Making glass cases

[jmaner]

Wondering how difficult it was to make my own glass case for my habitat scenes.Would i be better off paying someone to do it? What tools would i need to do it?

[coyote]

If you do not know how to use a glass cutter. Then have your local hardware store cut the glass to the size you want. Buy some silicone caulking. You'll need to support the glass some how to it doesn't move while the silicone is drying. I use a boards cut out with the correct size slot. Such as 1/4" or 1/8" slots. I usually cut the slots anywhere from 11/2" deep to 2" deep. Put the side panels into the slots, then run a bead of caulk on the edges. Then lay the side panel onto the sides. Put a weight of some sort on the glass and make sure most of the pressure "IS" towards the edges of the glass. When you have the right amount of weight, the silicone will look invisible, or the edges will look dark green. Let the silicone dry for 24hours, then repeat the process until your case is complete. You'll only need the support boards only for the for the first caulking. Then I support one side of the case next to my wall, and the other with a flat piece of plywood brace. After the case is complete I use a single edge razor and remove any excess caulking. If you're going to put any kind of framing on the glass, do this after the case is complete. I also etch my cases with some sort of drawings. This is done before I start the case. And the etching in on the inside of the case. Give it a try. After you get the hang of it you'll find out just how easy it is to make your own cases. Good luck to ya!

  Coyote

[Laurier]

AS coyote said , but a little easier way. You have 5 pieces of glass.

1. a small bead of silicone on the sides of the glass as per coyote .

2. place your 2 pieces together , all you need is a couple of pieces of masking tape.

2. use the masking tape on the sides.

3. now put the other 2 sides together the same way.

4. now you can slide all  4 pieces together making a box.

5. now place a bead of silicone all the way around the top of the glass and place the top piece of glass on .

6. you can still move the glass around a little .

7. be sure everything is the way you want it , tape down the top piece of glass and let the silicone cure over night.

8. the next day use a safety razor blade and clean of the excess silicone , and you are done.

Coyote you have the right idea , but this way the glass will fit right the first time .

I've done it hundreds of times.