Cheap and Easy Display Case

I was looking for a way to display some of my vintage transformer figures my wife got me for Christmas (along with the poster) and couldn't find anything that hung on the wall for a reasonable price. The solution presented itself, just make a display case.

Step 1: Materials

Since this one is already complete I don't have a ton of photos for the construction. I'm currently building another that is a little different and I'll upload an update with more pictures and the changes when its done.
what you will need:
wood- I used boards found at Lowes they are pine and come in various lengths and thickness

nails- brad nails or staples work best depending on the thickness of your wood

wood glue

foam or poster board- found at a dollar store

paints- I used acrylic, but you can use any kind

plexiglass- I had a couple of large sheets and just cut to size

hinges- small cabinet hinges that came in two pack with screws

magnet tape

aluminum angle flashing

LEDs or small flashlight with LEDs- I purchased some small lights at the dollar store for this just because they had a housing that I could use.

tools: hammer/staple gun, hot glue, soldering iron, rotary tool, hobby knife, saw

Step 2: Cut Wood to Length

The first step is to measure the item you want to display. You need to measure the depth width and height of the item. This will give you the general idea of how big your case will have to be. When choosing your wood make sure you leave about a quarter of an inch to a half inch in the back for the battery pack for the lights. I used a jigsaw to cut mine (my table saw is broke at the moment). You need to cut two pieces the same length for the top and two the same for the side. Make sure to measure twice and cut once.

Step 3: Sand the Edges

After cutting sand the edges and check for for length accuracy. If you cut one shorter you will have to adjust for the difference on the other one.

Step 4: New Step

Step 5: Attach Sides to Top and Bottom

Nail or staple the sides to the top and bottom. The easiest way is to line up the edges flush and place one nail or staple in the center. Once all sides are attached I then placed a nail in each corner making sure to keep it flush with the edge. After the nails are in I used a small square to make sure it is at right angles then placed a small bead of wood glue in each corner going being it with the square to make sure it is correct and also to smooth out the glue.

Step 6: Making the Back

While the glue dried I cut a piece of foam board (used for school displays) to the size of the back. The board I had was white but I wanted the background black so I hot glued black construction paper to it.

Step 7: Making the Front Door

Take your box and trace the outer edge on the plexiglass while the plastic is still on it. Cut out the door. Find where you want your hinges to be and mark the holes. The easiest way to attach the hinges to the plexi is to drill small holes where the screws will go. To do this take two pieces of tape and place them on the front and back of the plexiglass. This prevents the glass from cracking. Next drill a hole just smaller than the size of your screws. Next cut a piece of the aluminum and supper glue it to the bottom. Make sure to overlap the bottom of the box. This will be your latch and handle.

Step 8: Finishing Up

After the glue is dry you can paint your case. I painted it to match my picture frame but you can paint it to your liking. Next take a piece of magnet tape and put on the underside of the box and on the aluminum handle. This will seal your box. I then attached the hinges to to box. I also used a rotary tool and cut off wheel to cut the back of the screws off for a clean look. If you want to add lighting you can now. I took a small led flash light and glued the top to the roof and ran the wires to a small battery pack and switch that is hidden behind the top of the box. Finally put your back on and glue it in with hot glue on the back. screw or glue your battery pack to the back. You can let it sit on a shelf or you can put hangers on the back to put it on the wall.