Bedroom Closet #1: Shelf Design

Get a circular saw at least! Using the right tools will increase your chances of success and prevent you from wasting time and materials.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://americancraftsmanworkshop.com

I agree get a saw. You’ll be able to use it the rest of your life.

-- I've been blessed with a father who liked to tinker in wood, and a wife who lets me tinker in wood. Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

What Todd and Karson said.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

For the edges, you can get the iron on veneer, just use an old iron.

-- Do or do not, there is no try!

It looks as though some support is needed for the cantilevered corners. You could “stack” 1×2’s cut to fit between the shelves with a dab of glue and a tonail or screw at each end (this would be an ideal use for pocket screws).

You will need to begin collecting power tools. I would start with a circular saw ($30 – $50), an electric drill motor ($35 – $70), and a Kreg Mini Jig kit ($20) might be handy. You will also need a basic set of drill bits and some power screw driver bits for the drill motor. As you begin more projects, you will discover that you want/need additional tools such as an electric sander, jig saw, router, etcetera, plus filling out your hand tool collection. Later you will find that you need larger woodworking machines.

-- Doug, Bakersfield, CA - I measured twice, cut it twice, and it is still too short!

I like to use 10 or 12” wide pine for shelves. It will be a lot easier to cut than sheets of plywood. Unless you use a cabinet grade plywood, it will take some work to get it smooth enough for a shelf for clothing. If you are not dead set on a pole for the front support, a 1×3 will suppoort the shelves and you can nail or screw right into the ends of the shelves if the aren’t plywood.

-- "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence Wake Up America!! Please read; http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/26-0

Ok – I gave in and got the a circular saw. I also got a 40 tooth carbide blade and a 140 tooth plywood blade for backup. I also ordered the Kreg mini jig (not for this project, but definitely for the future). Luckily, I already own a decent drill and bits.

Re: Cantilever corners: I think I may just use metal L brackets because I want to leave the left side open so boxes and whatnot may extend a little past the shelf if needed. Using the pole for supports may look like a bit of a hack job. so I’m over that idea.

Any ideas how I can make the L brackets look a bit more refined? :)

@TopamaxSurvivor – If I can find pine, I would prefer that over plywood also.

-- Matt - Brooklyn, NY