Toe Pincher Coffin Plans? Top 99 Best Answers

When choosing a coffin for yourself or a loved one, there are many things to consider. In addition to elements such as material, design and color, size is an important aspect. If you’re trying to decide what size coffin you need, see below for more specific information.

Table of Contents

What are the dimensions of standard boxes?

Dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, standard

Caskets are typically 84 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 23 inches high. These dimensions are usually the same for wooden and metal caskets. Coffins are designed to fit standard burial coffins, which are typically 30 inches wide, and fit standard coffins and oversized 28-inch and 29-inch coffins (more on this below).

The inside dimensions of the boxes are slightly different – our metal boxes are usually 78 or 79 inches long and 23 or 24 inches wide inside.

For the majority of adults, a standard size casket/coffin will suffice. Standard coffins can usually (but not always) accommodate a person up to 6ft 5in and 350lbs tall without issue, although we strongly recommend checking with your funeral home to tell you exactly what coffin size You need.

What are the measurements for oversized caskets?

If you are buying a coffin for a larger person or would like more space inside the coffin, you have the option of choosing an oversized coffin. At the same length as standard-size coffins, the interior of oversized coffins is wider. The “smallest plus size” we carry has an outside width of 27 inches with an inside width of 26.75″. From there we stock oversized caskets in sizes 28″, 29″, 33″, 36″, 40″, and 44″. For each size, the interior is 0.25 inches smaller than the exterior (e.g., a 36-inch casket has a 35.75-inch wide interior).

Will an oversized coffin fit in a standard burial chamber and burial site?

Our 28″ and 29″ caskets still fit in a standard sized grave (which is 30″ wide). Need a 33″ or larger coffin? You need an oversized burial chamber. Additionally, it’s worth noting that if your loved one’s coffin is wider than 33 inches, you’ll likely need to purchase a second or oversized coffin.

Are there other reasons to buy an oversized coffin?

According to Memorials.com and Cake, some people choose an oversized coffin when it’s less expensive than a standard coffin, even if their loved one doesn’t need the extra space. In this case, they may choose to incorporate more padding on the inside of the coffin to ensure the deceased is properly seated.

What are the dimensions of children’s boxes?

Infant and child coffins vary widely in dimensions, depending on the age of the baby or child at the time of their death. Children’s caskets generally start at 30 inches inside length, although smaller caskets are available (starting around 10 inches). Widths are typically about 12.5 inches for children’s coffins, increasing or decreasing in proportion to changes in length.

What coffin/casket size do I need?

Now that you have some measurements to work from, you can make a more informed decision about what size coffin to buy. We always and strongly recommend speaking to a funeral home who can give you an accurate assessment before making any online purchase.

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Those of you who have seen an old film from the first half of the 20th century may have heard of the term “coffin”. At Worcester, MA funeral homes, we are often asked what the actual difference is between a coffin and a casket.

The easiest way to tell a coffin from a coffin is by its appearance. Coffins not only have a different shape from their coffin counterparts. The number of sides a coffin has also differs from a casket.

The coffin and the coffin

Both coffins and caskets serve as funeral containers, containing the body or ashes of the deceased. Worcester, MA funeral homes use both types to display the body during a funeral and bury the deceased. Today, most families prefer caskets to coffins. In this country, most families do not buy caskets.

Whether a family chooses a casket or a coffin is largely up to them and their preferences. The reason why few families choose coffins is that their designs are less eye-catching and it can also be difficult to find suppliers.

The coffin

Caskets are special boxes that contain the remains of the deceased. They are rectangular in shape with four sides. Rails are attached to the sides of the coffin. Many coffins can be used for both burial and cremation.

You can recognize a coffin by the material from which it is made. Most caskets are made of either wood or metal. Once built, the coffins are lined with fabric to allow the deceased to rest peacefully.

The coffin

Unlike caskets, coffins have six sides instead of four. Also, the top of the coffin is wider than the bottom. Coffins taper to conform to the shape of a human form. A coffin also has a removable lid, while caskets have hinged lids.

Coffins are usually made of wood and lined with fabric on the inside. Unlike caskets, they don’t have rails that make them easy to transport. Instead, coffins have so-called “coffin furniture” that can give the mourners information about the financial abundance of the deceased in life.

The price difference between caskets and coffins

Because coffins don’t require nearly as much material, they’re often less expensive than caskets. The rejuvenation of a coffin also affects its price. The choice between a casket and a coffin is entirely up to you and your family. However, choosing a coffin means additional costs such as transport and assembly.

The phrase “6 feet under” is a common euphemism for death. It is based on the idea that the standard depth of a grave is 6 feet. But are all graves in a cemetery really that deep?

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There are many theories and explanations as to the belief that graves are always 6 feet deep. Some are more plausible than others.

This article will discuss the possible origins of the “6 feet under” belief. It will also show if modern tombs are really 6 feet deep.

Why 6 feet?

The idea that graves should always be 6 feet deep has been around for a long time. There is disagreement as to where this idea came from. Here are some theories as to why people might have chosen to bury their dead 6 feet deep.

The London Plague of 1665

In 1665 London officials issued a pamphlet they hoped would help stop an outbreak of the plague, or Black Death. Some people think this was the origin of the 6ft standard.

The pamphlet included a section entitled “Burial of the Dead.” This section included the instruction that “…all graves must be at least 6 feet deep”.

Unfortunately, the brochure did not explain the reason for the 6-foot mandate. It’s possible officials believed 6 feet of dirt would deter animals from digging up bodies.

Londoners didn’t know that the plague was transmitted to rats by fleas, so they might have thought that deep burial would prevent the spread of the disease.

There are a few reasons why this is probably not where the 6ft standard came from.

Between 1665 and 1666 there were an estimated 100,000 victims of the plague. Many were buried in mass graves called “plague pits.” These graves were sometimes 20 feet deep or more.

The orders also said not long in force. This is because the eruption calmed down in 1666 after the Great London Fire. It is therefore unlikely that the “6-foot requirement” had enough time to become a tradition.

While it is possible that London’s 1665 plague orders created the lasting impression that graves are always 6 feet deep, it is not likely.

gravedigger security

Some people think 6 feet is just a safety issue. Deeper tombs may need shoring to prevent collapse. This is especially true if the bottom is sandy.

Average gravedigger size

The depth could also have made digging easier. At 6 feet, an average height gravedigger could still dump dirt with a shovel. He could get in and out without a ladder.

To prevent the corpse from being disturbed

Grave robbing or “body robbing” was a serious problem in the early 19th century. This was particularly true of England and Scotland.

Medical schools in these places needed bodies for anatomical studies. Some people met the demand by digging up fresh bodies.

Cemeteries had many ways to deter grave robbers, including:

Heavy stone slabs

Stone boxes

Sealed above-ground vaults

Mortsafes, devices made of iron and stone used to protect tombs

People may also have buried bodies 6 feet deep to deter theft.

There were also concerns that animals might disturb graves. Burying a body 6 feet deep may have been a way to keep animals from smelling the decomposing bodies.

A body buried 6 feet deep would also be safe from accidental disturbances like plowing.

Summary The 6-foot rule may have been just a way of protecting bodies. A deep burial is a handy way to deter grave robbers and animals.

To prevent the spread of disease

People have not always understood how diseases spread. During disease outbreaks, they may have feared that bodies might transmit diseases.

While it’s true that some diseases like cholera and tuberculosis can infect people who handle bodies, the same cannot be said for other diseases like bubonic plague.

Still, this might be one of the reasons people thought bodies should be buried 6 feet deep.

folklore/rule of thumb

An old “rule of thumb” says that graves should be as deep as the deceased is long. This rule of thumb has unknown origins.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the average man was 5.48 feet tall. So it’s possible that 6ft was just a good rule of thumb.

Are graves really 6 feet deep?

There is no statewide rule that says graves must be 6 feet deep. The rules vary from state to state and city to city.

For example, New York State lacks a statewide burial depth rule. However, New York City requires a minimum of 3 feet between the ground surface and the top of a casket or coffin. If the body is in a concrete vault, it only needs to be two feet underground.

In neighboring Pennsylvania, the top of a vault or burial liner must be at least 1.5 feet below ground. If there is no vault or burial insert, there must be 2 feet between the top of the coffin and the surface. Two feet is also the rule for “green” or natural burials where there is no coffin.

In the United States, there are no statewide rules for burial depths. Instead, each state has its own rules. Sometimes states leave the matter to cities, municipalities or even cemeteries.

Most graves dug today are not 6 feet deep. For individual burial sites, a depth of about 4 feet is closer to the norm.

An exception are plots with double or even triple depth. In these plots, caskets are “stacked” vertically in the same tomb. A single grave in one of these properties can be 7 to 12 feet deep.

summary

It’s not clear where the “6 feet under” idea came from. It could be for the gravedigger’s safety or to make digging easier. People may also have believed that it would keep the body safe from disorders or prevent the spread of disease.

In the United States, there are no statewide rules about how deep graves should be. States usually have their own rules. In general, most graves dug today are only about 4 feet deep.

Despite the use of chipboard for 70% of coffins in South Africa, lower-end coffins cost around R1,000 while higher-end coffins have a lid entrance and are marketed for more money. From R50,000 to R300,000 per chest, coffin and casket of very high quality.

How much does a coffin cost in South Africa? Despite the use of chipboard for 70% of coffins in South Africa, lower-end coffins cost around R1,000 while higher-end coffins have a lid entrance and are marketed for more money. From R50,000 to R300,000 per chest, coffin and casket of very high quality.

How much does a standard coffin cost? Various caskets cost hundreds of dollars and up to $10,000 at funeral homes. Those who order online will be charged between $600 and $6,000. The cost of caskets varies depending on the material used, including metal caskets for under $1000 and wooden caskets for over $4000.

How much does it cost to build a coffin in South Africa? There is probably no better shop for caskets in South Africa than for flowers or clothes. The cost of a simple coffin is around R700; The cost of a plain style coffin is around R8,000. It costs over R37,000 up to R50,000 to buy a stylish coffin full of luxuries.

How much is the cheapest coffin? Where can you find the cheapest coffin you can buy? ?You can buy a cardboard box at a cheap price. Starting at $200, traditional wood alternatives don’t compare to this affordable offering. The biodegradable and eco-friendly cardboard boxes are the perfect choice.

How much does it cost to keep a body in the mortuary in South Africa? About 23,500 to 86,000 Rand arise for the South Africans for the funeral. Other fees like catering, flowers, and transportation are largely ignored by these prices.

How much does a funeral cost in South Africa? There have been some examples in South Africa where the cost of a funeral has exceeded R3 million, such as the legendary funerals of Eissa and Harry Eissa.

How much does a normal coffin cost? Caskets are typically the most expensive item on the funeral price list due to a variety of features such as design and material. An average coffin costs between $2,000 and $5,000, although some can cost millions.

How much does it cost to buy a coffin? It is often the most expensive aspect of a funeral, with average prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Once you have the information from your funeral home’s coffin cost list, compare buying a coffin online, or choose the right burial or burial insurance policy, the procedure is one of the best ways to save money.

What’s the cheapest funeral you can get? Direct burial without ceremony and without embalming is the most cost-effective option for a funeral home.

How much is the cheapest coffin in South Africa? Coffins are the most expensive thing at funerals, costing around $50,000. R800 is the cheapest price you can expect. The price can go up to R50,000. However, it does need to pay around R8,000 for a coffin on average.

Can I buy a coffin? In the past, a funeral home would buy a standard metal coffin for about $850 — at least $2,500 before paying the extra cost. It should also be noted that the use of a coffin for burial is not required by law in all states.

How much does it cost to store a dead body in South Africa? The fees for storing, processing, preparing and using the hearse for the dead depend on the type of hearse and the equipment. Fees can vary depending on the funeral home and start at R4,000 per year.

How much does it cost to deal with a corpse? Item Cost Metal Casket $2,500 Intermediate Burial Cost with Viewing and Burial $7,848 Safe $1,572 Burial Chamber Cost $9,420

How much does it cost to cremate a body in South Africa? An average price of around R70,000 would be required to purchase a cremation. Crematorium services start at around R9,000 for a cremation in a private chapel, or R5,000 for a private cremation.

Your brain is one of the first parts of your body to break down. Within minutes of death, its cells collapse and release water. Then other energy-guzzling organs follow.

That night, microbes eat their way through your gut and escape to the rest of your body. They release toxic gases that make your body bloated and smelly.

Most of your tissues will likely liquefy. But thin skin, like on your eyelids, could dry out and mummify, while oily areas of your body can turn into a soapy substance called gravewax.

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A transcript of the video follows.

Your body is made up of over 200 bones, a few trillion microbes and up to 37 trillion cells. And while death is often seen as the end of the road for yourself, your body still has a long way to go.

It doesn’t take long before your body begins to lose what makes you you. Just a few minutes after death, one of the first things to go is your brain. You see, when your heart stops beating, it stops the flow of blood that’s supposed to carry oxygen to your organs and tissues. So without blood, the most active, oxygen-guzzling organs and tissues go first. And the results are… moist. Because the cells that make up these organs and tissues are 70% water. Without oxygen to keep them alive, the cells self-destruct, spilling all that liquid onto the bottom of the coffin.

That night, an even more disturbing process begins in the gut. Your dying immune system can no longer hold the trillions of hungry microbes that normally help digest the food you eat. So they escape. First, they travel from the lower gut through your tissues, veins, and arteries. Within hours, they reach your liver and gallbladder, which contain yellow-green bile meant to break down fat while you’re alive. But after the microbes eat those organs, that bile begins to flood the body, turning it yellow-green.

From about the second to fourth day, the microbes are everywhere. And they produce toxic gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which expand and not only make your body bloated, but also stink.

After three or four months, your yellow-green complexion has turned brownish-black because your blood vessels have deteriorated to the point where the iron they contain leaks out and becomes brownish-black through oxidation. Also around this time, the molecular structures that hold your cells together break down, causing your tissues to collapse into a watery mess.

And in just over a year, your cotton clothes will begin to disintegrate as acidic body fluids and toxins break them down. Only the nylon seams and waistband survive. Nothing dramatic happens at this point for a while. But after a decade, when the humidity is high enough, the humid, low-oxygen environment triggers a chemical reaction that turns the fat in your thighs and butt into a soapy substance called gravewax. On the other hand, drier conditions lead to mummification. Yes, of course you can mummify. No packaging, chemicals, or intimidating tools required. Because throughout this decomposition process, water evaporates through the thin skin on the ears, nose, and eyelids, causing them to dry out and turn black, also known as mummification.

After 50 years, your tissues will have liquefied and gone, leaving mummified skin and tendons. Eventually those too will crumble, and after 80 years in that coffin your bones will crack as the soft collagen within them crumbles away, leaving nothing but the brittle mineral framework. But even this shell won’t last forever.

A century later the last of your bones will have crumbled to dust. And only the most permanent part of your body, your teeth, remains. Teeth, grave wax and some nylon thread.

When you start planning your end of life, there are a lot of things to consider. Funeral practices alone involve some different decisions. Would you like to be buried or cremated? Are you interested in green burial options? Would you like friends to attend a funeral, or would you prefer a more uplifting ceremony to celebrate life?

Jump to these sections:

In order to make the decisions that work best for you, it helps to know as much as possible about all the options.

For centuries people have chosen to be buried in cemeteries and graveyards. But while a grave is often referred to as a final resting place, that’s not necessarily the case.

When you consider how much a graveyard lot costs, you might think you’re buying it forever. However, some cemetery lots have an expiration date on ownership. Here we delve into some of the details surrounding cemetery lot ownership.

Cemetery plots decaying?

The average cost of a funeral in the United States is $11,000. A large portion of this cost comes from the purchase of cemetery land.

The average cost of a burial in a public cemetery can range from $200 to $2,000. In private cemeteries, plots of land can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. In urban areas with large populations and limited burial sites, burial costs can be as high as $25,000. And that for a single plot! Fees for additional items such as grave liners or headstones are not included. You can read more about public vs. private cemeteries here.

You might think that this type of investment would be protected forever, especially when you consider the initial cost of buying a property. But while buying a cemetery lot can feel like buying real estate, there are some differences.

The main difference is that you don’t actually buy the tomb. Instead, you purchase the right to use the land for burial purposes. The cemetery you choose retains ownership of the land.

The laws governing cemetery properties are related to contract law. It is the difference between an easement rather than actual ownership of the land.

Depending on where in the United States you live, the rules may differ. The graveyard may include wording in its contract that allows it to reclaim a gravesite after a specified period of time. It is always important to do your research and find out the guidelines for the cemetery you are interested in.

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Can something still happen to a grave after decades or a century?

So why is it so complicated to answer the question of whether graves decay? There are several issues at play. First, cemeteries are usually regulated by the state. So the laws differ from state to state. This means that you must familiarize yourself with the regulations of the cemetery where you decide to buy a plot.

In addition, private and public cemeteries often have different policies. For example, cemeteries attached to churches often have limited space. Over time, a church graveyard can be filled up.

The phasing out of properties could make room for people to be buried there in the future. But some probate cemeteries have protectorate abilities, make a property that will be yours longer.

So what happens when a graveyard fills up? In some cases, the cemetery is simply closed for further burials. National cemeteries where veterans are buried after death will have their sites closed when they fill up. In other cases, people use burial sites a second time.

Depending on the jurisdiction, laws may permit the burial of a second body on top of an already buried body. Normally this decision would be up to the family that owns the cemetery property. A cemetery usually cannot resell the property to anyone unrelated to the first person buried there.

Cemetery conversion due to lack of space

In some areas, the practice of grave reuse is carried out out of necessity. The UK is experiencing a critical shortage of burial sites nationwide.

The City of London Cemetery has launched a grave reuse initiative. Graves that met certain criteria were dug deeper so that existing remains could be buried deeper in the ground. Then a second body was also buried in the grave.

The original tombstones remain. However, a new inscription for the second body was etched on the other side of the tombstone.

Over 780,000 people have been buried in the City of London Cemetery over the past 160 years and space was running out. This initiative allowed the cemetery to accept new bodies for burial while respecting the bodies already there.

The criteria for the grave selection process were as follows:

The graves selected for reuse were at least 75 years old.

Notices were placed on the graves at least six months before the reuse process. This gave all descendants the opportunity to object to the reburial process.

If someone objected to the repurposing of a particular grave, it was no longer considered for the initiative. In the absence of consent, no graves were touched.

There have been some objections to initiatives such as those at the City of London Cemetery. But the need for sustainable burial practices is growing. If treated with sensitivity and care, these practices can become the norm.

Cemetery reuse due to development

While people understand that cemeteries are running out of space, they have less understanding of other resettlement efforts. When resettlement efforts are dictated by development and infrastructure, there is usually significant resistance.

Up to 50,000 ancient graves have been affected by the construction of the HS2 railway line in London. These graves had to be relocated so that construction of the rail could continue. This move was not as well received as the City of London Cemetery initiative.

These types of movements are not limited to the UK. In 2012, an entire graveyard was moved to make way for a new runway at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Almost 15,000 graves – some up to 160 years old – have been relocated. The families of the deceased fought this decision all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Retailer Walmart has also been under fire for decades for moving and destroying grave sites. This includes the graves of both aborigines and slaves.

» MORE: Honor a loved one with an online memorial. Create one with Cake for free. Honor a loved one with an online memorial.

Cemetery relocation solutions

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a burial site will remain undisturbed forever. You can look up local ordinances and find cemeteries that allow graves to be kept permanently. But over decades and centuries, the world around us is changing. Likewise laws and finances. Even the best plans can go wrong after a while.

Rather than trying to ensure that a cemetery remains pristine forever, let’s review burial practices. While doubling people in tombs can temporarily help with overcrowding, this is only a stopgap measure. Change in the funeral industry will help, but is slow to come.

Focusing on cremation and eco-friendly burial practices may be the only real way to prevent later burials. You can contribute to this change by exploring alternatives to traditional burial and letting your family know your preference. Planning ahead gives you time to share your choices with family and friends. And gives you time to make the choices that work best for you and the earth.

For more funeral planning advice, read our guides to buying an affordable headstone and all about green cemeteries.

Sources

Building your own coffin (or coffin) can be a rewarding experience. Use these plans to build your own coffin. Click on the image below (Figure 1) to download a free printable PDF version of the blueprints. This coffin can be used as a piece of furniture such as a coffee table, storage chest or bookshelf. Maybe you need to build a coffin for a stage prop or Halloween display. The coffin plans presented here are suitable for cremation or burial of human remains.

If you’re looking for more information on building your own coffin (or caskets) from scratch, read So You Wanna Build a Casket.

Building your own coffin can reduce the consumption of valuable natural resources. If you are interested in green burial or natural burial, this coffin can be built without using any metal fasteners (screws or nails). The bonded rib construction can provide a finished strong coffin suitable for natural cemeteries that require metal-free coffins.

Figure 1 – Coffin Plans. Click on this image to download a printable PDF version of these toe pinch coffin plans.

Before you start…

Are you considering building a coffin yourself? Whether you take the opportunity to work alone or together with friends and family, making a coffin for a loved one can be memorable and therapeutic. When I was building my first coffin for my grandfather with the help of my father, sister, and sister, we found the experience of working together soothing and satisfying. We built a coffin for grandfather that was inexpensive, sturdy and beautiful in a traditional coffin design that expressed my grandfather’s affection for the Old West.

Your handcrafted coffin can reflect the personality of your lost loved one with a range of different finishes. For my grandfather’s coffin we preferred the raw and natural look of untreated pine in the simplest of traditions, but your coffin can be stained, stenciled, painted, burned, stamped, carved or decorated with bumper stickers and photos to reflect life and time from your lost loved one.

Before you begin, set your expectations for the time and cost of materials to build your own coffin. The coffin plans and assembly instructions presented here will save you a great deal of time and effort in designing and building a coffin from scratch. Tested to withstand up to 300lbs, this design ensures your coffin will safely transport your lost loved one to funeral and burial or cremation. If you’re an experienced DIYer with basic hand tools, you should allow 8-10 hours to build your first coffin – even if you have help. As for the materials, you can expect to spend between $200 and $300 depending on the lumber market price in your area and the type of wood you are using. If you plan to line the inside of your coffin with pillows or linens, add that to your estimated cost of materials. Our coffin kit saves you time and money over building your own from scratch!

1. Gather tools and materials

Figure 2 – Reclaimed pine from a 100 year old barn.

For a typical coffin you will need about 60 feet of wood. If you’re buying 1×10 inch lumber, that means you’ll need about twelve boards that are 8-10 feet long. For 8″ or 12″ boards, you can adjust your count accordingly. We strongly recommend using standard 1″ lumber planed to an actual thickness of three quarters of an inch (0.75″). Thicker lumber adds unnecessary material weight and thinner lumber compromises the strength and rigidity of your finished coffin. 1 inch lumber is also common and readily available. You should use a soft wood (like pine or poplar) because of the wood’s low cost, light weight, and workability. However, you can opt for a finer quality wood such as oak, ash or black walnut for the premium wood grain and finish, but be prepared that your finished coffin will weigh 200 pounds. or more.

For this project we are using pine from a 100 year old barn (see image 2). Reclaimed wood from an old barn, garage, or other source is the best way to reduce, reuse, and recycle. If being environmentally friendly is your motivation, you should look for wood that you can reclaim from an old building that is about to be removed or re-clad. The old barn boards in these photos have a lot of character and still offer all the strength found in new wood. Another sustainable alternative is wood certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), town wood or air-dried wood.

Figure 3 – Use Elmer’s wood glue for excellent holding power.

In addition to the lumber, you’ll need to arm yourself with some Elmer’s wood glue, screws (or nails), or some other wood fastening system. This guide uses a traditional rib design with glue and screws for ease of construction and excellent wood joinery holding power (See Figure 3). This design also allows for the removal of the wood screws after the glue has dried (approximately 24 hours) to meet the 100% biodegradability requirements of several natural burial and conservation cemeteries. Consider replacing the screws with wooden dowels for added strength and security.

For handles, take a thick cotton rope. We prefer 1″ or 1.25″ diameter cotton rope as it offers a soft, comfortable grip and gives an attractive finish to your coffin (see Figure 7).

It’s possible to build this entire coffin using just basic hand tools, including a mallet or mallet, handsaw, tape measure, set square, and screwdriver. A few power tools like a finishing saw and a drill will make the job a little quicker. Of course, if you have access to a shop with a table saw, table planer, and electric grinders, the work will go much faster.

Eventually you will find a good place to work. A sturdy, flat table or workbench provides a nice, comfortable work environment to measure, cut, prepare, and assemble your coffin. In the photos you can see that we use a torsion box table in our workshop. Sit outside at a table or picnic table if you don’t have adequate garage space or access to a workshop.

2. Prepare the cut list

Prepare the following boards by measuring and cutting the boards. Depending on the width of the boards you start with, you may need to rip (cut along the grain) to make your panels 18 inches wide – the width of the side, head, and foot panels will be the height of the coffin.

Plate Description Dimension (inches) Quantity Top (Head) Side Pair of side plates with ends cut to 10 degrees from vertical (See Blueprint Inserts 1 and 2) 24.375 L x 18 W 2 Bottom (Toe) Side Pair of side plates with ends, cut at 10 degrees from vertical 6 degrees from vertical (see blueprint inserts 2 and 3). 56.375 L x 18 W 2 Top (Lid) Cut the head angle to ~10 degrees and the toe angle to ~6 degrees. Measure 24 inches from the top and mark the widest points; then trace the lines to the head and toe. 80L x 26W 1 Header Cut the outer ends of the endplate at a 10 degree angle to vertical. The narrowest (external) length should be 16 inches. 16L x 18W 1 Toe End Cut the outer ends of the toe board at a 6 degree angle to the vertical. The narrowest (external) length should be 12 inches. 12L x 18W 1 Floor Panel The floor panel is a series of boards cut to lengths of 24 inches or less. Start with a 24 inch board for the widest part of the floor and cut the top corners at 10 degrees and the bottom corners at 6 degrees. 78 L x 24 W 1 Bottom Rails Use scraps from ripping side boards to width. Anything between 1.5 and 3 inches works well. 53L x 2W 20L x 2W 2 2 vertical ribs Use leftovers…anything between 1.5 and 3 inches wide. 14L x 2B 12 cover ribs plan for four ribs; one at each end (head and foot) and two in the middle. 16L x 2W 24L x 2W 20L x 2W 2 1 1 Bottom Rib When you’re finished with the bottom, turn the coffin over and add a rib holding all the bottom boards together. 78L x 2W 1 Joiner Ribs Start with a ~30 inch 1×4 and rip the 10 and 6 degree angles (see image X) and then cut a pair that are 14 inches long. 14L x 4W 1

The overall dimensions of this finished coffin are 80 inches long by 26 inches wide (at the widest point) and 18 inches deep.

Note that this coffin is 18 inches deep – slightly deeper than most coffins. The average coffin depth is 15 to 16 inches. These are the original plans I drew for my grandfather’s coffin. We had planned to add 4-6 inches of pillows and pillows at the bottom. And Grandpa was buried in his cowboy boots, which measured just over 12 inches long! So we made his coffin a full 18 inches deep, less than the depth of the floor to make sure there was enough room. You can easily adapt these plans and build yours 15 or 16 inches deep with no problem.

This coffin was made from reclaimed barn wood.

Drill holes for the rope handles in the bottom boards on all sides. You want to prepare holes for three handles on each side, one handle on the head and one handle on the foot. Drill the holes next to where the ribs will be placed to allow the rope handles to wrap around the ribs inside the coffin to improve strength and weight transfer from the handles to the coffin. The holes should be the same size as your rope for a snug grip. Drill the holes about 4 inches from the bottom edge of the coffin to hold the handles in the bottom panel of your coffin.

3. Attach the floor frame rails to the sides

Figure 4 – Floor Frame Rails attached to the bottom panel of all four side panels.

You should now have all of the boards cut and ready to make six side pieces, including a head board (16 x 18), a toe board (12 x 18), two long (toe) side boards (56.375 x 18), and two short (head) Side panels (24.375×18). We will add a 1×2 to the bottom edge of all sizes of side panels. This element acts as a floor support for the coffin, transferring the weight on the floor to the sides of the coffin in a shear plane (as opposed to a tension connection), thereby strengthening the coffin. These rails do not have to extend all the way to the outside edges of each sidewall – each rail should be 1-2 inches short at each end to allow clearance for the vertical ribs on the adjacent sidewall. Especially at the middle joint between the head (short) and toe plates (long) you should leave at least 2″ to make room for the 4″ connecting rib.

4. Assemble the side panels and the lid

Starting with the lid, attach the long boards that make up the lid with 2-inch ribs and glue. Use 4 ribs to assemble the lid by placing one rib 1 inch from the head and toe ends of the lid and distributing the remaining 2 ribs evenly in between. Use glue and screws to attach the ribs. If you wish, you can remove the screws from the ribs after the glue has dried – allow the glue to set for 24 hours before removing the screws.

Similarly, assemble the 6 panels that make up the sides, head and base of the coffin using ribs, glue and screws. Below are some tips to keep in mind when creating the side walls.

Try to use the same board for both the bottom headboard and footboards and the top headboard and footboards on the side panels, so the same board widths and wood grain match at the elbow where the coffin bends.

If you are adding ribs to the side panels, carefully position the ribs at the far ends (to leave room for the head and foot boards) back from the edge the same distance as the thickness of your boards (about 3/4 inch). . Use a piece of scrap as a spacer while attaching the ribs.

Leave space between the bottom of each rib and the floor frame rails for the floor boards to fit. Unless you intend to run the boards through a bench planer for a perfectly smooth edge, there is no need to glue the edge of the top and bottom boards for the side and end panels. The ribs provide enough strength without the sidewalls being glued at the edges. If you are using screws and glue to connect the ribs, you can remove the screws after the glue has dried – about 24 hours.

5. Assemble the bottom and sides

The next steps require some patience. A few extra hands will come in handy. At the narrowest point of the coffin, start at the foot end of the long (lower) side panels and attach the foot panel to either side of the coffin. Next we cut a special bottom board that connects the foot end of the coffin to the head end. First cut a board exactly 24 inches long. Then from the center of each end, cut angles approximately 6 degrees for the toe angles and 10 degrees for the head angles. The longest part of the board from end to end should still be 24 inches. Position this board where the toe and head ends of the coffin meet and secure with glue and screws or nails. This bottom panel, together with the connecting ribs, secures the head and foot ends of the coffin together.

Figure 5 – First floor panel installed at foot end of coffin.

Next cut a trapezoidal bottom panel with cuts at about 6 degrees. The narrow side should be just over 12 inches long. Corresponds to the inner length of the toe plate (see figure 5). Note the length of the long side of the plank you just cut – this is the same length as the short side of the next plank. Position the Floor Panel and attach it to the Floor Frame Rails with glue and screws (or nails). Next, working from the foot end toward the center, fasten the remaining floorboards in place. You should now have the bottom (toe) end ready. Proceed in a similar manner to attach the Headstock and Sideplates.

Figure 6 – Use a table saw to cut the 6 degree and 10 degree angles on the connecting rib at the “elbow” of the coffin sides.

To complete the assembly of your coffin, add the 4 inch wide connecting ribs at the angle joint between the coffin head and foot sections. Use a table saw to cut an angle from these ribs as shown in Figure 6. Six degrees for the toes and 10 degrees for the side of the head. Lastly, turn the coffin over and add a rib connecting the floorboards together along the length of the coffin. You have now completed the assembly of the coffin. Continue to the next step to add the rope handles.

6. Install rope handles

Figure 7 – Natural cotton rope handles are soft and comfortable to wear.

Take 20 feet of rope and tie a secure single knot in one end. Start in a corner on the inside of the coffin and thread the rope through one of the handle holes. Thread the rope back into the coffin, exposing a 20 inch handle on the outside of the coffin. Proceed to the next hole and repeat the process.

Notice that the rope wraps tightly around the side ribs and corner ribs on the inside of the coffin. As you lace the rope, pull it as tight as you can – the long handles have plenty of stretch for a nice, comfortable grip on the coffin. When you reach the last hold, tie a tight knot again to keep the rope from slipping out. When finished, there should be 3 long handles on both sides of the coffin, 1 handle on the head and 1 very short handle on the foot, for a total of 8 rope handles.

7. Finishing touches

You can personalize your coffin with stain, paint or other decorations. Be creative. You can decorate your coffin however you like.

Securing the lid for the burial is optional – some people don’t secure the lid for the burial (it won’t go anywhere). If you wish, there are several ways to secure the coffin lid before burial. The easiest method of attaching the lid is with 6-10 finishing nails no longer than 1.5 inches. You can also use small wood screws (decorative screws), but we recommend pre-drilling to prevent the lid from splitting. Some people prefer to pre-drill holes and use wooden pegs to secure the lid for burial. A natural cemetery burial may require you to use wooden pegs instead of metal screws or nails to secure the lid.

Ghanaian group of pallbearers

This article is about the internet meme. For the song featured in the video, see Astronomia (Vicetone remix)

Dancing pallbearers, also known by various names including Dancing Coffin, Coffin Dancers, Coffin Dance Meme or simply Coffin Dance, are a Ghanaian group of pallbearers based in the coastal town of Prampram in the Greater Accra Region of southern Ghana, although they live in the throughout the country and outside of Ghana.[1] The founder and leader of the group is Benjamin Aidoo.[2] They are referred to locally as the Nana Otafrija pallbearer and waiting service or Dada awu.[3]

The group first gained worldwide attention in 2017 through a BBC feature story.[4] In March 2020, the group became an internet meme when the videos were paired with Tony Igy’s EDM song “Astronomia”[5] and gained popularity in video edits.[6]

origin [edit]

The Dancing Pallbearers are led by Benjamin Aidoo, who started the group in 2003 as a regular pallbearer service.[7][8] Later he had the idea of ​​adding a choreography to her coffin-carrying work. Additional fees are charged for dancing with the coffin during a funeral.[9] The Dancing Pallbearers first came to prominence in 2017 when they were featured in a BBC News report.[10] The third video, showing pallbearers accidentally dropping a coffin while dancing, was first posted on May 2, 2019 by Facebook user Bigscout Nana Prempeth, and received over 2,900 reactions, 4,600 shares and 350,000 views in a year, and then Matthew “DigiNeko”. Ordrick uploaded it to YouTube, where it received over 300 million views.[11]

Distribution[ edit ]

The video gained widespread popularity on TikTok as a punch line for FAIL clips, similar to the To Be Continued and We’ll Be Right Back memes, suggesting that the person in the FAIL video died. For example, on March 6, 2020, the TikTok account Trickshots posted a version of the meme that received over 2.9 million views and 237,000 likes.[6] In 2020, the meme was used to send a message around the world during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.[12] Since trending, it’s been popular on social media but mostly used on TikTok.[13]

In popular culture[edit]

Pallbearers in Nigeria perform various dance arts with a coffin on their way to a burial site

See also[edit]

coffin

The long wooden box in which a dead body is kept for burial or cremation is called a coffin. At a graveside burial, you will see the coffin being lowered into a grave.

Most coffins are made of wood, but can also be made of steel, fiberglass, or bamboo. A coffin is generally equated with a coffin, although some people distinguish between a six-sided coffin and a four-sided coffin. The earliest meaning of coffin, from the 14th century, was ‘box for valuables’, from the Latin cophinus, ‘basket or basket’, and the Greek root kophinos, ‘a basket’.

noun

the box or box in which the body of a dead person is buried for burial; Casket.

the part of a horse’s foot that contains the coffin bone.