee8210]

I just finished up making one today out of walnut, and put two maple splines in the miter up top. It’s got the spray poly drying now. A 1x4x8’ is plenty of wood for someone to make this (and have a mistake or two made. Trust me...)

[@TheGuyOutdoors1]

Can you use a damn scrap board for the table saw.. Good grief man

[@JONSDIY]

Not sure what that means. Did you mean push stick? What the hell is a scrap board? Good grief man, if you're going to yell at me for something, make it important, like for wearing gloves while using a table saw!

[@TheGuyOutdoors1]

@@JONSDIY lol, yes push stick. Ughh 🤣

[@wildwillboo99]

The tip of my thumb is in the freezer, I was a little over confident with the table saw.

[@JONSDIY]

Robert, I hope you are joking! I have been yelled at by my viewers for wearing gloves in some of my earlier videos. I have been schooled on all the safety tips. But once I get the idea in my head to build something, I'm like you. Very confident! Hope your thumb can be fixed. (recommend a hospital not DIY :-) ) Jon

[@bigofishbone]

I liked your flag display,,,but,,, you made me nervous when you were cutting on the table saw with those work gloves...

[@JONSDIY]

You are correct. 4 years ago, lesson learned. I was told and no longer do that. Like I said I'm not a pro just a DIY'er and always willing to learn. kzbin.info/www/bejne/baGanKeDmNOXndU

[@MrNcturkey]

I like the darker wood

[@JONSDIY]

Your not alone. Surprisingly most people do prefer the darker Mahoganies when it comes to shadowboxes.

[@spkendrick]

where do you get your glass from

[@JONSDIY]

SPK, All items are purchased at home depot. Glass can be found right next to where they sell the pelxiglass. Jon

[@spkendrick]

JON'S DIY ok... Thanks Jon. I'm going to start on this build today. Seems simple enough

[@rkdowning12]

What are the measurements for the base and the 2 sides. How is the top part connected to the base? Just curious as to hard it would be to replace the glass in the event that it got broke.

[@JONSDIY]

Base is the base measurement of the flag when folded. You could attach the base upward into the top with screws to allow you to disconnect and replace glass if need needed.

[@rkdowning12]

@@JONSDIY Thank you for getting back to me on this. Yes I understand that the base is the width of the longest side of the flag. However if you did not have the Flag on hand. What are the measurements for base and the 2 sides?

[@JONSDIY]

@@rkdowning12 I make all boxes to the size of the contents. So fold your flag measure and cut the wood so you have a custom fit. I like it snug and not loose looking this way I can make the stars align from top to bottom.

[@pana6679]

2/16ths?? Are you serious??

[@JONSDIY]

LOL. Yep, that's what happens when you try to make your videos worth watching. You write a script and some times you fat finger it and read the script without giving it any thought. But good catch, at least it lets me know some people are really listening to what I say and not just watching the videos. I should have said 1/16 (and written). 1/8 aka 2/16 is just a bit too much. :-) Hope I did not ruin you day. Jon

[@bdkane721]

Hi Jon, how wide is your base plate?

[@JONSDIY]

Well that depends on the width of the flag once folded. The thinner the better. But the ones pictured here are 3 inches. But these are large flags

[@bdkane721]

@@JONSDIY I was wondering about the base of the piece. If the sides are 3 inches, what is your base width?

[@JONSDIY]

@@bdkane721 please shoot me a msg on FB. facebook.com/JONSDIY and I will attach some pics to show you exact measurements. Thanks Jon

[@charlottewirtz5461]

P.S. I am also cutting my own glass and form fitting it to his flag because it will be with me for my big wedding in about a year or so

[@lamegame420]

2 16th??? That's like a whole 1/8th!!

[@JONSDIY]

I know, I am an armature. Not thinking straight. LOL. But it is hilarious.

[@lamegame420]

@@JONSDIY I had a new guy started once. Told me ahh, we're doing siding, give me the nearest 1/8th. So I started giving him measurements in 16ths to learn him. I'll take a panel 1657 16ths please!! He didn't think it was too hilarious, but I did!

[@loratalbert3742]

Love it

[@JONSDIY]

Thanks Lora!

[@JaceTLittle]

2/16? Aka 1/8

[@JONSDIY]

LOL. yes, that's what happens when you literally are counting them out in your head. 🙂 But it is good to know people are actually listening to what I am saying and not just watching the video. Thanks.

[@dcakeladys8433]

This is a great video, but it would be nice if you listed the actual specs for the dimensions of all pieces? Thanks.

[@JONSDIY]

That’s the difference between a store bought flag display and a custom built one. The dimensions are based on the dimensions of the folded flag. The flag display can always be different based on the size of the flag therefore I cannot list dimensions because I don’t know the size of your flag. I make this statement right here. These should be your dimensions. Listen to the instructions don't just watch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/paPUcoaXmJKDask This video is nothing but how to get dimensions for all pieces!

[@wildwillboo99]

Gringing watching how close you get your fingers to that blade. Not a very safe practice.

[@JONSDIY]

Don't think I got close at all. But It was not smart of me to leave my gloves on.

[@spkendrick]

My framing clamp doesn't make the two mitered ends meet jam up.. So i might have to use a brad nail or just put 90 degrees ends together and Miter the ends attach to the base

[@JONSDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5XQmoGpht2VncU Build this first

[@douglingle1600]

Beautiful cases.....but wearing gloves while operating power tools.... little scary.

[@JONSDIY]

I have to agree. I am a knuckle head.

[@sigguy1361]

Just keep your hands out of the way. If the blade gets you, it's going be ugly whether or not you're wearing gloves. I cut a lot of plywood and rough wood, and wear gloves all the time passing it through the table saw. I know where to put my hands and not to, and I also avoid a lot of splinters int he process. ;o)

[@keliweisgerber3896]

If you want to know how to make it yourself, just look for woodprix instructions.

[@impulse0341]

What were your over all dimensions?

[@JONSDIY]

impulse, the base piece was 24 inches long, and from the bottom of the base to the apex was exactly 12 inches. I do not know what the actual size of either flag was as I never totally unfurled them. Jon

[@relerfordable]

Awesome job.

[@rayvendryes8107]

Did another one. Inlayed liquid turquoise on the front edges. This was a test one by using banak wood. Seems very pourous.

[@rayvendryes8107]

Jon - Have you made any allowances on these flag cases for replacing broken glass?

[@JONSDIY]

Ray Vendryes not sure what you mean? Allowances? Would like to see the pics of the turquoise inlays. shoot them my way. [e-mail] Thanks

[@rayvendryes8107]

What if the glass broke in a completed flag case, how would you replace it?

[@JONSDIY]

Ray, I gave it some thought. I have the benefit of a band saw. I would run the blade between the bottom of the 45's and the base. sand, replace glass, re-glue. That way I would only lose 1/8th and the flag would still have no trouble fitting.

[@jdrew500]

Do you always have to make cases customized to the flag, or are there standard sizes?

[@JONSDIY]

Jdrew, I have been in many navy exchanges and sea chest shops (stores that sell that kind of stuff). And yes you can buy all shapes and sizes. Some are made for various sizes. The most common I have seen is the 4X6 flag size. But if you do it yourself and take the exact measurement you will not only get a better fit but a better quality product. ( no cheap wood). And besides that, it gives you a sense of pride to know you did it yourself or for someone else. Thanks for your comment. Jon.

[@sigguy1361]

Burial flags are larger than standard flags. They drape over the caskets, and have to cover more than the standard ones that are on flag poles.

[@grwhite]

@@sigguy1361 burial flags are 5' x 9.5'

[@dantheruggedman5485]

Why did you say 2/16’s and not an 8th?

[@JONSDIY]

Because Reducing fractions adds an extra step and wastes time. Time is precious . LOL! :-)

[@dantheruggedman5485]

JON'S DIY reducing fractions? It’s an 8th. It’s faster than saying 2 16ths...

[@JONSDIY]

@@dantheruggedman5485 took you two whole lines to explain that. LOL!