Underwater observation glass

Use this to view underwater plant and animal life in relatively clear water. By pushing the glass below the surface of the water, you eliminate surface ripples and reflections, giving the same effect as a glass bottom boat. All wood dimensions are given in standard U.S. dimensions and are not critical, so use your local standard sizes if you are outside of the U.S. Finished size as shown here is app. 14" wide by 10" deep, or 35cm by 25cm.

You will need:

• Wood 3/4" by 8" x 48" (sold as 1" x 8")
• Wood 1" x 1" x 48"
• Piece of glass cut to fit the bottom of the box
• Putty
• Waterproof varnish
• Waterproof glue
• Two drawer pulls or handles (hopefully non rusting!)

Cut the board into four pieces to form the sides. Length is not critical as long as the opposite sides match. The ends of the side pieces are rabbeted and the box is glued together with waterproof glue. The joints can be secured with wood screws if desired.

Cut and nail the 1" wood around the inside of the bottom of the box to hold the glass, about 1'2" in from the edge. Set the glass on this ledge from the bottom. Putty all around the glass from the bottom. The putty will need to be fairly thick as it is keeping the glass in place.

Once the putty is dry, varnish the entire box and the putty. Allow the varnish to dry thoroughly. Attach the drawer pulls to opposite sides of the box near the top edges.

Use it at the edge of a pond or lake, or from a small boat (make certain you are wearing a life vest if you are doing this from a boat!) Push the glass just below the surface, and if the water is clear enough you should be able to see whatever life is immediately below.