My first project using the Kreg jig is completed

[George Stoltz]

My combination bookcase/wine rack is finally done.  It was fun and very satisfying.  Creating something where there was nothing but wood, stain, screws etc is truly rewarding.  I wish I had a real woodworking shop with professional tools.  Now that would be a dream come true.  

I wanted a piece of furniture that would fit in with the  craftsman-arts & crafts style of the other furniture in our home.  That style, BTW,  is not craftsman's  as in Sears, Roebuck.

 

There were a few details that did not work out as planned, but for a first project and not having professional tools, I am happy, but I only give myself an B+.

 

I devoted around 100 hours to the project over 3 and  1/2 weeks.   So even at $5/hour, the piece would have to sell at over $500 and that would not include the approximately $200 of materials.   So the next time I see a piece of custom-built furniture made from wood with a really high price tag, I will understand that the price is fair and maybe even a little on the low side.  I remember seeing really beautiful wood cabinets and desks when on the road that were being offered at prices like $4,000 -- $7,000 on up to $10,000.  They were worth every penny. Unfortunately, few people are willing to pay for custom work like this.  But then, my case is not for sale. 

 

When I put the case together today, I was so thankful that I decided to not use any glue.  Those pocket screws hold so tightly that I saw no reason to use glue  That turned out to be a bonus because twice I had to remove a shelf to give me enough room to drive screws and then re-install the shelf. Had I used glue, there would have been some wailing and gnashing of teeth. 

 

I also re-learned the need to take one's time and to think, think, think.  And measure, measure, measure.

 

When I removed shelves I wanted to find a way to make sure I got them back in the exact same spot -- I did not want to enlarge a screw hole and loose holding power.  While I did use blocks and lots of clamps, the third photo shows a piece of blue tape on which I drew a line with a Sharpie and then cut the tape.  All I had to do was align the mark for spot-on accuracy. 

Some observations:

1)  I now know why people save wood scraps.  Many, many times they came in so handy,

2)  It is important not to get rushed.  I had to tell myself to slow down and think.  This avoided a lot of mistakes, but not the time I used a coarse-thread screw and ended up splitting a piece of oak face trim.

3.  Get and use really good rulers.  I can't emphasize enough  the need to really check and re-check measurements. 

4.  If possible, drive pocket screws in my hand.  That way I could keep from over driving a screw through another piece of wood -- even though I can adjust the torque on my chuck I like hand driving of screws so much more.  Screws going into oak were coated with paraffin. 

5. Do not work on the floor.  Create some sort of stable work surface.  I used two really strong saw horses with a thick piece of smooth hardboard screwed to the horses.

6.  Clamp and secure both pieces as best as possible to prevent boards from moving.  

7.  I love my Kreg jig.  I hope to use it often in the future

 

[mike]

Great job!!

[Joan Gribskov]

Well done!  I have the Kreg shelf pin jig and find it very useful - the shelving can be adjusted to suit and the holes are nearly invisible.  Enjoy your next project - can't wait to see the pictures!

[james wilhelm]

Very nice job George, great details and a beautiful finish , thanks for sharing !!!!

[Ken Darga]

Nice George,

Looked like a fun build.

[David Dean]

nice work

[KregRep]

Nice work George! I like the dual-purpose idea of the design. Good job on staining and finishing, as well. Keep up the great work!

KregRep

[Claude Bradford]

Looking good and sturdy cabinet! Like the strong build and the design which has a dual function. Great job!

[Mandodad]

Nice looking piece George, good work and great comments. Keep up the good work.

[Hugh Clare]

Very nice looking work, George. You did a decent job of matching your existing furniture, too. Keep it up. 

[George Stoltz]

Thanks, Hugh -- and others, too. 

The stain did not match as well as the sample I made, but that happens.  All in all, I am pleased.  Thanks for your compliment.

Hugh Clare said:

Very nice looking work, George. You did a decent job of matching your existing furniture, too. Keep it up. 

[Ryan McLaughlin]

Great job George!