How to Build a Shot Glass Display Shelf

One of the common pastimes in the United States is building a collection of items that appeal to us. Collections range from pencil sharpeners to Hotwheels®. As the collection gains merit, the desire to display it becomes a pressing need. In this case, the collectible is shot glasses. They come in various forms and designs, so building a display cabinet worthy of the collection is the best avenue to pursue. The size of the cabinet will depend on how many glasses are in your collection. The instructions below are for a cabinet displaying 100 shot glasses. The top row will hold 10 shooter shot glasses that measure 4 1/8 inches tall.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/4 inch plywood (27 3/4 by 34 inch for back)
• 1/4 by 2 1/2 inch solid wood (plywood can be substituted)
• Wood glue
• Pin nailer (small brads can be substituted)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Table saw (if cutting the strips yourself)
• Sandpaper
• Hammer

Shot Glass Display Parts

1. Cut solid wood into 2 1/2 inch strips. Cut 11 strips to 27 3/4 inches long. Cut 11 strips to 34 inches long. Lightly sand edges that will be the front of the shelf.

2. Draw the shelf pattern on the1/4 inch back. (Plywood measuring 27 3/4 by 34 inches). Allow 3 inches for the height of the first 9 rows and 4 1/2 inches for the top row.

3. Draw the vertical dividing strips allowing 2 1/2 inches between each divider.

4. Assemble the 4 strips that will make the frame of the cabinet by gluing the edges where they meet the back and each other. Carefully tack them into place with a pin nailer or brads and a hammer.

5. Mark horizontal and vertical strips where they will meet. Cut a 1/4 inch groove one half of the depth of the strip (1 1/4 inch).

Putting it All Together

6. Secure horizontal strips with glue and brads according to Step 4.

7. Place vertical strips into the grooves where they meet the horizontal strips. Glue and secure these as Step 4 illustrates.

8. Touch up any rough areas with sandpaper. Clean and prep for your choice of finishes.

9. Hang the cabinet on the wall with a picture-hanging kit that will hold the weight of the shot glasses.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to hold brads while you hammer them into place.
• Test grooves cut in the strips by assembling them before you secure them to the back of the cabinet.
• A router with a 1/4 inch cutting bit can be used to cut the grooves in the strips.
• Sand the outside edges of the strips before assembly.
• Always wear safety glasses.
• Take extra safety measures if using power tools, as these parts are small.

Resources

• Shot Glass Display Case