Simple Bookshelf: Episode 3
Posted 27 November 2019
This is an episode in a paid series. Want to watch it? You just need to sign up as a paid member, and you can enjoy this video and many other videos we think you will love.
There is always a sense of satisfaction when it comes to the close of making a project and this one is no different. Paul uses simple techniques to deal with issues of fitting the shelves to the sides and then adding the dividers. All of which have notched front edges to conceal shrinkage issues that might occur in the life of any bookshelf. Paul also walks you through developing both the toe or kickboard and the cambered pediment. If you are worried about applying finishes to large projects like this one, then this may well mark the end of your troubles. Paul proves that a customised finish can be as simple as using a paint pad, that finishes room walls, as he uses water-based paint and varnish to give the bookshelf a beautiful, translucent finish you will be proud of.
Paul,
Another great project. As some people say its simple but that’s also part of the beauty. Very much enjoying how the camera work has changed over the various projects.
Keep up the great work paul and the team.
Paul and Team ,
I really enjoyed this . I have used several of the methods Paul demonstrated on a smaller shelf and it is working out very nicely . Is it possible to get a bit more information on the finish that was used ? Type of paint ? Type of varnish ? Mix ratio ? And agree with Paul Bowes on the great camera work and overall production quality ..
Hi Peter,
Paul says:
It was a water based emulsion wall paint and Ronseal Crystal Floor paint. None of it was mixed, just straight from the can.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Paul, would you cut a 1/4″ off the sides at the back as you did with
the bookcase that you put the back on and painted green?
Hi,
Paul says:
Yes, that’s a good idea but you could also add ¼” plywood to the front edge and nail it to the underside.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Another great project from start to finish.
Thank you!
Interested to get some more details on the finish. A finish that doesn’t make pine go that horrible orange colour is something I’d love to have in my warchest.
Hi Tom,
Paul says:
It was a water based emulsion wall paint and Ronseal Crystal Floor paint. None of it was mixed, just straight from the can.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
What did Paul used to spread the paint?
Hi Antonio,
Paul uses a paint pad.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Hello,
How would Mr. Sellers recommend cutting the arch for those of us who do have a bandsaw?
Thank you,
Robert
Hi Robert,
Paul says:
I assume you mean ‘don’t’ have a bandsaw, not ‘do’. If so, I would suggest the stop-cut method.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
I was surprised there wasn’t much instruction on making the plugs. How would one do it without the machine (was that a drill-presss?) and/or is there an attachment for a power drill? Is it mentioned maybe in a past project? Thanks in advance.
Hi Saul,
Paul says:
No, there are many types of plug-cutters you can buy from any online woodworking supplier. The problem with addressing this to an international audience is the plug cutter i’m using is indeed quite scarce. That said, there is a blog on the plug-cutters: https://paulsellers.com/2013/06/hitachi-plug-cutter-works-perfeclty-in-hand-held-drills/
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Thanks a lot. I also found there is instruction on how to make them by hand in the Carved Mirror project, episode 5.
Hello,
I’m making a much smaller version of this for my child, but chances are that I need to assemble it straight in my living room. I’m not sure I can tranfert it from myshop: I have a very small car.
My bookshelf will be:
– cm 40x150x35
– will have a back in plywood
– will have movable shelves
Basically it will be a more beautiful version of an Ikea Billy. What should I take in account if I don’t glue and use screws only at top and kickboard? Will it be stable enough?
Any suggestion would be precious. Thanks.
Without the glue it wont be as strong one way you could make it is stronger is to brace it like we did in the most recent bookshelf click here. Screwing the plywood around the edge will also add some strength.
Hi Valentina,
The back can probably generate sufficient rigidity; at least that’s my impression from the venerable/infamous Billy.