Simple walnut kiddies bookshelf

[mattfc]

I have started on this walnut bookshelf, almost done bar the 2 drawers to go in the bottom. Project was many to get to grips with the CMS router table (used to make tongue and groove style end panels)

Am looking forward to using th Leigh D4R for the drawers, although am a woodworking newbie, 1st time using a router etc, so learning as I go

Matt

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Nice work Matt!!!!

Best,
Todd

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Nice job, Matt.  Are the panels and shelves made from solid lumber or from plywood with walnut veneer faces?

What finish coatings are you using?

If the shelves are solid lumber, I have found that 3ft to 4ft shelves of 7/8" thick oak or cherry will exhibit very little deflection even when loaded with heavy magazines such as Fine Woodworking and for multiple years.  In contrast, shelf cores of plywood or MDF or particle board will need solid wood edging with a greater vertical dimension to prevent sagging.

Dave R.

 

[mattfc]

Its all solid, but all started of from rough sawn waney edge walnut. The timbers that must have been at the top and bottom when they sliced the tree have the greatest angle in terms of sides (like a triangle with the top chopped off), so thicknessed those down for the inset side panels to maximise the wood usage.

The shelves and framing for the ends are 22mm, the end panels 15mm

I managed to get a pallet load of walnut for ?20 per cubic foot (USD30) so have a big stack to work my way through.

In terms of finish, the RO150 with 320 grade and then 1000 did a beatiful job, wood had a post sanding sheen. I finished it with finishing oil (tung based oil)

p.s. the fun with these really rough sawn timbers is not knowing whats under the surface, a quick run through a thicknesser reveals all, I found some pieces with amazing fiddle back markings, also the wood smells great when working it, like walnuts, very appropriate for this time of year!

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Thanks for those details.  You should have no droopy shelves!  It also sounds like you obtained the wood at a great price.

Dave R.

 

[HowlingOtter]

Wow, that's pretty impressive for a newbie. Great work!

 

[johnsonri]

Very nice project! I like the closeup of the miter joint.

You are brave as well. When I first started using a router, I was afraid to even go near MDF on project, let alone walnut. But, if your work on the project to this point is any indication, you will have no problems at all.

Rey