| Plate-Display Rack |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-705 |
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Q: Can you show me how to build a simple plate rack? A: (Bruce Johnson, DIY antiques and woodworking expert) If you're a plate collector, here's a simple woodworking project to build an attractive way to display them. This simple rack only involves two boards -- a 12-inch backing piece with an attractive arch cut into it and a narrow shelf that will hold the plates. Here are the steps. Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when using power tools.
- On a 3/4-inch board that's 12 inches in length, lay out the cuts you'll need to make for the arch and the groove that will hold the shelf (figure A). For the arch, you can free-hand the layout mark if you have a steady hand, or you can cut out a cardboard template to help you make the layout mark.
- Marks are also made on the corners (figure B) which will be rounded off later using the saber saw.
- Using a table-saw with the blade set to a height of 1/2-inch, follow your layout mark to cut the notch across the length of the board that will be used to hold the shelf (figure C).
- After cutting the first pass (figure D), continue moving the fence on the table saw over 1/8-inch at a time to cut out a notch in several passes.
- A notch is also cut in the shelf piece to form a slot that the edges of the displayed plates can rest in securely (figure E).
- This notch is different from the one in the back piece in that it stops just short of the edge on either end (figure F). This design will prevent the possibility that the plates could roll off the end of the shelf.
- To cut this notch, marks are made on the wooden fence of the table saw to indicate where the saw-blade will cut (figure G). This allows the board to be pulled up at the proper point to avoid cutting the slot all the way to end of the board.
- Once both slots have been cut, the next step is to cut the marked arch on the backing piece using a saber saw. If you don't have a saber saw, you can cut the arch out by hand using a coping saw.
- Once the slots and arch are cut (figure H), conduct a dry-fit to ensure that the pieces fit properly.
- If the fit is correct, glue-up can begin. Place a bead of yellow woodworker's glue in the slot cut in the backing piece (figure I), stopping just short of the ends of the slot.
- Once the glue has been applied, carefully position the shelf into the slot (figure J).
- Clamp the assembly to hold the shelf in place as the glue dries (figure K).
- As a final touch, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth of the edges.
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
Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985
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