Q&A for How to Make a Coffin

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  • Question
    How do I fit glass to show a corpse's face?
    Community Answer
    Cut a hole in the lid. Use paneling molding (it has a recessed lip) to trim out the glass. I actually would recommend lexan -- it will take storage much better.
  • Question
    How do you cut the 53-degree angle cuts with a Skilsaw?
    Community Answer
    The scale on a saw is reversed. 0 degrees is actually 90 degrees. The angle you are looking to set is 37 degrees.
  • Question
    Is the coffin lid made from one piece from top to bottom?
    Community Answer
    Most likely. You could theoretically split it up, but the lid is probably easiest to attach in one piece, like the base.
  • Question
    Could I sleep in the coffin?
    Community Answer
    You could, but I don't recommend it.
  • Question
    Would these angles be the same if they were scaled down, or would that change depending on size?
    Community Answer
    The angles will be the same, scaling down will only change the measurements and the finished size of the coffin.
  • Question
    Approximately how much money will I need to do this?
    Community Answer
    It cost me $30 for each 4 x 8, the piano hinge was approximately $10, handle for the inside was $3, and glue and nails combined came to $7.
  • Question
    How could I make the lining for a coffin?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend looking it up on Google, but generally you'll want to choose the appropriate material (like cotton, silk, etc.) and then find a way to attach it to the inside of the coffin.
  • Question
    How do I make a lining for a coffin?
    Community Answer
    Either cut thin wood strips or get thin center molding (where 2 panels come together), with the fabric edge inside and most of it outside. Staple it though the molding, then fold the fabric to the inside. For the bottom you can use a big piece of Styrofoam and cover as you would a dinning chair seat, then glue it in the coffin with the sides folded under it.
  • Question
    What is the depth of this coffin?
    Gavin Donnelly
    Community Answer
    The depth is 1 foot deep. You could change the depth by making the sides taller or shorter.
  • Question
    Are the measurements given to the inside or outside of the miter
    Gavin Donnelly
    Community Answer
    You will have to cut the angles on the side pieces towards the inside of the miter.
  • Question
    Do the side panels need to have extra support to hold the entire project together?
    Gavin Donnelly
    Community Answer
    As long as you use wood glue and enough screws, the sides will stay in place.
  • Question
    How long does it take to build one?
    Gavin Donnelly
    Community Answer
    This totally depends on how proficient you are with carpentry and handling the required tools. You could also have all the pieces cut for you at a home improvement store and then just assemble the coffin if you want to save time.
  • Question
    Do you need to paint a coffin?
    Community Answer
    If you want it to be waterproof, you would need to paint it with waterproof paint. If you want a specific color, you'd want to paint it. Otherwise, no.
  • Question
    Can this be made out of something other than wood that wouldn't decay fast that also isn't plastic?
    Community Answer
    You have three real options: wood, plastic and metal.
  • Question
    How do you add shelves inside a coffin to make book shelve
    Community Answer
    You can stand it up and attach ledges to make it look more like a bookshelf.
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