Replies

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jul 10, 2007 03:53pm | #1

   "how does one determine the thickness of glass to use?"

   I usually just ask the glass supplier -- I have a good one. You might also consider laminated glass. Either way, this will not be a cheap bookshelf!

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   Mooshaba | Jul 10, 2007 09:53pm | #4

   Mike,

   Yeah, maybe I need a better glass supplier.  Laminated glass. . . I wonder if that's stronger than tempered.  When I get there, and it may be awhile, will post it.  Thanks

   Mooshaba

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jul 10, 2007 10:12pm | #5

   Don't know if laminated glass is stronger, per se, but it won't shatter into dust if it cracks -- think of an auto windshield. It is cheaper and can be cut to size, whereas tempered glass has to be made to size.

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

1. 
   oldusty | Jul 10, 2007 10:24pm | #6

   Hi Mike ,

                Have you ever watched them cut laminated glass ? It seems to me I saw them score the line then with a lighter they lit the seam on fire till it went out and I think they just snapped it on the line cleanly .

            The glass shop told me they can't cut tempered but they do cut laminated .

    

                               dusty

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Jul 11, 2007 02:52pm | #7

   I've heard of that method. But what I've usually seen is that both sides are scored and then tapped/snaped.

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

2. 
   oldusty | Jul 10, 2007 07:32pm | #2

   Hi Mooshaba ,

                  If there is no center support imo your span full with the weight of books is questionable . Of course you could use 1/2" or thicker glass , but that gets pricey . As has been said , listen to the local glass shop .

         You can also get a clear round plexiglass piece of rod stock and cut to fit between shelves to eliminate deflection .

      Typically glass shelves are used for display purposes and often times lighting is used , but with books on the shelves no light can travel through .

                     dusty

1. 
   Mooshaba | Jul 10, 2007 09:51pm | #3

   Hey Dusty,

   Thanks for your reply.  Yeah it's problematic.  1/2" glass shelves, hmmn.  I like the idea of a plexiglass support rod.  That's fun.  Maybe laminated glass.

   Mooshaba

3. 
   oldusty | Jul 11, 2007 06:19pm | #8

         M .         One other possible way to go since your a woodworker , you can make a slight frame for each shelf that will accept the glass flush to it's top .The wood frame will sit atop the shelf supports .

                    dusty

               

1. 
   Mooshaba | Jul 16, 2007 01:57pm | #9

   Dusty,

   Thanks for the idea.  It may not work for this application, but I like the different way of looking at it.

   M

    

1. 
   oldusty | Jul 18, 2007 12:53am | #13

           Moo ,

                                   Your welcome .

                                               dusty

4. 
   AntzyClancy | Jul 16, 2007 07:37pm | #10

   You may have already considered this, but why would you put books on glass shelves?  Glass is good for lighted cabinets that display heirlooms.  Books are much better held with wood shelves.

   Todd

5. 
   billl6 | Jul 17, 2007 04:00am | #11

   Mooshaba,
   Here is a site that you might want to check out:
   http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/sagulator.htm
   It calculates the thickness of many materials including glass depending on the shelf dimensions and load.

   Good calculating,

   Bill
6. 
   gb93433 | Jul 17, 2007 11:22pm | #12

   When using glass for shelves I try to buy glass that is not green on the edge. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass. If it does break it shatters into a million pieces.

1. 
   Mooshaba | Jul 25, 2007 05:26am | #14

   Interesting comment. . . "when buying glass for shelves, I try not to buy glass that is green on the edges"   Rarely do I see green glass, unless it's very thick, old bank shelves, or an old Coke bottle.   I agree, tempered glass is probably the answer.

   Thanks for the comments and information that everyone shared.  Going to let it rest now.

   much obliged,

   Mooshaba