js2j@mhuxt.UUCP (sonntag) (06/14/85)
Having noticed recently that my stack of used paperbacks and comic
books is approaching critical mass, I've decided to build myself a set
of bookshelves.
I've got several constraints to work around in designing this thing:
1.) I don't have much in the way of tools at all, and would like
to make this thing without purchasing *too* much.
2.) I'd like to make it so that I can easily break it down when
I move.
3.) It's got to fit on a 4 1/2 foot wall.
I've got a preliminary design, and invite criticism of the design itself,
the tools I plan to purchase to build it, etc. Here goes:
Two vertical side pieces, ~4 1/2' x 7" x 3/4", which have short horizontal
pieces (7" x 1 1/2 x 1 1/2) screwed (w/4 screws each) onto them at about a
9" vertical spacing. (the horizontal pieces will be what the shelves
themselves rest on.) Five or six shelves, ~6' x 7" x 3/4", would probably
be too long to support their length in books without sagging unduly, except
for the pieces (7" x 8 1/4" x 3/4") screwed to each shelf at it's midpoint
to provide support to the center of the bookshelves. Lastly, an 'X' of
picture-hanging wire will be stretched across the back to prevent the
whole thing from turning into a parallelagram and to hold the whole thing
together. (Note that the shelves simply *rest* on their supports, and that
when I move, I can simply remove the wire and the whole thing will fall
apart (except for the center supports for the shelves, which will have to
be unscrewed in order to pack densely.))
I'll attempt to 'draw' it here:
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.... you get the idea, I hope.
Anyway, it looks like the tools I'll need are:
some kind of saw (would a hand saw be cheaper and more generally
useful, or should I spring for a saber saw or what?)
some kind of drill (same sort of question here.)
screwdrivers I've already got.
And I plan to stain it lightly and then polyurothane it (I've already
got the polyurothane, so why not?)
I invite all constructive criticism.
--
Jeff Sonntag
ihnp4!mhuxt!js2j
"It's a hard rain a-gonna fall." - Dylan