Cherry Bookshelf - Woodworking Talk

jodiemeglio · 10-11-2007, 08:52 PM

This is a cherry bookshelf I just finished for my girlfriend. I finally got to use my shaper and my dado set. It came out so glossy it's hard to see the details! Then ends of the sides have a fluted trim on them.

jpw23 · 10-11-2007, 09:47 PM

Nice work!!!!

**TexasTimbers** · 10-11-2007, 09:51 PM

Nice. I bet you got a backrub for that.

But any bookshelf needs a back even when you are trying to break new ground. A mid-room bookshelf will never stand the test of time, and even though we as guys say "But it is against the wall" . . . it will trap books, ornaments, and "stuff" behind it. It cannot be the centerpiece either as it looks in one picture unless it is in a public library. And it ain't.

Start deciding right now that you are going to have to modify things.

jodiemeglio · 10-11-2007, 11:15 PM

Thanks for the compliments.

I've never made a bookshelf before and I didn't think about a back until it was almost finished. I have a sheet of luan I'll probably cut for a back and just nail it on. What's normally used for backs on bookshelves?

daryl in nanoose · 10-12-2007, 11:06 AM

I would of used 1/4" cherry to match the bookshelf

jodiemeglio · 10-19-2007, 01:55 PM

Here's an in-use picture and I think it's going backless...at lease until we move or clean it off.

Daveb · 10-19-2007, 02:21 PM

The other advantage of a back is that it provides additional rigidity to the whole assembly. You can always add one later if you need to.

cabinetman · 10-20-2007, 07:50 AM

It came out great, and looks good the way you have it set up. If you were to use it as a library type unit, or a backless unit that would have books and knick knacks, and you wanted to see through or the wall, that would preclude you installing a back. In that case if the upper apron and lower apron (skirt), is high enough, you can tuck gussets in the corners to add to the rigidity to keep it from racking.

If you decide to put in a back, and can't find 1/4" cherry, you could buy enough veneer to cover any 1/4" substrate.