How to Make Gun Cabinet Doors
Gun cabinets are made for securing guns and keeping them safe. Sometimes they're also intended to show off the owner's gun collection. To do both, the gun cabinet has to have a door made of solid lumber for strength and tempered glass that is strong and allows the guns to be viewed. This article provides information for building a gun cabinet door that is 24 by 48 inches. To build a different size gun cabinet door, measure the door opening and add 1 inch in both directions (width and height). Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 pieces of 1-by-6-inch lumber, 4 feet long
- Table saw
- Wood glue
- Two 30-inch bar clamps
- Clear caulk, optional
Instructions
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1
Set the fence of the table saw at 2 inches. Rip two pieces from a 4-foot 1-by-6. Set these aside.
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2
Set the fence of the table saw on 3-1/2 inches and rip one piece from the remaining 4-foot 1-by-6 lumber. Measure from one end of this piece and make a mark at 20 inches and cut it with the electric miter saw. Repeat this from the other end of the same piece. This will result in two pieces measuring 3-1/2 by 20 inches.
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3
Set the fence of the table saw at 3/16 inches. Set the blade height at 1/2 inch. Cut one groove down the long edge of the four pieces. Next, turn the pieces around to cut another groove on the same edge. This should result in a groove that is 3/8 inches wide and 1/2-inch deep.
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4
Set the fence of the table saw at 1/2 inch over the blade. Set the height of the blade on 3/16 inch. Set the end of the 3-1/2-inch pieces against the fence and cut it across the grain. Repeat this for both ends and both sides of the 3-1/2-inch pieces.
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5
Set the fence of the table saw at 3/16 inch over the blade. Raise the blade to 1/2 inch. Stand the 3-1/2-inch pieces on their ends and cut them on this setting. Do this for both ends and both sides of both pieces. This should result in producing a "tongue," which will fit into the groove on the 2-inch pieces. Fit the four pieces together to be certain of a good fit.
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6
Cut a 1/8-inch piece of glass that measures 20 7/8 by 41 7/8. Apply glue to the tongue of one of the 20-inch pieces and set it in one of the 48-inch pieces. Next, place the glass in the grooves and apply glue to the remaining tongues and then slip the other 20-inch piece in place and finally set the last 48-inch piece where it goes. Clamp the door tightly with the two bar clamps. Clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow the glue to completely dry before removing the clamps.
Applying clear caulk around the perimeter of the glass (where it meets the door) will reduce rattle when the door is closed.
Apply painter's tape around the glass to protect it from the stain or paint used to finish the door.
Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children.
Do not stain or paint the gun cabinet door without proper ventilation.
