Matt Day
12-27-2007, 9:26 AM
My girlfriend has requested a knockdown bookshelf and I'm thinking of doing one similar to the one listed on FWW's gallery, made by Steve Latta (picture attached). I'm going to take measurements today of the room and we'll decide on the size, but it will probably be very similar to the size Steve made.
Here's the snippit from FWW:
Style: Custom Design
Type: Bookcases
Materials: Walnut, Pine, Finish Unknown
Dimensions: 10 in. deep by 60 in. wide by 84 in. tall.
Latta says that this knockdown bookshelf can be made in a day. He made this unit using leftover walnut, and white pine. Latta used housed lap joints to give the unit stability and strength. Another feature that adds stability is the shelf spacing, which decreases in 1-in. increments from the bottom to the top.
My plan for the housed lap joints is as shown on the sketchup image attached. Does that make sense? I had also thought of popping a pocket hole in the back of the shelf to attach to the vertical supports; adding a bit of rigidity and strength hopefully.
For making the joints, my plan was to use a router and making the slots for the lap joints all the same size. Then I can plane down the shelves/supports to the right size for a snug/almost tight fit. The stability of the system depends on this interface being good, so I'll be paying close attention to this fit.
Also, if you'll notice on the bottom, the vertical supports are angled. I suppose this is to keep the bookshelf leaning against the wall. Would there be any chance of it sliding out on a wood/hard floor? I thought of attaching small pieces of non-skid material there for security.
Please let me know your comments and suggestions. Thanks!
Here's the snippit from FWW:
Style: Custom Design
Type: Bookcases
Materials: Walnut, Pine, Finish Unknown
Dimensions: 10 in. deep by 60 in. wide by 84 in. tall.
Latta says that this knockdown bookshelf can be made in a day. He made this unit using leftover walnut, and white pine. Latta used housed lap joints to give the unit stability and strength. Another feature that adds stability is the shelf spacing, which decreases in 1-in. increments from the bottom to the top.
My plan for the housed lap joints is as shown on the sketchup image attached. Does that make sense? I had also thought of popping a pocket hole in the back of the shelf to attach to the vertical supports; adding a bit of rigidity and strength hopefully.
For making the joints, my plan was to use a router and making the slots for the lap joints all the same size. Then I can plane down the shelves/supports to the right size for a snug/almost tight fit. The stability of the system depends on this interface being good, so I'll be paying close attention to this fit.
Also, if you'll notice on the bottom, the vertical supports are angled. I suppose this is to keep the bookshelf leaning against the wall. Would there be any chance of it sliding out on a wood/hard floor? I thought of attaching small pieces of non-skid material there for security.
Please let me know your comments and suggestions. Thanks!