Width of Wooden Frame for Glass Door

[Jan Bianchi]

I am making a display case that will have one glass door. The height of the glass will be 52", the width will be 29" and it will weigh about 36 lbs at 1/4' thickness. What would the minimum width be for the wooden frame, Bubinga, so it safely holds that amount of weight, and what hinge would you recommend? The door will be inset and I would prefer a blade hinge or one that will show as little as possible.

[John TenEyck]

If you glue the glass into the frame it could be as narrow as you wanted. Knife hinges might offer the best combination of being able to carry the weight and minimal exposure. The width of the rails might very well be defined by the length of the screws required for the hinges.

John

[Robert Engel]

I'm thinking 3" wide rails and stiles, definitely through tenoned and pinned.

[Jan Bianchi]

Thanks. I don't want a wide frame. What kind of glue?

[John TenEyck]

Silicone glass adhesive or clear polyurethane construction adhesive.

John

[Pat Barry]

Make the door frame match what you want the door to look like. Its more a matter of style than structural strength unless you have some unusual application. Is this tempered glass though or window glass?