The Bookcase Project is a woodworking project that involves building a bookcase from scratch. The second unit of the project covers the process of constructing the bookcase shelves and attaching them to the sides of the bookcase.
Once the sides of the bookcase have been assembled and sanded to a smooth finish, it is time to move on to building the shelves. It is important to measure the distance between the sides of the bookcase accurately before cutting the shelves, as this will ensure a precise fit.
The shelves can be made from a variety of materials, including plywood, MDF or solid wood. To achieve a stylish yet simple design, many woodworkers choose to use real wood for the shelves. This can be pine, oak, cherry or any other type of wood that is readily available and suits the desired style of the bookcase.
Before cutting the shelves, it is important to consider the thickness of the wood being used. The thickness will determine the strength and stability of the finished bookcase. For most bookcases, a thickness of 3/4 inch is sufficient, though thicker wood can be used for more heavyweight items.
Once the shelves have been cut, they will need to be sanded to a smooth finish. It is important to sand the edges of the shelves that will be exposed to prevent splintering. Sanding can be done by hand or with a power sander.
When the shelves are ready, it is time to install them into the bookcase. To do this, a series of holes will need to be drilled into the sides of the bookcase. These holes should be evenly spaced and positioned to allow for the shelves to sit flush with the sides of the bookcase.
Once the holes have been drilled, it is time to attach the shelves to the bookcase. This can be done with a variety of methods, such as screws or dowels. Screws are a popular choice as they are easy to install and provide a strong and durable connection. However, dowels can also be used for a more traditional look.
To attach the shelves using screws, simply hold the shelf in place and drill through the pre-drilled holes in the side of the bookcase and into the shelf. Make sure to use screws that are the correct length to avoid splitting the wood.
If dowels are being used, a doweling jig can be used to ensure accurate positioning of the dowel holes. The dowels should be glued into the holes before the shelves are attached to provide a strong and secure connection.
As the shelves are attached, it is important to check that they are level and flush with the sides of the bookcase. Any adjustments should be made before the glue has set or the screws have been fully tightened.
Once all the shelves are in place, check that they are level and stable. If any adjustments need to be made, now is the time to do so. The bookcase can now be filled with books, ornaments, or anything else desired.
In conclusion, constructing the shelves for a bookcase is a relatively straightforward process that requires attention to detail and accuracy. Knowing the thickness of the wood and the spacing of the holes is essential to ensure a stable and secure bookcase that will last for many years to come. With the shelves in place, the bookcase will be ready for the finishing touches such as staining or painting to achieve the desired look.
Posted by greg_guarino on 2013-03-30 02:47:36