Basic bookshelf with no visible screws... easy!
This rustic pine bookshelf is easy to assemble and has no visible screws, thanks to a jig (template) and a Bosch router.
The rustic bookshelf is made using 305mmm laminated pine shelving and measures 1500mm high x 840mm wide.
YOU WILL NEED:
2 of 305 x 1500mm - sides
1 of 305 x 800mm - top
4 of 305 x 770mm - shelves / bottom
1 of 60 x 840mm - front apron
2 of 60 x 305mm - side apron
Wood glue
TOOLS:
Bosch Router
Jig for cutting slots (see below)
Tork Craft 19mm straight bit
Quick clamps
Tape measure and pencil
DIY TIP:
Rather than have visible screws on this bookshelf, I decided to use my Bosch Router to cut slots in the sides for mounting the shelves. To do this easily I made a jig (template) to make repeated cuts simple. The jig is simply two pieces of 16mm MDF mounted onto scrap pieces of pine.
HERE'S HOW:
The slot between the two boards needs to be the thickness of the pine, plus 2mm added on to allow for the guide bushing shown below. The length of the jig allows it to be used on boards up to 450mm width.
The guide bushing slots into the base of a router and allows you to guide the router around a template to create limitless designs, in this case I'm cutting slots for the shelves.
To insert the guide bushing push the lever on top of the base plate to open the gear.
Insert and line up the guide bushing and then release the lever to lock the guide bushing in place.
To cut the slot I used a 12mm straight bit that is narrow enough to fit through the guide bushing and long enough to be set to a 5mm cutting depth.
Set the depth of the straight bit against the side of the jig (template) and lock into the router.
HERE'S HOW:
Time to mark the position for the shelves on the sides of the bookshelf. Measure twice and cut once is the rule of thumb, especially when you need to cut at exactly the same position on both sides if you want to avoid shelves that do not sit perfectly level and straight.
Once marked, set the jig over the markings to cut the slots.
When cutting the slots with a router work from right to left. The straight bit is only 19mm wide and - in this instance - the pine is 22mm thick, which means a repeat needs to be done. With the router at the end of the jig and the guide bushing against the front edge switch on and guide from right to left. Repeat this with the guide bushing against the back of the slot in the jig.
After cutting the first slot place a scrap piece of pine to ensure a nice snug fit and cut out the remaining slots.
Set up all the pieces on a flat, level surface. At this stage you may need an extra pair of hands to help hold up the sides while you fit the bottom and shelves.
Apply wood glue to the slots before placing the bottom and shelves and then clamp together overnight. I invested in a couple of Bessey Body Clamps that came in very handy for this project. If you don't have clamps large enough you can always use masking tape wrapped around the outside to hold the sections together.
The only screws in this entire project are the two screws at either side that secure the top.
The front and side aprons are glued and clamped in placed.
The bookshelf is stained with Woodoc Gel Stain (traditional teak).
GOOD TO KNOW
Wrap masking tape along perpendicular edges to prevent over-staining.
After staining the bookshelf was given a coat of Woodoc Antique Wax and then buffed to a satin sheen.
