This project was built and designed by Anthony from Wood Pack DIY, with loyal shop assistant Bob Barker nearby throughout the build. It’s a thoughtful and meaningful project—two memorial flag display cases built to honor the service and legacy of Anthony’s grandfather and brother, both veterans.
The display cases were created from walnut and plexiglass, with careful attention paid to clean joinery, smooth finishes, and timeless design. Whether you’re building one for your own family or to gift to another, this project balances simplicity with significance.
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The Inspiration Behind the Project
This build began as an impromptu conversation between Anthony and his father. They realized they didn’t have a proper way to showcase their family’s military flags—something that had been long overdue.
With materials already on hand and time available, Anthony dove straight into building the first flag box. Sometimes the most meaningful projects come from moments like this—unplanned, but driven by purpose.
Cutting and Preparing the Walnut
Anthony began by rough-cutting the walnut boards to size. The pieces were then taken to the table saw for fine tuning, including adjusting the thickness and creating precise 45-degree miters for clean corner joints.
A groove was also cut to accept a piece of plexiglass that would serve as the protective front. While a small mistake in one of the miter joints required some patching, the overall fit was solid—proof that even meaningful projects don’t have to be flawless to turn out beautifully.
Assembly of the First Display Case
Using scrap wood as clamping calls, Anthony glued and clamped the mitered corners together, ensuring the box stayed square and tight during the drying process. Plexiglass was test-fitted before being secured in place to avoid future complications.
The bottom piece was added after the rest of the box was assembled, with the plexiglass already installed to lock it in place. Anthony’s approach was efficient and careful, using clamps and slow glue-ups to avoid misalignment.
Backing and Finishing
To close off the rear of the display case, a recessed plywood panel was fitted into a rabbet cut along the back edges. A bit of corner chiseling was needed to make everything fit snugly, but the result was clean and sturdy.
After the structure was sound, Anthony sanded the entire case and applied a wood finish. The walnut took on a rich, warm tone that highlighted the grain. The finish was applied quickly but carefully, with a few timing-related messes smoothed out as the process continued.
Building a Better Version
For the second flag display case, Anthony decided to improve the process. He built a jig specifically for cutting the miters more cleanly and accurately—a smart step that made the joints tighter and more consistent.
To form the triangular shape needed for the flag box, he began by cutting squares and then diagonally slicing them into right-angle triangles. These pieces came together at perfect 90-degree angles, giving the second case a cleaner look and more precise geometry.
Using a Table Saw Sled for Accuracy
With the table saw sled and the jig, Anthony was able to create repeatable cuts that saved time and improved quality. He ran grooves for the plexiglass once again, this time achieving a better fit without needing chiseling at the corners.
Bob Barker, while not operating the machinery, stayed close by to ensure the shop morale remained high. With each step improved from the previous build, the second flag box came together faster and more smoothly.
Final Assembly and Detailing
All parts were sanded before the final glue-up to avoid trapped dust and reduce the risk of finish blotching. The corners were clamped tightly using the same scrap wood calls from the first project, ensuring uniform pressure during drying.
Once dry, Anthony trimmed the final back panel and cut the plexiglass insert to size. Painter’s tape was used during glue-up and finishing to keep things clean and make post-sanding easier.
Honoring a Family Legacy
These flag display cases weren’t just a project—they were a tribute. One was made to honor Anthony’s grandfather, and the other for his brother, both of whom served their country. The care and effort put into each detail reflect the pride Anthony and his family have in their military heritage.
Though simple in form, the project carries deep meaning and offers flexibility for others who want to create a version of their own. With its timeless shape and strong structure, it can be adapted to different wood types, sizes, and finishing touches.
A Project Worth the Time
This display case build is a great example of how woodworking can be more than functional—it can be deeply personal. Whether you follow Anthony’s original method or improve it with your own jig system, the process is both rewarding and purposeful.
And, as always, Anthony’s loyal assistant Bob Barker was there to lend moral support and supervise from the sidelines.
Please support Anthony (and Bob Barker) by visiting their website (he sells awesome plans): https://www.woodpackdiy.com/.