How to Make Caskets
Building a casket is just like building a box except that the specific measurements fit an average human being and there are handles. Some say that building a casket in the days after the death of a loved one is a healing act of love. Others wish to participate in the construction of their own final resting receptacle.
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Things You'll Need
- Kiln-dried pine board to measure 1x24x 80x16 inches 1/2x24x80 inch plywood 3 1x1x24 inch pine sections 2 pieces of 1/2x24x16 inch plywood 2 pieces of 1/2x 80x16 inch plywood 1 piece of 1x24x80x16 inch plywood 3 brass hinges 3 brass barrel bolt latches 6 brass handles Medium- and fine-grit sand paper Galvanized nails Hammer Wood screws Drill Stain Lacquer Embellishments Disposable foam paintbrushes
Instructions
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Building the Box and Lid
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Have the lumber company cut the pine and plywood to measure. They are the outside and inside liner of the casket. Kiln-dried pine is the best choice because it will not warp. Sand each piece with medium and fine grit sandpaper. Finish each piece with at least three coats of stain. Dry between coats.
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2
Start with the bottom of the casket. Nail 24 pieces of 80-inch boards to three 1x24 inch cross pieces. Lay the plywood over the bottom construction and attach with wood screws through the crosspieces.
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3
Build the sides of the casket by screwing the pine boards to the plywood.
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4
Attach the sides to the bottom with wood screws. Finish the sides by attaching at the corners with wood screws. You have the box of the casket. The lid of the casket is made from one piece of plywood. It will fit right on top of the box.
Hardware and Finishes
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5
Screw in three hinges on one side of the coffin at the center and two ends.
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6
Screw in the three barrel bolts on the opposite side of the coffin.
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7
Mark the side of the casket box on the barrel bolt and hinge sides--center and 6 inches in from either end. Screw in the brass handles 8 inches from the top of the box edge.
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8
Embellish the outside with decorations or words. There are many sayings you can purchase in craft stores that can be rubbed onto the outside of the wood.
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9
Use three coats of lacquer. Dry between coats. The coffin in now completed
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