Since I pretty much have the shop remodel all complete, it’s time to start thinking about some projects. I still have to build some storage cabinets, an outfeed table, workbench, etc…but I’m beginning to think I need to build my wife something to make her happy about all the work and time I’ve put into the shop. She has really wanted a nice bookcase to put in our hallway, so I sat down with Sketchup and did a preliminary model. I used some Greene and Greene elements as well as some Asian inspired elements to come up with what I think is a pretty nice little bookcase. A lot of the Greene and Greene details are not in the Sketchup model, but for times sake, I’ll add them during the build. I just thought I’d post a photo of the preliminary design and then I’ll post progress photos as I go and we’ll see how it turns out. I would appreciate any suggestions on the design as I really like the G & G style mixed with the Asian style legs, however I have never built a piece like this.
-- --Jack D - Southeast Missouri -- http://deltawoodworks.com
6 comments so far
JimmyNate
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44 posts in 249 days
posted 235 days ago
That is a nice look. Is that just a taper on the legs or do they thicken back out near the top?
I’m anxious to see more when you get started.
-- "We are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act but a habit." ---Aristotle
Todd A. Clippinger
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5654 posts in 998 days
posted 235 days ago
Well, you’re singing my tune when it comes to the legs and it sounds sweet!
I would say let the legs get thicker again towards the top.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Tim Scoville
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55 posts in 234 days
posted 231 days ago
I like the lines too. What woods are you thinking about?
-- Tim S, WA
Todd A. Clippinger
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5654 posts in 998 days
posted 231 days ago
I can tell you that this design would look good in mahogany, walnut, or cherry with a contrasting wood.
The deciding factor may be the environment in which it sits.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
SCOTSMAN
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2244 posts in 484 days
posted 231 days ago
I love all mission and arts and craft stuff I have many books on these aND THIS design is very nice I cannot see any fault in this type of work good luck Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
ChicoWoodnut
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895 posts in 714 days
posted 231 days ago
It’s nice! I would make the top hang out further from the sides but that’s just me. Also, have you thought about dressing up the fronts of the shelves with something decorative? Adding a wider strip to the front’s would make them appear a little thicker and you could add some details like contrasting wooden plugs, splines or even some metal inlay.
I just took another look. I would probably pull that lower stretcher up to cover the front of the shelf. Or I might leave it like you have it but offset the shelf back a little to give it some visual interest.
good thinking about keeping the SO happy too.
-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net