Replies

1. 
   notDusty | Jul 21, 2005 12:31am | #1

     pat ,

               Are the shelves adjustable or fixed ? If adjustable then the system i.e. pegs or tracks are what determines the limits of the shelves . Maybe you could provide a bit more support across the back edge ?

               good          luck                dusty

2. 
   Ricks503 | Jul 21, 2005 12:40am | #2

   Add a 1 - 1.5" wide by 3/4" thick hardwood strip along the from of the shelf - should stiffen it and increase load bearing strenth.  - That might require you to rip  3/4 - 1" off the front of the shelf to add the strip, but you can also then rout a radius on it or some other nice edge treatment like beading.

   I if doing that I would also consider a wood strip on the underside at the back of the shelf 1/2" - 3/4" thick by 2 " wide

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
3. 
   clint1 | Jul 21, 2005 06:47am | #3

   You might want to put a stiffer substrate on top of the particle board; if you have sufficient hight.

4. 
   charliev | Jul 21, 2005 10:01am | #4

   Clint's suggestion might work.

   I am pretty sure the shelves are fixed, since they have to align with the glass doors.
   I don't think you can put anything under the front of the shelves for added support since the glass doors lift up and slide directly under the shelf above. However, the doors don't usually go all the way back. You might try try something thin, maybe like metal drywall outside corner bead, and attach it to the BACK of each shelf.

   Other option could be to measure carefully and run screws through the back and into the shelves (I would use a narrow screw, maybe a #6X1"). I have also drilled holes from the back, just barely hitting the bottom of the shelves and inserting a dowel to support the middle; but this had a 1/2" back. I don't know if this would work with a 1/4" back

5. 
   jackplane | Jul 21, 2005 04:15pm | #5

   Particle board!? what a crime for any store to pass this off as a barrister's bookcase.

   I'd suggest installing new veneer ply shelves with hardwood edges.