Glass-top Map Display Table - Looking for plans / ideas

[quesne]

Hi:

I have several large 3-D topological maps (36"x36" and 24"x36"). I would like to build a glass-top coffee table to display them. I would like the maps to be fixed under the glass, of course, but they need to be easily removed and replaced from time to time.

I would also like the table to have a hidden storage drawer to keep the maps I am not displaying.

Has anyone done a project like this? Could you share the plans and/or some ideas with me?

Thanks in advance, :-)

Quesne

[onedash]

I thought about making one a while back for pictures but I have to wait. My 2 year old destoyed our last coffee table. He used to tip it over and drag it to the window so he could stand on it to see out and he was always jumping on it. I figure you could make a coffee table any way you want and just leave a lip around the edge as deep as the glass. I think a piece of beveled tempered glass would be good for that and that would keep the lip kinda small.

[Pappy]

I think I would go with a hinged rail and stile top that could be lifted for display changes. To conceal the storage drawer, make either the front or back aporn the drawer face. No knobs, just reach under to pull it out.

[LCHIEN]

just thinking out loud - will you store th maps flat or rolled? I think flat would be best if you want to be changing them out periodically.
That means the storage must be as large as the map (even if rolled it has to be as large in one dimension) so the tbale top will have to have a border.

I think placing a map so it flat under the glass needs to be made easy. So I would propose a glas bordered with 1x4 sized border you can use rail and stile if you want but you then need a 1/4" thick panle to fit directly behind the glass and be removable but latched or retained in place to support the map. Thus the whole top with the backing has to be removable for the changeout and placed on a flat surface viewing side down but it would make sure that the map could be installed flat and wrinkle free.

[Wood_workur]

what about making doors on the fron that open to a large stack of piece of wood that ride in dados, and slide out, holding a map (the wood is recessced in the middle) The top could just be glass, with the only way to remove it is with one of those suction cups thingies (about $20), to prevent unwanted jelley spots. The doors could be locked by a small lock from rockler.

just my 2 cents. You have to design it to fit your house's decor. So take all the advise you see here, and combine it into a plan that fits your taste, budget, and needs.

[onedash]

Just noticed but is topological a typo? I assume you meant topographic.

[mschrank]

I don't know how many maps you have, but you might consider just storing them under the one on display rather than a drawer. That could simplify the project a bit.

[quesne]

Just noticed but is topological a typo? I assume you meant topographic.

Actually, I'm not sure exactly what the term is, but this is not the average topographic map. This map is actually 3 dimensional. It is made of hard polyethylene and the contours are represented in actual physical space.

I included this point to explain why there is about 1" of clearance between the map and the glass. Thank you very much for prompting me to clarify this point!