Bookshelf unit...

[osx-addict]

Hi all..

I'm dying to work on a project and get things moving on a WW project but funding is super tight.. Anyway, I figured it wouldn't hurt to find a set of plans for some nice bookshelves that can be used primarily for.. um.. books? We've got a fair amount of books and wood likely need to have several sets of shelves akin to a shelving unit that is at least 6-10' wide and at least 6' tall -- they shouldn't have any moldings on the sides to interfere with connecting them together to look like a single unit.. I did see the Shopsmith Tall bookshelf here (http://www.freetallbookshelfplans.com/) but am looking for others as well.. I love the look of built-ins I've seen in peoples homes but don't have an entire wall to dedicate to make it look like a built-in.

For materials, I want something that will not sag (might need to visit the SAG calculator) if the entire shelf is loaded with books.. Can the carcasse use veneered 3/4" plywood or should I go with solid materials?

Oooh.. I just noticed an heirloom bookshelf in the current issue of WoodSmith magazine.. Here's (http://www.woodstore.net/towtombook.html) one that's also nice if I had two connected together..

Ok.. Perhaps some of you have done this sort of thing before, and I'm hoping that I can learn from your wisdom! If this works out well, my better half will be VERY happy! :D

[osx-addict]

Ok.. I think I found a reasonable set of plans here (http://www.woodworkingcorner.com/bookcase.php).. This might just work out.. Now I just need some wood.. ;)

[horologist]

Rick,

If you plan to paint the shelves it can be done quite inexpensively. I made this shelf for my wife to use in her sewing room. Sides and shelves are 1/2" ply the back is 1/4" ply. Each shelf has 2" x 2" pine attached with glue and screws on the bottom of all four sides. The sides and back are glued and screwed to the 2" x 2" edging. The shelves are 43" long, zero sag and quite strong.

6473

The main disadvantages of this system are that the shelves are not adjustable and you do lose height to the reinforcing 2" x 2"s. If you plan on using a more traditional design with adjustable shelves then the 3/4" ply would make better sides as it will be less likely to bow outwards. Save the solid wood (if necessary) for the shelves.

Troy

[hobbydad]

Here is a book/AV shelf that I made. A friend of mine runs a small cabinet shop and recently acquired a cnc router. I wanted to give him some business and watch it in action, so he cut the frame and shelves for me. It is made from 3/4" red oak ply with 3/4" red oak trim. Simple, but it works well and is very solid. It was a lot of fun watching the router fly through the job, especially all the holes for the adjustable shelves.

Loren

6474

[JPG40504]

Here is a book/AV shelf that I made. A friend of mine runs a small cabinet shop and recently acquired a cnc router. I wanted to give him some business and watch it in action, so he cut the frame and shelves for me. It is made from 3/4" red oak ply with 3/4" red oak trim. Simple, but it works well and is very solid. It was a lot of fun watching the router fly through the job, especially all the holes for the adjustable shelves.

Loren

6474

NICE! Interesting library!:) Toy shelf also I see.:cool: Interesting feet.:confused:

[fjimp]

Loren,

Nice shelf set up. I enjoy making shelf cabinets.

One lesson I have learned is the importance of the extra support under both the front and back of shelves. I purchased a nice looking set of shelves for my office that lacked the added support. I later added the support and even thought he shelves are 48" long they still support the load very well.

Another important thing I learned from making shelves for my wife's quilting room is to use care in selecting stain and sealers. Both can interact with the cloth material. Jim

[hobbydad]

NICE! Interesting library!:) Toy shelf also I see.:cool: Interesting feet.:confused:

The "feet" are for sliding it around. I took that picture while I was still working on hooking up the A/V stuff.

I appreciate the comments.

Loren

[osx-addict]

Thanks all! In terms of materials, if I use a 3/4" oak plywood, should I be looking for any particular variant of the plywood -- specifically the type of cuts used to make the plywood (rotary vs rift vs quartersawn vs flat sawn) as described here (http://www.boulterplywood.com/products.htm)? I've personally never looked at any 'nice' plywood (and will get it from a reputable lumberyard -- not the local Lowes/HD).. I'm assuming they'd be able to tell me if a particular plywood they're selling is rotary sawn, rift, etc.. Anyone ever ask when picking out lumber? Just curious..