Ok, I have pick up (free) a set (3) of basic book cases, however they do NOT have shelves (ok so would they be cases then?)
But they are drilled for the shelf pines and are finished and such. So I figure I will use the as temp shelves in my upstairs and when I get a chance to build real good shelves I will move them to the basement (finished space) for use down their.
I am planing on using 3/4 birch (cheep birch) plywood with clear pine 1X on the front and back. I will do a rabit to set the plywood into. The shelves will be about 14 to 16″ deep and about 48″ wide. This is wider then I would normally do said shelves but this is what I have to work with. So will a 1 1/2″ pine (front and back) give me a strong enough shelf to hold books? I figure they will be the bigger hard bound books mostly (say 9 to 10″ deep and about a foot tall) Or do I need to make the stronger. I could (but I would rather not) but a divider between each shelf as a support but then I would not be able to adjust them after that.
So what thickness of 1X do I need on the front and back edge to span 4′?
Doug Meyer
Replies
Doug,
Your shelves with no reinforcement will sag 1/4" to 3/8". I would say that a 1 1/2" reinforcement on the front only would be enough to make any remaining sag unnoticeable to the eye.
Rob
I looked at the Sag o meter (what ever it is called) and it showed about what you said, but it does not allow for a front edge. So it is not completely accurate for the way i build book cases.
I think I may try a front edge and if I need a rear I can add it latter.
Thanks for the input.
Doug M
I think a 1 1/2" edge on the front will do the job just fine. Like you said, add a back stiffener if they start to sag.On the other hand, if you are going to use a rabbet, you might as well rig the edging for the front and back now and have done with it.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Doug, have you thought about torsion boxes?
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