WOODWORKING Index
Antiques
Bedroom
Seating
Chests
Decorative-Accent Furnishings
Shelves & Cabinets
Tables
Products
Woodworking Shop
Other

BEST OF WOODWORKING
Mold Quiz
Home Safety
Room Planner
Pet Care Guide
Weekend Projects
DIY to the Rescue
Sparkling Solutions
Organize Your Home
Ultimate Media Room
Picture Perfect Parties
Queen of Clean

SPONSOR LINKS

  • Hanging Bookcase -- Finishing Touches
  • From "Wood Works"
    episode WWK-110
    advertisement

    Click here to view a larger image.

    The simple, clean lines of the finished bookcase, and the contrasting wood tones, give the piece a natural appeal.

    Click here to view a larger image.

    The shelves are highlighted with a recessed maple trim to provide an additional shadow-line and help create a more three-dimensional look.

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure A

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure B

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure C

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure D

    Click here to view a larger image.

    The dovetail joints are not only visually interesting, they also provide one of the most solid joints and are indicative of the all-wood construction.

    The assembly of the solid-wood hanging bookcase is complete. Now it's time for a few finishing touches. In this segment, host David Marks softens the sharp edges with a hand scraper and applies a wood finish to bring out the grain and contrasting colors in the wood.

    Materials:

    Hand scraper
    Sanding block; 220-grit sandpaper
    Commercial wood finish
    Paintbrushes
    Clean rags
    0000-gauge steel wool
    Protective rubber gloves
    Safety goggles or safety glasses

    Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with wood, saws, drills, routers, etc.

    Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves when working with wood stains and solvents.

    • With the bookcase completely assembled, a hand scraper is used to soften any sharp exposed edges (figure A) -- such as along the corner edges of the shelves and front of the case. This softening helps give the finished bookcase a more inviting feel.

    • After using the scraper, 220-grit sandpaper is used to soften the edges even further, resulting in a fine, silky finish to the wood.

    • After scraping, sanding and one final inspection for rough spots, the wood finish is applied. In our demonstration, a commercial mixture of tung oil, linseed oil and polyurethane was applied to provide a protective and attractive finish. The mixture was applied with a paintbrush to the mahogany side pieces (figure B) and the maple top (figure C).

    • After brushing, the finish was rubbed well into the wood with a clean rag (figure D).

    • About four coats were required to provide a good finish.

    • During the finishing process, it's a good idea to use some 0000-gauge steel wool to buff the surface between coats of finish. This will ensure a very fine, smooth surface.

    The simple, clean lines of the finished bookcase and the contrasting woods have a natural appeal. The interlocking of maple and mahogany in the dovetail joints is indicative of strength and adds stylish detail. The shelves, reinforced with setback maple trim, give a three-dimensional look to the piece.

    Important : This sturdy bookcase is designed to accommodate a good bit of weight. If you are wall-mounting it, be certain to fasten it securely to studs in the wall.

    Sponsored Resource
    > Click here to order your tools and materials for this project from Woodcraft!


    RESOURCES :

    Fine Woodworking
    A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
    The Taunton Press Inc.
    Website: www.taunton.com

    The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
    Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
    Publisher: Taunton Press
    ISBN: 1561580619


    Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
    Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
    Publisher: Taunton Press
    ISBN: 1561583456

    Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
    Author: Mark Duginske
    Publisher: Taunton Press
    ISBN: 0942391985

    David Marks Website
    David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com

    The Complete Woodworker's Companion
    Author: Roger Holmes
    Publisher: Watson-Guptill
    ISBN: 0823008665

    The Complete Book of Wood Joinery
    Author: Robert J. Decristoforo
    Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co. ISBN: 0806999500

    Advanced Woodworking
    Model: 0783539126
    Author: Editors of Time Life Books
    1998
    Time-Life Books Inc.
    Website: www.timelife.com

    Popular Woodworking
    F & W Publications, Inc.
    Website: www.popularwoodworking.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: