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The details
of this bookcase are reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts style with
its slatted ends and pyramid topped posts and slats. We chose cherry
for its lighter appearance, but you can use other woods, particularly
quartersawn white oak, which would be more in keeping with the style
the bookcase is based upon.
Material
List and Buying Guide
Cut
and Glue Your Pieces Once the glue
has cured, cut the shelves to their finished dimensions. Now cut
the posts (pieces 1) and the slats (pieces 2 and 4) to their finished
dimensions. Make the screw hole plugs (pieces 5) from scrap cherry
with a 3/8" plug cutter chucked in your drill press. Now you're
ready to cut the dadoes in the posts and center slats for supporting
the shelves, and to form the pyramid on the top end of each post
and slat.
Cutting
the Dadoes and Pyramids
Drill 3/8" diameter x 3/8" deep counterbores at the screw hole locations in the posts and slats, then drill pilot holes through the stock at the center of each counterbore. Sand the pyramids
with sandpaper wrapped around a wood block, being careful not to
alter the shapes too much. Start with 100 grit paper and work up
to 180 grit. Once the pyramids are well formed, sand the rest of
the bookshelf to 180 grit. Be sure to ease all the sharp edges.
Assembly
and Finishing Given the light
use this bookshelf will receive, Danish oil seems like the right
choice of finish, and it will allow the cherry to darken naturally.
It's also one of the easiest ways to finish a piece with so many
narrow spaces and slats. Let the finish cure for a few days, then
the bookcase should be ready to go. If you do your finishing carefully,
you may find that it's tough to cover your beautiful shelves with
books. During the course of the first year I do recommend shifting
the books and knickknacks frequently as the wood color deepens.
This will ensure an even finish as the patina develops.
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Cherry
Bookshelf Plan
The
shelves (pieces 3) are made by edge gluing several boards together.
Make the shelves slightly oversize in width and length so they can
be cut to their finished dimensions of 11" by 40" after
the glue dries. Using two or three boards per shelf, alternating
their end grain growth rings, will significantly reduce the chance
of warping. Try choosing boards with matching grain patterns and
color. Edge gluing alone is sufficient to make strong shelves, although
you could use dowels, splines, or biscuits in the joints to help
keep the boards aligned during the clamping process.
Carefully
layout the dado locations on the posts and center slats. Use a set-up
block clamped to your table saw fence for cutting the 3/4"
wide by 3/4" deep dadoes, and be sure to test your cuts on
scrap before cutting into the bookcase pieces. Start by cutting
the top and bottom dadoes in the posts, then the one for the middle
shelf. Follow the same steps for the center slats after the posts
are done. Make sure the dadoes on each piece are all exactly 12"
apart; otherwise it will be difficult, if not impossible, to assemble
the bookshelf.
For
the pyramids on the posts and center slats, tilt the blade 15 degrees
and adjust the fence set-up so the blade cuts to the middle of the
stock. Test your set-up on scrap wood first to make sure it works
right. Once you're satisfied, cut the tops of the pieces, then readjust
your set-up and cut the tops of the slats (pieces 4).
Put
the shelves and posts together to see if everything fits correctly,
and when you have the pieces situated and the unit is square, extend
the pilot holes into the ends of the shelves. Use #6 1-1/2"
Square-X Screws (pieces 6) to secure this assembly. Now add the
slats to the shelves. Glue the screw hole plugs into the counterbores
then, when the glue dries, trim and sand tile plugs flush with the
posts and slats. Now you’re ready to do the finishing.| Search for woodworking tools & supplies from our partners at Amazon.com | Search for woodworking tools & supplies from our partners at Rockler Woodworking | |
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Plan
adapted from Today's WoodworkerTM Magazine, Issue 19, January 1992.
Copyright
1999, Freeplans.comTM