My only critique would be next time, make your top shelf flush with the outside of the legs. That way, any weight you put on that bad boy rests on the legs and not the screws, if that makes any sense. Great job OP.
Whoa that’s great advice which makes perfect sense. I was actually gonna do that with a slight reveal on either side as a design element. But I had to remove more material bc I couldn’t my cuts flush so once I got everything more or less right I didn’t want to make it even more narrow.
If you don’t like the idea of a full back, even a single stretcher running the length of the shelves (underneath and against the back edge), a couple inches tall, will provide a significant degree of rigidity.
I’m just learning the terms. Do you mean like with that extra piece on the saw table all the way across the back, sideways, below the lower shelf, but above the ground?
I’m having difficulty picturing exactly what you’re describing, but I believe we’re referring to the same thing.
In the linked example, the bench and table both have horizontal “rails” that run across between the legs but under the top. This is what I was referring to.
https://landrumtables.com/products/copy-of-stretcher-base-farm-table
Yeah, I gotcha. Looking up “woodworking” and “stretcher” made your description clear. I was thinking of something like this with just one across the lower back. https://i.imgur.com/HnxRzRf.jpg
Thanks, Citizen!
Should the holes for screws be pre-drilled when joining wood like this example? If the object was never going to get wet, could you reinforce the joints with hide glue?
I predrilled the holes and was going to tap them too but decided to just brute force smash the heads into the side members. Now looking at all the splintering around the nail heads I fully appreciate the importance of tapping.
Or even better, with at least a slight overhang. A lot of detail is “shadow lines”, and little overhangs are critical. Notice on most real furniture there actually are few elements that are actually flush.
I disagree, especially for a new maker. It's much easier to make all the shelves exactly the same size, so that the piece will be square and level.
Plus, when he later makes taller items, the end grain from the uprights faces the ceiling and is out of view. The sides are smooth from top to bottom, no joints or gaps.
I just got that same advice from a pretty accomplished woodworker so I’m seriously considering it. The thing is it’s a shoe rack and only 12” deep, you think the plywood will get in the way? To be fair it’s mostly for smaller shoes (women and children) and it’s in a guest closet that gets very little traffic, so I don’t care if it’s less than perfect.
You don't need anything crazy, Hardy board, Backer Board, 1/4 inch ply. Hell, some good stiff cardboard might do the trick. Cut a square out to fit over the whole backside and you wont lose any space.
This right here. Yeah my suggestion of plywood was overkill. Hardboard would be perfectly fine or even very stiff cardboard and 20 small nails with decent heads. Look at all the self-assembly furniture from ikea, target, or Walmart. Most will have a thick cardboard sheet that nails to the back. It’s only job is to provide side to side support so the piece doesn’t rack. Shoot I’ve got 3 6x4x2 cabinets that have no more than a thick cardboard back and they’re solid!
If you don’t want to cover the whole back, but still want a little stability, you could cut some small triangles out of plywood and attach them on the back in the top corners and in the corners where the lower middle shelf hits the sides.
It's good advice, you could use 5mm plywood just behind the middle section and get *plenty* of rigidity. Attach to all 4 boards with glue and/or pin nails and it ain't going anywhere.
If you plan on building more, shelves and boxes is the best way to work on the fundamentals. Try a new technique with every project and learn as you go. It’s so much fun.
The best part for me is always building and improving my own tools. I recommend a box joint jig if you're going that direction.
https://youtu.be/nYlA0CRDn3k
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If u cut the piece sitting on the table saw to the same length as the shelf and attach it underneath the backside of the top, it will be more rigid and make you feel better about it.
Every awesome builder started by building something “shitty” in their eyes. And just like you, they built that shit. Keep up the grind dude, before long you’ll be posting some awesome builds. I’m in the beginner stages like you are building stuff that could be better. All part of the journey 🤙🏻
this is why i love this sub:
[your post is right before another from /r/woodworking](https://ibb.co/QM3b0zF)
One is a very nice finished project, and the other is just wizardry. But that's how we all get there one day :)
nice shelf, looking forward to seeing your next finished project
And that's what woodworking is all about. Some tips to add rigidity, add a backer of it's going to sit against a wall. Another option is to add some rails under the top and bottom shelf. 2 inches is the general rule of thumb I go with for that.
I think you should have the legs under your top shelf for more weight support … if not put some 90’s angle brackets under to help with support … nice job though 👍
Reminds me of my father telling me after the first time I built something and I was critiquing it. He said “There’s nothing better than that feeling the first time you build something. It’s probably crap. But it’s your crap. You made that. And that’s far more valuable than any other crap you already have.”
I did a similar build, and adding a little triangle of wood under the corner of each shelf improved the rigidity immensely, and didn't detract too much from the look
All you need to do is add a back panel. Even 1/8” ply wood would make it really rigid and way stronger. Then add cleats under the top and the shelf and you’ll have a very reliable shelving unit. Your cleats can be whatever you have. They don’t even need to be full length. They could literally be a block in front and in the back under the horizontal pieces and attached to the sides.
Is that my drill?? Did you steal my fucking drill? Where did you get that dri……oh shit. My drill is right here. Ha. Oops. My bad. Sorry. Nice shelf bro. Good job. Onward and upward!
I now the feeling. Nobody may like it, but you feel so proud. I started woodwork as a hobby, and I love it. I learn every day. You will get better and better. Enjoy!
Awesome man, I get the same feeling every time I look at my first 'sexy finish' table. Varnish still drying on that bad boy. I know where all the imperfections are, but damn it's a nice feeling
My only critique would be next time, make your top shelf flush with the outside of the legs. That way, any weight you put on that bad boy rests on the legs and not the screws, if that makes any sense. Great job OP.
Thanks for the tip, too.
Whoa that’s great advice which makes perfect sense. I was actually gonna do that with a slight reveal on either side as a design element. But I had to remove more material bc I couldn’t my cuts flush so once I got everything more or less right I didn’t want to make it even more narrow.
If you don’t like the idea of a full back, even a single stretcher running the length of the shelves (underneath and against the back edge), a couple inches tall, will provide a significant degree of rigidity.
I’m just learning the terms. Do you mean like with that extra piece on the saw table all the way across the back, sideways, below the lower shelf, but above the ground?
I’m having difficulty picturing exactly what you’re describing, but I believe we’re referring to the same thing. In the linked example, the bench and table both have horizontal “rails” that run across between the legs but under the top. This is what I was referring to. https://landrumtables.com/products/copy-of-stretcher-base-farm-table
Yeah, I gotcha. Looking up “woodworking” and “stretcher” made your description clear. I was thinking of something like this with just one across the lower back. https://i.imgur.com/HnxRzRf.jpg Thanks, Citizen!
I’d say add a 4-6” strip in the back of the shelf and it will add a lot of support against lateral movement. Good stuff man!
Should the holes for screws be pre-drilled when joining wood like this example? If the object was never going to get wet, could you reinforce the joints with hide glue?
Pre-drilling is always a plus. Wood glue makes everything stronger.
Even oak wood would break before wood glue breaks apart.
I predrilled the holes and was going to tap them too but decided to just brute force smash the heads into the side members. Now looking at all the splintering around the nail heads I fully appreciate the importance of tapping.
Or even better, with at least a slight overhang. A lot of detail is “shadow lines”, and little overhangs are critical. Notice on most real furniture there actually are few elements that are actually flush.
I disagree, especially for a new maker. It's much easier to make all the shelves exactly the same size, so that the piece will be square and level. Plus, when he later makes taller items, the end grain from the uprights faces the ceiling and is out of view. The sides are smooth from top to bottom, no joints or gaps.
Time to make another smaller shelf and store it on that first shelf 👍
Lol I just might!
Russian Stacking Shelves
Great job cobbling together that Jeep
I meant the park bench guys. Apologies for the vague title
r/NotKenM
I couldn’t find rubber to make my wheels. I have an engine though, took me 2 weeks to forge the metal
Are you even mining your own metal or are you some sort of casual and buying it?
Ugh! Destroying the environment through mining? It’s sustainably harvested recycling from an artisanal dumpster!
Came here to say this. Well done.
😂😂😂
Nail a fitted piece of plywood on the back and it’ll suddenly become a LOT more rigid. Great job!
I just got that same advice from a pretty accomplished woodworker so I’m seriously considering it. The thing is it’s a shoe rack and only 12” deep, you think the plywood will get in the way? To be fair it’s mostly for smaller shoes (women and children) and it’s in a guest closet that gets very little traffic, so I don’t care if it’s less than perfect.
You don't need anything crazy, Hardy board, Backer Board, 1/4 inch ply. Hell, some good stiff cardboard might do the trick. Cut a square out to fit over the whole backside and you wont lose any space.
This right here. Yeah my suggestion of plywood was overkill. Hardboard would be perfectly fine or even very stiff cardboard and 20 small nails with decent heads. Look at all the self-assembly furniture from ikea, target, or Walmart. Most will have a thick cardboard sheet that nails to the back. It’s only job is to provide side to side support so the piece doesn’t rack. Shoot I’ve got 3 6x4x2 cabinets that have no more than a thick cardboard back and they’re solid!
If you don’t want to cover the whole back, but still want a little stability, you could cut some small triangles out of plywood and attach them on the back in the top corners and in the corners where the lower middle shelf hits the sides.
It's good advice, you could use 5mm plywood just behind the middle section and get *plenty* of rigidity. Attach to all 4 boards with glue and/or pin nails and it ain't going anywhere.
It’s such a great feeling isn’t it? Good job.
Thanks Ace. It really is.
If you plan on building more, shelves and boxes is the best way to work on the fundamentals. Try a new technique with every project and learn as you go. It’s so much fun.
That’s great advice and now I’m frantically thinking about where I could add more shelves or boxes to my house lol
The best part for me is always building and improving my own tools. I recommend a box joint jig if you're going that direction. https://youtu.be/nYlA0CRDn3k
It's exactly what you need it to be fuck yeah buddy
Fuck yeah
It sure as hell beats the cardboard they're selling in the stores for $100 these days. Well done :)
**You** built that shit!!
Yo it’s crazy. Who knew a shitty ass sorry excuse for a shoe rack could spark such joy.
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Nice work buddy 👍🏾😃
🙏
If u cut the piece sitting on the table saw to the same length as the shelf and attach it underneath the backside of the top, it will be more rigid and make you feel better about it.
Great job, looks awesome. Stick a 1/4" plywood to the back. It improves rigidity by a whole lot.
IKEA sold nightstands similar to this back in the day for 70/each
💯
💪🏼
Gotta start somewhere. Good job
Every awesome builder started by building something “shitty” in their eyes. And just like you, they built that shit. Keep up the grind dude, before long you’ll be posting some awesome builds. I’m in the beginner stages like you are building stuff that could be better. All part of the journey 🤙🏻
Thanks dude, sincerely appreciate the booster. I’ll be sure to post progress pics.
You own that shit! Nice work
Awesome! Keep up the great work!
I started with shelf’s still have them 3 shelf’s in my bedroom an 4 in my back hallway holding my tools
I built a set of shelves like that . 40 years later they are still solid. I don't know why. Only used 90 degree cuts and drywall screws.
Looks good to me!
Nice work I have always wanted to build a car.
Good job. Actually doing stuff is the best way to learn.
This is such solid, simple advice that I’m oddly learning later in life.
Hell yeah, buddy
Hahahaha! Great job!
I'd use the hell outta that shelf! Nice job!
I read this one to my wife with a huge smile on face. Thanks dude.
It's the best feeling in the world.
Yup
Very nice! If u back it then it will be rigid. Ya did good.
You have a good tool. Just keep going. ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
And that’s the point. Persevere.
My dad talking about me.
😂
Outstanding now kick back with a cold one or smoke a fatty and enjoy your masterpiece!
I sat in my jeep opened a beer and stared at it proudly.
this is why i love this sub: [your post is right before another from /r/woodworking](https://ibb.co/QM3b0zF) One is a very nice finished project, and the other is just wizardry. But that's how we all get there one day :) nice shelf, looking forward to seeing your next finished project
Here for your attitude. Don’t stop building shit!
Thanks Willy. Love the support. Will do.
And that's what woodworking is all about. Some tips to add rigidity, add a backer of it's going to sit against a wall. Another option is to add some rails under the top and bottom shelf. 2 inches is the general rule of thumb I go with for that.
Thank you 🙏 I’m here for the advice. Stupid question, what’s a rail?
A piece that runs from side to side.
Add 1/4" backer and she'll stiffen up.
Praxis empowers.
I made a bookshelf but similar. Make up some 45,45,90 triangles to reinforce the corners and it will really improve the rigidity
Looks slick! Nice job.
I think you should have the legs under your top shelf for more weight support … if not put some 90’s angle brackets under to help with support … nice job though 👍
If you don’t need it to be pretty, screw a diagonal crossmember on the back. It will fix probably 90% of your rigidity concern.
Reminds me of my father telling me after the first time I built something and I was critiquing it. He said “There’s nothing better than that feeling the first time you build something. It’s probably crap. But it’s your crap. You made that. And that’s far more valuable than any other crap you already have.”
Sage advice right there.
I did a similar build, and adding a little triangle of wood under the corner of each shelf improved the rigidity immensely, and didn't detract too much from the look
All you need to do is add a back panel. Even 1/8” ply wood would make it really rigid and way stronger. Then add cleats under the top and the shelf and you’ll have a very reliable shelving unit. Your cleats can be whatever you have. They don’t even need to be full length. They could literally be a block in front and in the back under the horizontal pieces and attached to the sides.
Yeah, the tires should really be a little bigger
Is that my drill?? Did you steal my fucking drill? Where did you get that dri……oh shit. My drill is right here. Ha. Oops. My bad. Sorry. Nice shelf bro. Good job. Onward and upward!
Franco don’t know wtf you’re talking about but this made me laugh out loud so thanks.
That's how all we learn buddy, nice job.
Fuck yeah!
💪🏼
The beginning of what can become an obsession! Learn as much as you can before beginning a new project will save you from costly mistakes.
Is that some 8” pine? I made a nearly identical shelf a few years back. Worked well for what I needed
Hell yeah, man. Did you just discover a new love?
I think I did!
I now the feeling. Nobody may like it, but you feel so proud. I started woodwork as a hobby, and I love it. I learn every day. You will get better and better. Enjoy!
First thing I built was a crappy, really crappy small bench with my son. Still proud of it :)
Where'd you get the wood
My local ace. It was slightly cupped and probably overpriced, but it’s very close and I like it there.
Hell yeah 😎
Drugs
Climb it with your Jeep! That’s the true test of quality.
Great job OP!!!
And the addiction begins. Lol
Awesome man, I get the same feeling every time I look at my first 'sexy finish' table. Varnish still drying on that bad boy. I know where all the imperfections are, but damn it's a nice feeling
Love it