re: OT DIY types: Building a bookcase

I’m guessing the OP doesn’t have the tools or skill to do things like cutting dados. If he did he wouldn’t be asking these questions.

OP, go watch some YouTube videos by jay bates and others on using the kreg jig. This is what you need to get started and you can build a lot of things with this method.

Buy yourself a Freud blade for your circular saw and some type of straightedge for cutting the plywood. If you don’t start square ( and I mean within 1/64 or better) you’re gonna have headaches. Aim small, miss small. Mark your lines with a fine pencil or pen, or better an x-acto knife.

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I'm sure the wife will put one of her many useless nicknacks in those spaces

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Pics of wife need before answering questions. You know the rules of the OT.

I can’t believe it took 3 pages for this to come up.

If you build it the way they show in that video and fill the shelves with books, you may have issues. Depends on the shelf length.

If you want to go that route, you can build it the same as in the video, just attach the shelves to the sides with screws using the kreg jig, and use plywood.

If you do use mdf, wear a mask when cutting.

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guess that's one of my main questions; can I build something like this, using plywood, without additional support for the shelving?

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No additional support is needed with dado joints. It’s not difficult. I did it my first time.

You say you have access to tools. You’ll need a router, bit to match shelf thickness, and pipe clamps (2 per shelf). Glue and clamp them and you’re done. I used the 3/4 undersized cabinet grade plywood from HD amd a Freud undersized plywood router bit. Made myself an L-shaped jig to locate amd guide the router for the shelf slots. Here’s a link to the jig.

LINK

If these are going to be light duty then screws will work, depending on the length of shelves like someone already mentioned.

ETA: I was thinking of the units posted by another poster on the first page. If there isn’t a vertical shelf support in the middle like the one on your video, maybe dado one side and glue the rest to a popular strip as shown underneath? Will be a little stronger than only screws.

My biggest concern is sagging of the shelving. I may have to re-think this.

What about Gueydan on Airline and Central Ave.?

Absolutely on top.

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if you know your measurements they will cut it for you.

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That's pretty nice. I'll have to give them a try.