How to Build a Coffin
The idea of building one’s own coffin might seem depressing but it is an effective way of saving some money. Eliminating the need for a professionally made coffin may make the cost of a funeral more bearable. The process of building a coffin is quite straightforward for those who have carpentry skills. After building a coffin, one may feel comfortable enough to start a small business building coffins for other people, for pets, or as Halloween props.
Take the measurements of the person for whom you are building a coffin. Measure the height, the width of the shoulders and the size of the feet. When rigor mortis sets in, the ankles freeze which causes the feet to stick up.
Create plans for building the coffin with the measurements. If you are building a rectangular coffin, the measurements for the lid and base of the coffin will be identical. The walls will have the same length and width as the lid and the base. Make allowance for the lining and for the ease of resting the body in the casket.
Purchase wood for the coffin. Consider using hardwood, such as cherry or pine, for long-lasting coffins. Use your measurements to determine how much wood you will need.
Purchase the accessories. You will need separating hinges, a casket lock, latches, lid supports, handles and hardware. You will also need 1 5/8-inch screws.
Cut the pieces for the lid, base and walls of the coffin. Sand and polish the pieces as needed, using a sander, sand paper and polish. Some builders may prefer to do this after attaching the pieces.
Attach the walls to the base with the screws then attach the lid to the container with the hinges. Use wood glue and sealant to seal the seams between the pieces as well as the holes for the screws. Perform additional finishing touches to the wood as needed.
Sew a soft liner for the coffin using a fabric of your choice. Popular fabrics for coffin liners are satin, silk and cotton. If you need help with making the liner, consider asking a friend who is handy with a sewing machine or employing the services of a professional seamstress.
Complete the coffin. Attach the accessories as well as any other decorative pieces.
Purchase a plan. If you are not comfortable with building a coffin of your own design, you can purchase a plan inexpensively. Casketfurniture.com and Rockler Woodworking and Hardware offer a variety of plans for caskets (see Resources below).
Consider a coffin kit. Coffin kits contain the wood, accessories and directions you will need to put a coffin together. Although these cost more than the plans, they may be ideal for those who have little experience with woodworking and those who want to build the coffin quickly. Some coffin kit makers include Splinter Enterprises and MHP Enterprises (see Resources below).
Tips:
If you are building a coffin for yourself, enlist the help of a friend so that the measurements are accurate.
Resources:
Download casket plans from Casketfurniture.com
Purchase casket plans and accessories from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Send for coffin kits from Splinter Enterprises
Obtain a coffin kit from MHP Enterprises
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