bookcase 6

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Comment by Denny de Baltz on February 24, 2012 at 9:24am

Ash, what I did was just draw a rough outline on the wall to get my major dimensions and I really didn't worry about the minor dimensions until I did the main components. I did stick to using stock material dimensions when facing the cabinet. You will have plenty of time to work out the smaller details during the build of your first section. I wouldn't get hung up on getting too technical in your design because even though you work it out on "paper" the project will evolve during the build. But if you must, google sketchup is available for free if you go to the google homepage and click on "more", that's where you'll find it. There is a bit of a learning curve to the program so you'll spend a few days or weeks learning that. So in my opinion, do what I did. Hope this helps.

Comment by Ash on February 23, 2012 at 6:01pm

As I move further in my plan to build these, another obstacle I foresee is how to make a detailed plan with cut list.  This is particularly true when one is building custom pieces such as these. Of course there would be the old paper and pencil way - but just wondering if you or anyone has a suggestion for a very inexpensive (FREE !!) CAD software ?

TIA,

Ash

Comment by Denny de Baltz on January 31, 2012 at 10:00am

Eric, that's not Roger's 1st project (it's mine). If you check his page you'll see he's an experienced woodworker! Nevertheless he is correct. My home is 1year old and I had the exact same reservations so I know what you mean. If you read my response to Jeff on page 1 of this discussion that should tell you everything you need to know, in addition to what Roger has just explained. If you need something more specific, let me know and I will be glad to answer your questions.

Comment by Roger D Alder on January 31, 2012 at 6:23am

Eric, The only problem you may have with installing on carpet is, next to the wall there is a tack strip about 3/16" thick with nails sticking up to hold the edge of the carpet. This will cause your project to tilt forward. You will probably need to shim up the front to get things level. If your carpet is glued down like mine you should not have this problem. Hope this helps.

Roger

Comment by Eric Rodkey on January 30, 2012 at 11:18pm

Roger,

Again, great 1st project! I too am looking to build my first project...office cabinets. We are moving into a new home...new carpet, really do not want to cut the carpet. Can you give me a better idea how you leveled and attached the different components? Any other advise sure appreciated

Thanks

Comment by Denny de Baltz on January 25, 2012 at 8:26am

Ash, what I meant by that is that I will have a table style desk extending from the center of the bookcase (it would look like a "T" if you were looking from the top down). My wife and I should be able to sit on either side of it at the same time, or optionally I could have what you call a floating desk by moving it out to the middle of the room but that is a less efficient use of space as I would like to have some other things in that room as well. If you have any other questions I would be glad to share what I have learned while building this. I would say the hardest part about the project was the little design details that give it a little extra dimension. That's where more experience would be useful to me because I sit there and stare at it wondering what I can do to make it look a little nicer... and I would have probably been done by now (I'm on week 6) and possibly saved a little bit of money. Anyway, I'm excited to see what you come up with! Please keep me updated.

Comment by Ash on January 24, 2012 at 10:21pm

Looks like I found the perfect thread. I am trying to build pretty much similar thing. I need same look as Roger's (Red Oak with early American). I too do have to deal with carpet and thanks Jeff & Denny for discussing that.

One last Q to Denny - what do you mean by "because I am tying a desk perpendicularly into the center cabinet." Can't exactly visualize that but my project does need a desk hence very curious.

Comment by Roger D Alder on January 20, 2012 at 3:48pm

They are 3/4" oak plywood faced with 3/4" X 11/4" red oak wood. thanks

Comment by Denny de Baltz on January 20, 2012 at 10:46am

Roger, Looks awesome! now you can come help ME! Seriously though, your entertainment center looks very sturdy. Are your shelves faced to look thicker or are they really that thick?

Comment by Roger D Alder on January 20, 2012 at 7:05am

Great job on your first project. I just completed this one out of red oak. It is stained early American with 3 coats of spray lacquer. Sure could have used your help. Again GREAT JOB  

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