This group must get tons of this type of questions :)
I'm building a hanging bookshelf. I've been told that using hardwood would
take me a gazillion times longer to make than using plywood. Though with
hardwood, there'd be no need for a face frame since there's no grain to hide
:).
Any suggestions? The rest of the office is make-believe Mapple (Danish
style) desk and make-believe-maple bookshelves (Ikea).
Thanks again.
-Ed
You got me.... no planar and no joiner :)
-Ed
"Clint Neufeld" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:%[email protected]...
> But keep in mind that you've got the planer, jointer, and probably all the
> other required tools. If the OP doesn't have them, trying to take
"normal"
> wood (with cups, twists, etc) and make a bookshelf out of it will take
MUCH
> longer than using plywood. Even if he picked up some handplanes, learning
> to sharpen and use them will add on to the time it takes.
>
> Just my thoughts...
>
> Clint
>
> "Charlie Self" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Ed Landau asks:
> >
> > >I'm building a hanging bookshelf. I've been told that using hardwood
> would
> > >take me a gazillion times longer to make than using plywood. Though
> with
> > >hardwood, there'd be no need for a face frame since there's no grain to
> hide
> > >:).
> > >
> >
> > You don't need a face frame with plywood. Use iron on wood tape.
> >
> > It probably doesn't take much longer to make a bookshelf with solid
> wood...I
> > just built a small bookcase (relatively) of oak, and the only plywood is
> the
> > back. I did use my 13" planer a lot, though. When you glue up solid wood
> to
> > form wider boards, you need clamps for that, then you need a smoother
> plane or
> > a planer to remove the lines. I guess there is a time delay waiting for
> the
> > glue to cure, added to jointing the boards carefully and then gluing and
> > clamping. After that, it's about equal, though if you want fancier trim
on
> > plywood, the above tape doesn't work. You do then need some kind of
built
> up
> > edge, which can create its own tool needs (edge clamps, for one).
> >
> > Charlie Self
> >
> > "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of
> the
> > people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by
> violent
> > and sudden usurpations."
> > James Madison
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Charlie Self wrote:
> Ed Landau asks:
>
>
>>I'm building a hanging bookshelf. I've been told that using hardwood would
>>take me a gazillion times longer to make than using plywood. Though with
>>hardwood, there'd be no need for a face frame since there's no grain to hide
>>:).
>>
>
>
Personally, I use plywood.
Don't use luaun unless you have a really good tweezers for digging out
all the splinters you're gonna get.
The Shelving surface is typically hidden with all the
junk/books/whatever you're gonna put on it.
So you don't have to overboard with a pretty surface.
That being said I typically use birch plywood and finish with Watco
natural and poly. I have faced with Jatoba and Black Walnut (most
recently).
Depending on the run of the shelf, you will have to provide lateral support.
The last two steps could be omitted with solid wood.
If I were going to make a solid wood shelf, I would seriously
considering ripping it up and then putting it back together because of
warpage, twist, etc. - depending on the board species, thickness, grain,
final measurements, etc.
Plywood! As thick as you can find.
Mark from Pasadena, MD
You will have to suit yourself in the long run. For smaller bookshelves,
solid wood is doable with regard to cost and more esthetically pleasing in
my book. However, my preference for larger books shelves of any type is a
good grade, lumber core plywood, face frames for the carcass, and edge
banding for the plywood shelves ... you will find plywood much more
dimensionally stable on larger projects over the long run, particularly
until you get the hang of design and joinery techniques that take into
account wood movement.
IMO, you should learn to do FF's and not shy away from them. Use pocket hole
joinery, biscuits, or dowels for the FF if M&T joinery is currently out of
the question for you. You will be glad you learned how to do this simple
method as FF's are the jumping off point for much more sophisticated designs
in cabinetry.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 7/17/03
"Ed Landau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> This group must get tons of this type of questions :)
>
> I'm building a hanging bookshelf. I've been told that using hardwood
would
> take me a gazillion times longer to make than using plywood. Though with
> hardwood, there'd be no need for a face frame since there's no grain to
hide
> :).
>
> Any suggestions? The rest of the office is make-believe Mapple (Danish
> style) desk and make-believe-maple bookshelves (Ikea).
>
> Thanks again.
>
> -Ed
>
>