I’m not going into great detail on the construction of my props. I’m a firm believer that every prop is different…people use different components, motors, actuators, solenoids, etc. This makes it almost impossible to give precise measurements. A prop constructor must use their own talents to make a prop work for their particular item. USE YOUR IMAGINATION…and apply my ideas to your creations.
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG02_small.jpeg)
The main body of the coffin is basically…a box. The key here is to build this out of one sheet of wood. it measures 71″ long x 23″ wide x 18″ tall (roughly 6’X2′ and 1.5′ tall).
I ripped 2×4’s down to make 1 1/2″ square framing lumber. These are much lighter and still strong. I used 1/8″ Luan for the outside “skin”. This is very light.
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG01_small.jpeg)
The coffin has these chamfered corners that I later installed lighted skulls impaled by stainless rods. You may also put wooden dowel rods or spindles in these corners. I just thought that it was a cool effect. This complicates construction but I felt it was worth itThe lights are my signal that the power switch in “ON”. This is one of many safety devices.
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG03_small.jpeg)
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG05_small.jpeg)
Next came the lid…Build a square frame from the 1 1/2″ framing lumber that is the same size as the top rim of the coffin body. Now, fabricate “arches” from some 3/4″ x 6″ or 2″ x 6″ lumber. The arches give the lid a unique and realistic look. To make all the arches the same, clamp them together and sand them all at the same time as shown. I cut some styrofoam and glued it to both ends of the lid also.
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG04_small.jpeg)
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG08_small1.jpeg)
I carve the styrofoam with a hand saw, 3″ belt sander and a really big file that I have. I used this foam on the ends so I could angle the short ends towards the center. (open the photo to see). This also is an addition that I felt just added that “BANG” to the looks of the final product.
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG16_small.jpeg)
We covered the lid with a brown “peg-board” material that is the same as the boards you get to hang peg-board hooks on but it doesn’t have holes in it and is only $5. I used this board because it is flexible. Luan is too rigid to bend over the the arch. I glued the end wood pieces to the carved foam. The 3″ belt sander is great for shaping the wood (wood putty is effective also)
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG12_small.jpeg)
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG23_small.jpeg)
The lid is installed onto the base with a piano hinge. This hinge is a lot stronger than standard hinges. It helps to stabilize the lid when opening but I have to admit…..I used it since I already had it.
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG19_small.jpeg)
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG21_small.jpeg)
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG20_small.jpeg)
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG22_small.jpeg)
![](https://hauntproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Picture2_056_small.jpg)
The lid is installed onto the base with a piano hinge. This hinge is a lot stronger than standard hinges. It helps to stabilize the lid when opening but I have to admit…..I used it since I already had it.