|
Presented is a Hawaiian Koa Wood (Acacia) curio cabinet designed for the collectors of Zippo style lighters. I originally designed these display cabinets for my own use, however after a few were offered on the Internet the demand by other Zippo collectors was overwhelming. This cabinet will safely protect and display120 lighters while offering the convenience of a fully accessible glass panel door. The wood used came from the Big Island of Hawaii as rough sawn 4/4 boards. These boards were re-sawed to 3/4 on a Delta 14" band saw and then further prepared using a Performax 16-32 Drum Sander. All the frame pieces came from the same board and the lattice pieces remain in the same sequence as when they were ripped to maintain a smooth grain.
|
| |
The focal point of this display cabinet is the vibrant "Curly" grain of the outer frame. Koa wood is renowned for its opalescent grains and the spectrum of colors that appear in different lighting conditions and at different angles. The frame's millwork was created using a face molding cutter bit in a Porter Cable 691 router mounted in a router table. Extensive sanding using a Porter Cable Profile Sander ensures a glassy smooth texture on what appears to be a wavy piece of wood.
|
| |
The original design of these cabinets had the frame as single unit and the lattice being filled separately and then inserted into the back of the frame. Although it was very strong and secure, it was difficult to add or remove items. Later versions offered hinged doors as shown, as well as cabinets with center opening doors with hinges on both sides. The door is supported by a brass piano hinge for strength and stability and is held closed by three magnetic catches with strike plates recessed into the door.
|
| |
To ensure strength on all mitered joints as well as giving the cabinet a decorative accent, I add 1/4" dado inserts on all four corners of both the inner as well as the outer frame. There are 24 of these Koa Wood inserts, which are actually made from the same pieces the lattice is, but with an eye for contrast in color from the frame itself. The brass box catches are mostly decorative but also help to secure the cabinet when it's closed.
|
| |
The cabinet back is made from 1/4" birch faced plywood stained to match the color of the frame. #2 brass screws attach the lattice to the back through the felt, as well as securing the back to the frame. This would allow the felt to be replaced with a different color if the cabinet was relocated to a different location with a different color scheme.
|
| |