Making a flag case quick question...

Re: Making a flag case quick question...

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

The joints are largely end grain. An end grain joint can be moderately strong if it is not glue starved. Precoat the end grain, let set a bit to allow all the glue that can penetrate into the end grain, add more glue if necessary and clamp. ("necessary"...either all the glue has penetrated into the end grain or the glue has begun to dry on the surface. I add more glue just in case. )

A spline will strengthen the joint but only come into play if the case was dropped. Or could be added as a decorative element, not something I would do.

A project worthy of postponing the book case for a bit.

Re: Making a flag case quick question...

All of the old adhesive must be removed before the

The bottom joints have a lot of glueing area so they are good. The top, back will be reinforced by the glued on back so it is OK. The only weak spot that I see is the top, front, miter. I would reinforce it with 1 or 2 small brads tapped under the surface and then filled.

It is a wonderful thing that you are doing.

Re: Making a flag case quick question...

Johanna Johanson

I have made several of these. I don't reinforce the corners because the case, once the flag is installed, is not likely to be opened again and because the plywood back is screwed to the sides and bottom.

When I make one for somebody, I leave the back off (but pre-drilled for the screws) and send it with screws and a screwdriver of the correct size. Most people do not have a screwdriver for screws that small.

The last one I made, I added an additional display case attached to the bottom to hold medals, dog tags, etc.

Re: Making a flag case quick question...

Lee Schierer in McKean, PA

I've made a number of flag cases for friends and relatives. I glue the top joint without any reinforcement. I apply glue to both sides of the joint to prevent glue starvation. I believe that doing this makes a much stronger miter joint than applying glue only to one side. It allows both sides of the joint to suck in some glue before the glue starts setting up.

I usually make a larger base so there is a place to put an engraved nameplate.

Lee

Re: Making a flag case quick question...

Pete in Holland MI

I make 3 or 4 of them a year. I do spline mine generally with contrasting wood. Doesn't take that much more effort, adds to the appearance, and ensures the corners won't open up at the wrong moment.

Just a couple table saw blade width splines are all ya need.

Re: Making a flag case quick question...

Bruce, a MN Galoot

I use splines on the flag cases I’ve made. My friends and customers have not complained.