Here`s an idea.

I`m building an Antonov cargo plane for a friend and was looking for some inspiration for a display base.

Now in a cupboard I had a frame the same as a picture frame that my wife had dicarded from a tapestry that she loved but hated the frame. (Now displayed frameless)

So what can you do with an old picture frame I thought.

Simple. Take it apart and turn the parts through 90 degrees. Recut the corners to the required angle and you have a base surround with the rebate already cut to take the display surface.

This is still an ongoing project so additions will be made to this thread, but this is the start.

Pictures below show:

A dismantled piece of the frame in its original format.

The same frame turned through 90 degrees to now make a base.

Then when primed just three possible painting options shown. (This is obviously down to personnel taste).

Plus the height of the base frame can be cut to acheive the height required. (More on this later)


More soon.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi All,

Here`s the next update for the display base.

I`ve recut the angles to turn the picture frame into a display base and cut a 9mm thick base from some MDF that I already had left over from a previous project.

At this time the parts are just put in place for purpose of these pics shown below.

I`m waiting for delivery of some frame clamps due tomorrow before I do the final glue job and I`m now onto the cover of the display working out materials and sizes, but that`s for the next update.

So more soon.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Thanks Alan and Al.

The frame clamps arrived as expected today so the frame is now set using PVA glue. I`ll leave the frame for 24 hours to be sure its set, but this is now a very accurately square frame.

I have attached below a picture of just one corner of the frame glued and clamped in place, but the other three corners are just as accurate and the good thing is that with all four clamps in place I can fit and glue the base surface to be sure that it all ends up solid and square.

Next update will show the base complete and the stages of finishing with the required colours.

With the base colour finished the following stage will be to add the Aircraft Stand markings. That`s for a bit later.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Great idea, nice work Derek. Love the clamps.

Mark

Another very nice update Derek and good to see you getting to grips with the cutter.... ..

Regards

Alan

I like to make my own display cases. There is some satisfaction when the case is complete and the model installed and on display. I like your picture frame idea, this would save a lot of work with my router and their are several shops near where I live from which I can obtain the preformed frame parts. I already have the clamps as I frame my wife's tapestry/crosstich work.

No 1 rule when using a router, don't be greedy with the cut, better to make several passes and get a good clean cut then try to hard and muck it up

Looking forward to seeing the finished case