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OK, so I have to admit that this project has been on a major downward slope since I started (vague idea, but no design drawings, warped wood that I never quite got straight, square, true and flat, sloppy joinery and hasty construction) , and I well deserve to be where I am today (believe me I’ve chastised myself sufficiently,)but finally I’m admitting defeat. I need some help.
I have created a bookcase 69″(H) x 23″ (w) x 10″ (d),that wobbles, or perhaps shimmies is a better word. I dont’ have the shelves in it yet, but when I stand with my hands on the two side panels and push from side to side, the sides shift off vertical and go slightly diagonal. I thought adding the slide in back panel would stablize it, but no such luck. I thought adding some horizontal cross support bars on the back would help, dream on. How do I correct this?
I deserve to be lectured. I know better. I am in a jam and will take all the advice I can get.
Alison
Replies
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Alison,
Does your bookcase have a face frame? If not, adding one with the widest practical rails would help. Also, you mentioned a slide in back panel. The usual way to create stability (prevention of the racking you describe) in a large carcass like a bookcase is to dado the back of the carcass members (sides, top and bottom) and nail, screw or glue the back solidly in the dado. That is, assuming you are using a plywood back that won't expand or contract.
Or you could take the easy way out and attach a hanger rail inside the bookcase, and screw it to the wall studs. GP
*Sounds like you need to secure the back panel to the sides. A loose panel wont stiffen it. Use a tape measure on the diagonals to square it first. I'm assuming the back panel is plywood and the rest is solid wood.
*Thank you both for the advice, it sounds like this might be savagable after all. I still need to add a face frame and I haven't glued or nailed in the back panel into the dado, so both of these may yet solve the racking.Appreciate you taking the time to respond. I'll let you know how it goes.Alison
*We have all had similar experiences in the past. Step back and take a good look at your project.Why do I have this racking problem?What could I have done to prevent it?When you have answered these questions,remember them well,and use them (the answers)on your next project. PAT
*It worked !!! Yeah guys, thanks...I screwed and glued the back panel down and BANG the whole thing is steady as a rock. (thank god for small mercies).OK, now onto the trim.Cheers.Alison
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