Replies

1. 
   gpwestmoreland | May 19, 2001 06:18am | #1

   *
   Marcus,

   Could you use one thickness of 3/4" plywood and attach 1 1/2" edge band to front edge to give appearance of thickness? (This also increases the ridgidity of the shelf.) Also the last time I bought clear pine, many years ago, it was expensive. If using pine, why not buy lesser grade if you are going to paint anyway? Just seal the knots before painting. Just a couple of thoughts.

   One more question, to clarify your project: are you building book shelves or a bookcase? GP

1. 
   marcus_norman | May 19, 2001 09:49pm | #2

   *Thanks for the input...This is actually book shelves. They will span the entire wall (about 12' x 9', so putting edging on 3/4" won't exactly work well. The underside of the shelves will be very easy to see- especially if I paint it white like my wife wants.I think lesser grade might be the way to go, possibly edging the more knotty lumber with something clearer and stronger (poplar?)Thanks again,-marcus

1. 
   Major_H._Patterson | Jun 15, 2001 10:55am | #3

   *Marcus: Please forgive the belated reply.I know you said that workspace is a problem,but did you consider torsion box construction? A box made from strips of 3/8"X1-1/4"material with 1/8"birch ply top and bottom, might work. When painted, they will appear to be solid shelves. PAT

1. 
   Len_Rutherford | Dec 03, 2001 10:14pm | #4

   *If you're looking for stability and a material that will take paint very well, why not use MDO or MDF? You can face the fronts with solid wood, paint, and it will look good. Good Luck, Len

1. 
   robert_coles | Dec 05, 2001 07:42pm | #5

   *Torsion boxes? Oh YES - way more stable and solid and really lighter than solid wood, plywood and MDF.I suggest the following _______________[ I ] [ I ][_______I_______]This will never move. And if you really want, add even another rib, with some transversal members every 1/6th of the whole legnth.I made something similar lately and went a bit wacky: the void was "filled" from under with lightsand the sides with hiddden loudspeakers - Great BASS ).Don't forget: that's how ships and airplaines are built. To make it even lighter, empty circles are cut in the members. It is the mesh that counts.