Gun Cabinet

Here is a method of creating a cabinet. In particular a gun cabinet. This method can be used for other things, such as a bench, which is the time-lapse video. All wood was recycled, only screws and hinges were bought. Documentation gets a little sketchy towards the end as other projects took precedent. Bare with me!

Rough planning, I know. A lot of time was actually spent deciding the layout of the pieces. Hopefully, the description of the build steps will make up for short comings in this step.

Main frame pieces include 2x4s. For the height of the cabinet, I used 2"x4"x6's ripped down the center (1.5"X1.25") facing the side. I trimmed them for an overall height of about 56". I used one 2x4 cut 13" long laying flat on the base and one standing vertical on the top. Repeat for the other side. 19" 2x4s sitting vertically connected the sides. You can see I split the wood and used a screw to keep it together.

I cut the back pieces to cover the entire surface of the cabinet unit. My sheets of plywood come 44"x44." I cut a piece 22"x44" and a piece 22"x12" for the back panel to mount flush on the back of the frame. Your measurements will vary depending on your project.

Unlike the back facing, the walls will mount on the inside. For this, after the overall size measuring, the frame base must be cut in. I measure how far up, and in the bottom of the frame protrudes into the wall in order to mount the wall as flush as possible. Hopefully, the pictures provide this step justice, has I am having difficulty putting it into words. I add the top piece of the wall in the same fashion. I didn't extend this piece of the wall to the top of the frame so that it may support to top of the cabinet. It sits recessed about 2" from the top of the frame.

The bottom will rest on the 2x4's we had laying flat on the frame. I apologize I didn't get a picture before screwing the bottom in - it would have made a bit more sense - but its a super simple drop in.

Alright, another curse myself because I thought I had better photographs than just these. The top is just a square, or rectangular piece rather, that rests on the interior wall pieces. However, I screwed it into the frame for support. This won't hold a great deal of weight but keeps the dust out.

I measured and screwed in some 2x4's to cover the joints of the plywood sides.

For a gun cabinet, you will want some barrel rests. Barrel rests were carved in 2x4's using a jig saw. I free-handed the shape a set distance from one side of a 2x4 and equal distance apart. But maybe you just want some shelves. Or maybe both. The barrel rests I screwed in from the outside. Likewise, I screwed in mounts for interior shelves. The shelves themselves were screwed in from inside.

Build the frame, just like before, using 2x4's; A square keeps the frame, well, square. A piece dropped in close to the other side pieces to cover the plywood gap and provide some visual continuity. I toed the screws in. However, some went through the other side or I didn't sink completely for fear that they would sink through the frame. The screws that protruded I used an angle grinder to grind flush with the wood.

I routed a groove to mount the door panels. The groove was not quite flush, but worked out well. The pieces of plywood door panels I measured and cut off the corners to fit well. I used a pneumatic brad nailer, rather amateur-like I might add, to mount the panels in the door. Afterhours, I routed a fancy groove in the front of the door. The uneven frame provided some uneven routing.

Unfortunately, door hinge documentary got quite a bit skimped on. don't worry, more disappointment to come. I lined up where I wanted the door on the cabinet. Next I lined up the hinges on the side and inside of both the cabinet and the door. I routed in a groove for the hinges on both the cabinet and door, predrilled pilot holes for the screws, and secured the hinges.

Sorry there's no pictures of sanding, caulking, & painting. Sanding helps prevent splinters, and helps the paint bond better. I have sanded. I have acquired paint. However, everyday this cabinet sits on my driveway its conditions worsen so I need to get it inside. Painting might have to hold off until next season. Caulking will help keep bugs and moisture out. Here is a basic cabinet You may prefer a more professional approach. You may prefer to apply a lining, such as felt. I am still working on a locking mechanism besides the current screw through the door. Hopefully, another instructable will come for that!