Reader's Gallery

Ash Casket

comments (3) December 18th, 2008 in Reader's Gallery

byrd1 byrd1, member
thumbs up 5 users recommend


This was a first. I was asked to build a casket for a man where I live. he said that he would supply the lumber from some trees he taken down a few years ago if I would make it. Just one catch he did'nt know what he wanted so after some research this is what I came up with. He told me that he had been looking for someone for a long time but no one wanted to do it. And yes he's still alive and keeps it in his bedroom. If his wife were still alive I bet she would have something to say about that.


Design or Plan used: My own design
posted in: Reader's Gallery, walnut, frame and panel, ash, casket


Comments (3)

byrd1 byrd1 writes: Thanks for the comment. Good question I stuggled with this for a few days, the solution I came up with was to line the inside of the casket with 1/2" birtch plywood and attach it with screws to the stiles and rails only. The handles then were installed by using T-nuts on the inside and through bolted. By screwing the plwwood to the stiles and rails and installing the handles in the center of the panel the load is transfered to the entire case and the panels can float as intended.
Posted: 7:30 am on December 20th

tskinner tskinner writes: Nice workmanship, like jonhgoes, I would have trouble stashing this in my bedroom.

I see you have the handles attached to the raised panels, how did you reinforce the joints so as to support the weight of the casket and its occupiant?
Posted: 10:56 pm on December 19th

johngoes johngoes writes: Very beautiful construction and quite practical. Given the $4k+ they want for caskets these days, I bet what he paid you was a bargain. Don't know about stashing it in the bedroom though.
Posted: 3:43 pm on December 19th

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