How do you store your PSA sets?

262Runner · May 3, 2005 12:54PM

How do you store your PSA regristry sets?

I am only about 25% complete on a 1961 Topps Baseball set and I already have a problem with storge. Anybody have any great ways to store or even display your PSA cards? currently I have them in 75 ct. PSA boxes. This works fine, although this set will fill 8 of these rather large boxes.

If you have any pictures of how you keep your cards, try to include those as well. There are a few on the regristry with multiple complete sets... where do you keep those cards?

Dave

My 1961 Set

Axtell · May 3, 2005 1:11PM

MJ Roop Box

These are a great solution...there will be some who say they are overpriced, but at $40 a box (they are normally $50), I find them a tremendous value. Yes, you can make your own for considerably cheaper, but these are a great system.

Griffins · May 3, 2005 1:53PM

I think this is a better solution
Roop wood box

Axtell · May 3, 2005 4:40PM

I love the wood boxes, but wow, they are pricy. I guess it would depend on what you plan on storing, and how many you need.

IJustLoveCards · May 3, 2005 9:24PM

Why keep them in a box?...If you would like I can send you the specs on how to build this...

this is how I store my 1955 topps

jrdolan · May 3, 2005 9:29PM

I just love IJustLoveCards' wall display. Who needs wallpaper! IJLC, can you remind us how you constructed that awesome display?

I see Koufax, 3rd from the left in the 8th row ... but where's Mantle??

ajw · May 3, 2005 9:37PM

Hey Ijustlovecards, how do you protect your great display from UVA rays that will fade the cards? I have some 1984 Fleer Update cards that are severly faded from spending time on my wall as a kid. Personally, I'd never display my cards in a room with an exterior window.

Stingray · May 3, 2005 9:47PM

Are PSA holders UV protected?

Stingray

IJustLoveCards · May 3, 2005 9:58PM

Sure,

First heres a list of the items needed to build one:

SAW: Table : Plus 2 types of blades. 35 tooth and 60- 80 tooth
Wood screws
Drywall screws
4 horses
Gorrilla Glue
Stain (whichever color you prefer)
nails (3/8 inch long with very thin heads)
Screws 1 inch
Drill
4: 2x 4's Length can be cut depending on how many cards per display you want)
1/4 inch round molding.. again number of pieces per display will be used to determine how many rows you want
Back paneling 2 large sheets 80''

Ok, first you construct the box. if you want the box to have angle cuts you can set the mider part of the saw to 45 degrees..cut along each end.
measure the length after the cuts from the inside of the one side to the other ( mine is 64 inches long)
then cut each 1/4 inch round molding to the exact measurement from the inside of the box to the other.
I would then change out the blade put in the 60-80 tooth blade to make the groove in the 1/4 inch molding you just cut. Now heres where it gets tricky..

You need to measure at least 3/8 inch form the back to the frontof the molding where your cut will be. this is very important, if you make your groove to close to the back part of the piece of molding the card when it is finished will sit inside the groove but have no room to fall back on, it will fall forward. so remember 3/8 in and make the groove approx 1/4 inch deep (the card will sit in the groove)

use a spare piece of wood to measure the depth of the cut before you begin to make the groove cut on the 1/4 inch molding. Once your blade is set to the proper depth 1/4 inch cut..cut the grooves in all the molding ( remember to go as close to the front of the molding as possible to allow enough room for the card to lean back once the rows are placed in the display.

Now...stain all the wood...leave it to dry for a full day I took 2 days in staining and drying..

Ok, now assemble the 4 2 by 4's use screws to attach to each other
then place the back on ( I used 3/8 inch nails along the whole backside of the box)

now your box has been assembled.
Add each row.
I took a 2 by 4 and placed it from the top then laid down my row. I attached some gorilla glue so that the row would hold in place, I placed 2/4's between the bottom of each row to the top of the other so that each row was exactly spaced and straight. Now if your set is a higher top to bottom, the space between the rows will be greater (ie. 1953 's vs 55's or 56's which are horizontal cards).. Take a 2 x 4 and place a card at the top measure to the bottom of the card..give yourself about 1/4 to 3/8 inch additional spacing..then cut out a few blocks..this will be your spacer between rows..

Now, after the rows are put in. drive some nails into the rows for added support, I then used a nail punch to drive them deeper, and put wood putty over the nails after they were punched in so that they were not seen. I sandpapered the wood putty down, I then restained the rows hiding the putty.

I took a 2x4 used 6 screws and drove them into a stud on the wall...I then hung the display ( most of the weight) is on the stud on the bottom of the wall, (see bottom of the pic) and then drove approx 6 screws from the display ( back) into the wall (found the studs in my wall)...then put in my cards...

It seems like alot of work but it really isnt..it will take about 1 week (because of stain drying) and approx 12 hours of total work excluding staining..

I used OAK, but you could use pine if you wanted...

IJustLoveCards · May 3, 2005 10:01PM

<< Hey Ijustlovecards, how do you protect your great display from UVA rays that will fade the cards? I have some 1984 Fleer Update cards that are severly faded from spending time on my wall as a kid. Personally, I'd never display my cards in a room with an exterior window. >>

NO EXTERIOR WINDOW IN THAT ROOM..

secondly you could add a uv protected front via tinted glass/ such as those you find on the older stereo cabinets...

Golfcollector · May 3, 2005 10:04PM

I bought a 60 drawer card catalouge at the University of Nebraska surplus sale for $50. It will hold 55 PSA cards per drawer. Needless to say I have a long way to go to fill it up!

Dave

jrdolan · May 3, 2005 11:17PM

IJLC, wow, I feel like I just watched an episode of This Old House. Will you come to my place and build not only that great display, but many other woodworking projects? I have the tools, but not the talent!

IJustLoveCards · May 3, 2005 11:25PM

you aked me to explain how it was done...

sure Ill come over and build it...cost : ohhh let me seee...maybe A bowman 1951 psa 5 mays will do..or 1000.00 plus airfare.

of course you have to buy the materials...

1960toppsguy · May 3, 2005 11:39PM

M A N T L E . . . somebody better do some homework, there is no Mantle in the 55 Topps set Mr. Bench 1969.

jrdolan · May 3, 2005 11:44PM

Sorry, Willie's already spoken for. He's getting ready to move south to a hot, sunny climate.

I guess I'm on my own, then. That's some impressive piece of woodworking you did there. Thank you for the detailed instructions.

jrdolan · May 3, 2005 11:44PM

<< M A N T L E . . . somebody better do some homework, there is no Mantle in the 55 Topps set Mr. Bench 1969. >>

You think?

The wink after Mantle had a purpose, but thanks for the education.

My icon is 1970 Bench All-Star, by the way.

kingraider75 · May 4, 2005 2:26AM

MJ Roop boxes work for me.

Axtell · May 4, 2005 4:11AM

As nice as the wall is (and it's very nice) i for one would be very hesitant to have my display out for security reasons, as well as possible fading and what not the cards on display would go through.

Ultra pro makes 4 slot pages that work nicely for using in binders for those cards you want to show off. Can get about 10 pages in a 3" binder. Everything else though I use the MJ roop boxes.

IJustLoveCards · May 4, 2005 5:30AM

Thats the wonderful thing about collecting, each person can store/display as one would want. As for security/ fading.. I have addressed both of those issues already, cards cant fade if there is no direct sunlight, (which mine dont have) The lighting in the room is all set not to shine directly on the cards..and the room is very secure. What would be the difference if you took your cards and put them in a MJ roop box and someone took your whole box if they burgularized your home? I cant fathom owning a set of this value only to have it stored away in a box. Do you take the picasso painting or any other valuable painting and put it in a box? I think not, I believe people display their art on the wall of their home, Well, this is my art and proudly displayed...I have taken all the precautions one can take, it is insured, and the room has its own security system, if someone wants the cards not only do they have to get through all that and my 3 dogs..then they need to meet me with my 9mm....

otherwise, I will continue to enjoy my artwork...and not have it stuffed in a box, knowing I have it.

jaxxr · May 4, 2005 6:36AM

BCW vault or super vault boxes are very nice for graded cards.

Not great for display as they are two pieces and close to protect the cards. Cost varies by quantity but around $ 4 a vault box is about the average, they hold about 90 graded cards per box.

Cubfan · May 4, 2005 7:08AM

Very neat display. Thanks for showing it.

262Runner · May 4, 2005 8:20AM

I am using the super vault boxes now. They are fine although when you want to pull them out to show someone or just look through yourself, those boxes are not very atractive. The wooden boxes look very nice and I think will provide for a nice secure way of storing those cards that you would like to pull out ocassionally and show off. I will probably keep the more common and duplicate cards in the super vault style boxes.

Axtell · May 4, 2005 10:08AM

<< 
otherwise, I will continue to enjoy my artwork...and not have it stuffed in a box, knowing I have it. >>

Hey now...I said nice work on the wall...but it sounds like you're a bit hostile?

Not everyone has the talent, resources, and/or ability to have their cards in their own room. As admirable as your setup is (and I said so in my first post), it may not be for everyone. If you want to enjoy it, and you don't have the money and or time to devote to a wall hanging project, I'd suggest going with the ultra pro pages so they can be viewed and not just stuffed in a box.

IJustLoveCards · May 4, 2005 11:26AM

I did not mean to come off hostile...I was mearly pointing out why I personally did what I did ..I apoligize if it came off the wrong way...

jackstraw · May 4, 2005 11:40AM

Great job!You obviously have some skills. I have often thought of doing something like that and actually have drawn up a few different plans.
If someone is concerned about fading it wouldn't be all that hard(if you have skills) to attach a couple of UV protected glass doors with a couple of piano hinges or a sliding track system and maybe a lock?You can also throw in a couple of exploding paints balls when opened and fondled or maybe line up some shooting nails behind each card so when removed from slot it starts shooting at you(if you have skills)?
Nice job

John

MarkLee · May 4, 2005 11:45AM

I for one think that your 55 display is the coolest card setup I have ever seen, IJustLoveCards! I would one day love to have a room in my house devoted to my collection with all four walls covered in similar displays.

Axtell · May 4, 2005 11:52AM

<< You can also throw in a couple of exploding paints balls when opened and fondled or maybe line up some shooting nails behind each card so when removed from slot it starts shooting at you(if you have skills)?
>>

So the thief would have to take them Indiana Jones style, carefully replacing a bunk card to avoid the deathtraps? haha I can see it now "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Cards"

jackstraw · May 4, 2005 12:06PM

I doubt ole Indiana Jones could handle that? I would imagine he would go for the big dollar cards and leave the commons? He would have been arrested, biten a few dozen times and shot looking for the 55 Mantle

jrdolan · May 4, 2005 1:16PM

I would strongly consider a project such as IJLC built, if I could first secure this open-ended room. Even if I walled it off and installed a strong deadbolt door, there is still the window which is impossible to make secure unless I want to put up bars! This is upstairs, but thieves do know about ladders, and glass is hardly a barrier. So I have to use a fire safe and a converted gun cabinet, both of which are overflowing, and part of a locking tool cabinet. Even so, many many cards and pieces of memorabilia are out in the open. Not a day goes by that I don't have anxious twinges about it.

I'm no expert on UV rays, but doesn't the sun have to shine directly on the cards to cause fading? I didn't think that indirect or artificial lighting would do it.

Mac53 · May 4, 2005 2:01PM

JR--I'm no expert, but I think that each little photon or whatever light comes in (is it a wave or is it a particle?) breaks down the object it hits a little, even if it's reflected light. The best bet, it seems, is to keep the valuables in as dark a place as you can for as much time as you can. If you really want to read a sad story, you should look up the history of the original Declaration of Independence, which I did after I saw "National Treasure." For a long time, it was displayed at a place in Independence Hall where at some point during the day, the sunlight hit it directly. Before that, to make copies, they used some process by which a tiny bit of the original ink was actually taken off of the document onto the copy. There are (I think) about 5 copies that were made by this process. At any rate, as of now, I guess the original Declaration, one of the most important documents in the history of civilization, is barely legible.

1967topps · May 5, 2005 1:20PM

One word solution that isn't Roop, is a lot cheaper and more readily available:

Rubbermaid

why agonize...unless you want the box itself to look good on the mantle. Better your MANTLE look good than your mantle.

donnnster · May 6, 2005 5:33AM

To each his own I guess. But wow that is a pretty sweet looking display that you built! If I had my own house and all and a spare room for my collectibles, I would love to have something like that. But since I am in a pretty small crappy apartment, I will probably go with Axtell's idea of displaying them in a binder with those PRO pages. BTW Axtell, where did you end up purchasing those sheets? The cheapest i have seen them is for like a 10 count count from MJ Roop for like 25 bucks. Did you get one of those archiver binders from MJ Roop for your cards too?

Axtell · May 6, 2005 6:16AM

I have bought pages from roop and also from a card shop locally.

Yes, I have bought several of the archiver binders. They are of the highest quality, very sharp looking display, and the sleeve for the binders are top notch as well.

Rangerman · May 20, 2005 10:45PM

<< I think this is a better solution
Roop wood box >>

Rangerman · May 20, 2005 10:49PM

<< MJ Roop Box

These are a great solution...there will be some who say they are overpriced, but at $40 a box (they are normally $50), I find them a tremendous value. Yes, you can make your own for considerably cheaper, but these are a great system. >>

I use the graded card sleeves to protect my slabs--- will these fit in this system, and if so, 172 total like advertized? Thanks-

RipublicaninMass · May 20, 2005 10:55PM

<< I think this is a better solution
Roop wood box >>

Roop is the Poop!(in a good way guys)

Rangerman · May 20, 2005 11:03PM

Any cons regarding the wood?

Onlypsahockey · May 21, 2005 10:59PM

Super Vault boxes

The only way to store your sets. Jerry is a great guy too.

I have purchased 95% of my supplies here.

type vault in the search box

JMO, Bob

Axtell · May 22, 2005 12:48AM

<< Super Vault boxes

The only way to store your sets. Jerry is a great guy too.

>>

No offense, but at $1 a card that seems awfully expensive.

phreakydancin · May 22, 2005 1:31AM

<< No offense, but at $1 a card that seems awfully expensive. >>

LINK

25 boxes hold 75-80 cards each, total 1875-2000 cards. Price is $39.00 including shipping, which breaks down to less than 2 cents per card.

Axtell · May 22, 2005 1:41AM

My mistake...thought they were $25 for a box holding 25 cards.

SinibobCards · May 22, 2005 1:59AM

Rangerman-

38 cards per row fit if you use graded card sleeves (152 total per box). They fit fit snug but not too tight from front to back if you use 38 per row.

I have 10 of the wood boxes and they work great for me.

I am still looking for a good supplier of snug fitting graded card sleeves. A fellow board member sold me what he had left but I still need some more. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-Mike

yawie99 · May 22, 2005 3:40AM

Sinibob, is that 38 per row using the snug-fitting graded card sleeves [I may have some available, by the way, I'll have to check] or 38 per row using the overly baggy Ultra Pro graded card sleeves? After months of deliberation, I might finally Roopify my collection now that they have a sale going on.

Axtell · May 22, 2005 3:47AM

<< Sinibob, is that 38 per row using the snug-fitting graded card sleeves [I may have some available, by the way, I'll have to check] or 38 per row using the overly baggy Ultra Pro graded card sleeves? After months of deliberation, I might finally Roopify my collection now that they have a sale going on. >>

And free shipping through the end of the month. I have been spending the past week or so deliberating what to purchase, but I think I am going to go with 2 more wood preservation boxes for my 71 set, move my 85 set to the non-wood archive box I already have, and pick up the 2 binder 2005 topps heritage master binder set.

SinibobCards · May 22, 2005 9:21AM

Yawie-

The same amount fits regardless of whether they are snug-fitting or the typical graded card sleeves. The difference is the fact that the snug fitting sleeves allow for easier movement of the cards as you flip though them.

I plan on picking up a few more of the boxes this month, especially since I started another set. So much for my New Year's resolution.

If you have some sleeves to spare please let me know.

-Mike

markmac · May 22, 2005 11:33AM

I just took the plunge and bought 2 wooden boxes and 2 of the cardboard boxes from MJ Roop. I got the wood boxes for the 57 Topps and 61 Fleer basketball sets ( which I am only at around 25% and 15%) and the 86 Fleer basketball set ( around 50%). I got the other two boxes for the 87 Fleer basketball set (68%) and the 88 Fleer basketball set (75%). I will let you know how they look when I get them-2 weeks from order date.
Mark

yawie99 · May 22, 2005 12:12PM

Thanks for the info, Mike. I just realized I have a ton of snug-fit sleeves - I could spare up to 10 packs if you need them. I guess PM me or e-mail me with what you need. I think they were about $2.50 for a pack of 100, plus whatever shipping would be.

SinibobCards · May 22, 2005 7:36PM

Yawie-

E-mail sent. Thank you.

-Mike

wufdude · May 22, 2005 9:19PM

Where were the snug-fitting card sleeves for the graded cards purchased?

yawie99 · May 22, 2005 9:39PM

A guy on here, AlanAllen or AllenAlan, must've ordered a case of them from some plastics company. I bought a bunch from him a few months ago and I think his supply was dwindling at that time, wufdude. I haven't noticed him around lately, but it couldn't hurt to see if he has any left, I guess.

tommyd · May 23, 2005 12:39AM

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SPECS!! MY ADDRESSE IS TOMMYD222@YAHOO.COM !!

How do you store your PSA sets?

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