Leaning Wall Shelf: Episode 5

Posted 28 February 2018

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The top rear up-stand can been recessed and rounded, before it is fixed in place. The the other up-stands are fitted and any additional details considered before the finish is applied.

Previous: Leaning Wall Shelf: Episode 4

31 Comments

  5. That has been a wonderful build. Thank you for your great instruction. If I were to downsize the self for, let’s say a counter-top version, would the wood dimensions (thickness) be a linear scaling? My sense of proportion has never been too accurate when it comes to dimensioning lumber.

    1. Another great project Paul! I sure love watching you work!

      In the first episode Paul has a half sized prototype behind him and he mentions that it is exactly half size, and the thickness appears to match the half size description as well. He mentions that when you drop to 1/4 size you change considerations a bit–perhaps for a spice rack you’re not going to be working with 1/4 inch material for instance. I think some common sense, some scaled drawings and considering the function of the build will give you a good idea as to how thick the wood needs to be for your project.

  9. Got to admit I was surprised to see Paul climb up it and had to laugh. For anyone who may have had doubts, that couldn’t have shown off the strength and stability of the piece any better.

    A clever design, functional and yet I think quite elegant. I also loved the small additions you could add that Paul showed us at the end, giving the piece a completely different look.

    Flat pack has never looked so good.

  11. Hi Paul,
    As I was watching this, I suddenly realized this design seemed complimentary to the desk you built a few series pieces ago. Coat rack seems to compliment as well from the one photo I’ve seen so far. Was this intentional? Just curious.
    Sincerely,
    Joe

  12. Great project! The spanning arch and the side pieces (korbels?) look nice but would limit access to the shelf for big books, etc. I think I would leave them off as well. Love the bit at the end of Paul standing on the shelf! Thanks….

  14. I love this design. What did you wrap the pieces in to transport the bookshelf? I noticed you used it to wrap your tools for the move to your new location too. I would like to find that here in the states for an upcoming move.

  15. What cut is the shellac? I maybe missed is this the first project wiping the shellac? It’s kind of a simplified French polish…. You sand with what in between 280? If I want to stain, water or oil based?
    Big thank you!

    1. I’ve been using a lot of shellac on my projects thanks to Paul Sellers. It’s my favorite finish. I can’t recall if these details are from him or from reading others as well as him. The good news is I have used it a lot over the last two years and I’m happy with it. I typically use somewhere between a 1 to 2 pound cut (often around 1.5 pound cut). I have tried sanding with 400 grit but that seemed too fine for me so I often use 280ish grit sand paper after a few coats of shellac. Then another two or three coats of shellac.

      He has at least one detailed video out on YouTube I think (could be one of his free videos) where he spends a lot of time focusing on shellac. Normally he uses a brush in his videos. I think the rag here might have been due to either the size of the work (my guess) or just to show us a slight variation on how to apply it.

    2. Paul used a 2lb cut of shellac in this case. Paul does indeed wipe shellac on occasion when dealing with larger surfaces. Paul sands with 240 grit sandpaper. Paul’s preference is for oil based stain.

  16. What an inspiring design! I was at a home store and saw a version where the uprights aren’t boards but two 2x4s (or 2×3 I think). Of course it doesn’t look as nice with the shelves being secured underneath with hardware, but I wonder if the same concepts for joinery may be applied.

    For instance, there wouldn’t be room for the bridle part, excuse me if that would be the term for it, but instead just full housings on either side. It would be a scaled down version with fewer and narrower shelves.

    Would there be a concern for stability if you scale down the uprights too much? How narrow of a board is ok?

    1. It is hard to comment whether significant adjustments to the design would result in a stable shelf. The thickness of the stock and length and size of the joints are what make this work in this instance. Not sure we can be of much more assistance than that I’m afraid as there are to many variables.
      Sorry for not being more helpful, Phil

      1. Not at all, Phil. If anything I think it’s a perfect design as it is. It’s also what makes these projects worthwhile to make knowing Paul already spent the time prototyping. I understand too much deviation and it’s my risk to take.

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