A book is a great place to hide things.It's easy to make your own one-of-a-kind with a personalized book choice, although you probably want to pick something beautiful rather than a great read.The project takes a couple hours of work for a medium-sized hardcover, plus a few hours to allow for drying time.There are power tools that can speed this up.
Step 1: A hardcover book is recommended.
Antique stores often sell old books for next to nothing if you don't want to ruin any of your own.Make sure the book is large enough to hold the objects you plan to hide.The book that makes the best hiding spot has the same subject matter and size as the other books on the shelf.A boring title deters people from picking it up.
Step 2: There is a starting page for the compartment.
You can see the page you want to see on the left hand side of the book.There is an illustration near the front of the book.You can leave the front cover if you want a larger compartment.
Step 3: Turn one more page.
The next page should be turned over to the left once you've chosen the starting page.Since it will be the top page of your compartment, it needs extra attention later on to keep it looking nice.
Step 4: Wrap the front section with plastic.
Wrap the front cover and all the pages on the left hand side with a plastic bag.Put it in place with tape or a rubber band.The pages will be protected from glue.
Step 5: Wrap the back cover with plastic.
The base of your compartment will be the back cover.You can shut the book if you're sure both ends are covered.If you like, you can repeat the steps above and choose an "end page" for the compartment as well, but this often looks messy by the time the project is done.
Step 6: White glue is recommended if you mix a little water into it.
It is possible to use plain white glue, but it is usually too thick to spread easily.Pour the glue into a cup and mix in a little water at a time.Too much water can cause the pages to warp.You can purchase glue intended for jigsaw puzzles at a hobby shop.This should be clear.
Step 7: Attach the sides of the pages together.
On all three edges, place one or two thin layers of glue along the outside pages of the book.Before you continue, make sure to wipe the drips away with the paintbrush.It will take longer to dry if the coat of glue is too thick.
Step 8: The book should be weighed until the glue is dry.
Set heavy objects on top of the book, such as paperweights or other books.The pressure will help the pages dry out.Once the pages are dried, you can retrieve the book.It can take as little as one hour or as long as 24 hours.If the pages are not firmly stuck together by the time the glue is dry, brush on another thin coat and let dry.Air circulation will speed up drying.If you point the fan, it will blow across the drying paper.If you have an air purifier, it will remove some of the mold that attacks old or wet books.
Step 9: The secret compartment needs to be drawn.
The first piece of plastic is the book.Draw the outline of the compartment with a pencil and ruler on the right hand page.Leave a border of at least 34 inch (19mm) on all sides to prevent tears.The lines should be extended past the corners of the compartment.This will help you with your cuts.
Step 10: Cut through the outline with a utility knife.
The ruler should be placed along one of the lines.The ruler should be held at a 90o angle from the paper.The knife must be brought down along the line pressing down hard if you want to start.If you want to cut all sides of the compartment the same way, you have to repeat this cut four times.Be patient.Don't try to cut through more than 14 inch at a time.Rushing increases the risk of cutting yourself.
Step 11: Continue cutting after removing loose pages.
Pull out the paper, slicing through the corners that are still attached.Cut along the edges of the compartment to keep it straight.Continue until you reach the piece of plastic at the back of the book.Three or four utility knife blades are usually blunted by a hardcover book.This project will take all night if you put in a new one each time.If you want to cut through the plastic, put a piece of corrugated cardboard above it.
Step 12: Take care of the edges.
There are scraps of paper along the inside edges of the compartment.If you need to, cut through the corners again.
Step 13: Attach the inside of the compartment.
The glue should be applied to the inside edges of the compartment.Attach a thin layer of glue to the base of the hiding spot.
Step 14: The top page should be Glued over the compartment.
Remember the extra page you saved at the beginning?Carefully lining the page beneath it, glue it over the top of the compartment, and then take it out.This covers the pencil marks.You can smooth it down with your palm by lowering the edge next to the spine.
Step 15: Attach the compartment to the book.
You should unwrap the back cover.Lift the compartment and brush glue onto the underside, then press it down over the base of the book.If you want a fancy looking compartment, glue something to the base first.Try an illustrated page or a square of felt.
Step 16: Let it dry and weight down.
It may take several hours longer to dry because the glue is not exposed to the air.
Step 17: The top page should be removed.
You do not want your compartment to be covered.To match the pages beneath it, cut out a rectangle from that single page.Your book safe is ready to hold your treasures.
Step 18: The nail down method is used for paperbacks.
This makes deep cuts awkward and doesn't hold a paperback in place, even though it keeps the pages steady.If you want to do these projects differently, take two small pieces of fiberboard and sandwich the pages you plan to cut between them.Hammer four nails through the top board and most of the pages.Remove the first layer of pages as usual.The top board and pages should be secured with a weight or rubber band.Cut through the rest of the book.The nails hold the pages in place, and turning the completed pages over improves access to each fresh page.
Step 19: Cut with a scroll saw.
The "nail down" approach is used to hold the pages steady.Use a scroll saw to cut through the intricate design on the board from one board to the other.The blade should have a relatively low number of teeth.Pull the scroll saw from the pilot hole if you reach a turn too sharp.allergic reactions, breathing problems, and infections can be caused by book dust.There is a well-ventilated area where cutting and work can be done.The basic method above can be done with a dremel, but it doesn't give you the same level of control.
Step 20: Use a hole saw to punch out paper.
Use a hole saw to cut through a piece of lumber.You can put this over the pages you want to cut with a piece of lumber on the other side.Use a hole through the page as a guide for your hole saw.You need to stop frequently to remove paper from the saw and allow it to cool down, but this will cut through the circle quickly.The fastest option is limited by the shape of the hole saw.You can create larger patterns in different shapes by shifting the lumber to a different spot on the page and cutting additional circles.