I am newbie to woodworking, more of a hobbyist. I am planning to embark on a project to build a bookcase (see attachment) that designed in sketchup. My plan was to use pocket joinery for the whole project. Is that a good way to go? Do you see any issues with my plan? I am worried about wether the pocket joinery will holdup?
thanks
Replies
The 2 unsupported shelves will be very weak and prone to failure. The entire center assembly would also be very limited in weight carrying capacity IMO. The design isn't clear if you plan to have a back. If the case has a back these problems could be alieviated somewhat.
As for you question regarding "pocket joinery" I can only assume you mean pocket holes & screws, not my choice for furniture construction, reserved for shop cabinets and and other less important construction projects but YouTubers love them.
If you truly want to learn woodworking I suggest you learn true joinery techniques such as dados and mortise and tenons. Taunton Press has an excellent book on wood joinery that shows multiple ways to make the same joint based on tools available and personal preferences you might find it helpful.
I don't think the design will hold up when loaded with books. The weight of the center shelves alone will fold the sides down, especially if you build it with pocket screws.
If there is a back that will be fasted to all the parts, it would make a nice curio cabinet. But not nearly strong enough for books.
“I am worried about wether the pocket joinery will holdup?”
It prolly won’t if you as a newbie already have doubts. A solid back panel would solve weight bearing issues but also adds a new level of woodworking complexity. Given the weight of books, this might not be the best design.
(Response is to OP)
A little light reading maybe. Since everybody just reads their phone anymore that would probably hold your phone ,without the charger at least!
Simply stated, I concur with responses 1 thru 4!
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