My first 2 rookie projects, seeking advice on the 3rd.

[Cord]

Hello All,

I believe this is my first post, so thanks to all that contribute to this forum with their ideas and projects. Especially to those that have taken the time to help out the beginners like me.

I kind of did my first two projects in reverse order. I built this small entertainment center first:

It was a good learning experience and I'm glad I made my mistakes with this. I consider this one to be temporary and will make a better one soon.

Then I did the workbench. I basically used the plans from this site but made a couple of minor (again, I'm a rookie - these are not brilliant) changes. I'm just posting them here in case it helps someone in the future.

I made 2 benches. The goal was to be able to keep them separate to save on space as well as join them if I need a bigger work surface. As well, I wanted to use them as an outfeed table for my table saw.

So the only difference here between the standard plans and what I did was to cut the legs shorter so that I could add wheels to it and also end up with a total height that is just slightly under my table saw. The other change was that for the top, I attached them in an asymmetrical way so that 2 of the sides are completely flush with the frame of the workbench. This way, when I clamp the two tables together, there's more surface area to grab.

So that's about the extent of my skill-set now. I'd like to do a winter project of making a built-in bookcase for the bedroom that goes on both sides and above the bed.

Here's a couple of ideas I pulled from Houzz

http://www.houzz.com/photos/772956/A-Classic-CT-Home-with-a-Modern-...

http://www.houzz.com/photos/444526/Plano--TX-Modern-Home-contempora...

http://www.houzz.com/photos/69512/River-House-eclectic-bedroom-colu...

This is my actual bedroom:

As you can see, it's not as grand as the others in the links. My general plan would be to take the bookcase flush to the wall on the right side and probably to the window on the left (or perhaps just short of that).

I doubt I'll take it all the way to the ceiling as well, so that gives me some wiggle room in terms of measurements for overall height as well one less thing to try and make flush.

The end product will most likely be painted white, so that also opens up a bunch of options in terms of wood selection.

So this is where I'm now asking for any and all advice on anything to do with:

- type of wood to use

- how much of it should be Kreg joined, should I use other forms of joinery as well?

- I was thinking about  doing it in 3 main sections.....the cases on either side of the bed would act as supports for the piece that sits directly above the headboard. As well, attach that upper piece to the wall with a cleat? I would assume that's enough support?

- advice on finishing touches - scribing that side that will be visible (the side near the window)? Or just cover it with some form of finishing trimwork?

I'm pretty much open to any insight that anyone has. I'm only somewhat confident that I can make decent, square boxes that contain the books. Connecting all the pieces and finishing it properly is currently outside of my scope. I have not done a built in before, so tackling one that sits above my head when I sleep may not be the best idea!

Thanks in advance.

Cord

[Jay Boutwell]

Cord from what I am understanding about the book case it appears that the book case with need to be made of three separate sections.  The two side cases will not be as wide as the ones shown in the links you provided but can be made to store a lot of books.

You were talking about joinery and the Kreg system is about the best you can use unless you wish to get involved in dado cutting.  You can hide most of the pocket screws and those you can not hide you can plug them.  Since you are thinking of painting it white it would work fine.

For wood that makes a great paint grade is birch popular and alder.  The first two are cost affordable with alder being a little higher in cost.

If I was building this I would build the case to about 2wo inches of the ceiling and the add the same crown that you have on the walls.  If you don't and build it up to less that a foot of the ceiling it will become a dust collecting place that will be hard to keep clean.  For the side by the window I would build it flush to the wall and then use some scribe molding and cut the wall variations to fit the wall contours.  When you determine more of what you want to do and need some help feel free to contact me.

Your other two project look pretty nice so I am sure your abilities will win the battle with the bookcase.  It is a good idea as well and will give you a new look.

[Cord]

Thanks, Jay. Your input is appreciated. They are all good points to consider.

Cord

[James Waller]

Very nice projects, Cord!

I had also combined two workbenches together to make a corner computer desk, but instead of clamping I use bolts/nuts/washers (2 of each) to attached them after drilling holes through the 2x4's. Had plenty of space even with two hutches I built for the desk. Unfortunately I don't have them no more.

Besides the 2 I mentioned I also built 2 more benches, one was for work that I enclosed with ¼" hardboard on back and sides, plus built 2 swinging doors in front with lock and the other was a smaller version with wheels to use as roll-around bench. Again, they are all gone now.