Here we go, folks – this time for real. Someone must be first, and I volunteer.
This is a barrister bookcase of my own design. I created it in eCabinet Systems, the program I use to design and create furniture pieces.
Dimensions are: 60”H x 36”W x 14”D
This could be built in modules, but I elected to do the bookcase as one piece. The model can be easily modified, now that the entire bookcase is designed. I also attach an exploded view, to pique your interest in how it might be built.
This question was answered by Glen Huey recently, in the Frequently Asked Questions post by Martin : I am a little confused, so I ask the question here: Am I supposed to also submit the entire file created in the eCabinet Systems program? Martin must be out of reach, as I sent him an e-mail message earlier.
Enjoy!
Project files, in .pdf format: (added April 2, 2008)
- Please use Right-Click and Open in New Window
Right-side view-dimensions
Front view-dimensions
Buy list
Cut List


-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com






















29 comments so far
GaryK
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8486 posts in 474 days
posted 199 days ago
Looks good. An invisible bookcase. :-)
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 199 days ago
Thanks, Gary! To quote your signature line, “The longest journey begins with a single step.” I just took the first step, I hope…
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
Damian Penney
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682 posts in 477 days
posted 199 days ago
I like the minimalist approach too Al, nicely done.
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
Brad_Nailor
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725 posts in 443 days
posted 199 days ago
It’s a primer color bookcase in a snow storm!
-- Women love me.....trees fear me
sIKE
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559 posts in 240 days
posted 199 days ago
Man a bookcase with an infinite number of shelves! Bloody Brilliant as our friends across the pond would say.
-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 199 days ago
Thank you all! I had NO idea everyone would care so much :-) Thank you, thank you, thank YOU!!!
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
GaryK
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8486 posts in 474 days
posted 199 days ago
You have to expect these things to snowball when you post such an interesting blog.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
roman
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439 posts in 379 days
posted 199 days ago
where did you find that “cloud white” stain that matches my laptop screen perfectly
-- http://www.furnituremann.ca/
trifern
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4065 posts in 253 days
posted 199 days ago
I especially like the polar bear, sitting on a snowbank, eating marshmellows, in a snowstorm carving on the front panel.
-- Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 199 days ago
OK, folks. Now you can take another look – and thanks for looking!
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
DAN
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3218 posts in 469 days
posted 199 days ago
well done AL . you obviously are a very tallented designer. good luck and the bar is set ….
-- ..... art for lifes sake ... danwalters@lumberjocks.com
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 199 days ago
Thanks, Dan. Pretty cool, coming from you – your projects are, as my granddaughter #1 would say, “Awesome!”
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
rikkor
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7687 posts in 361 days
posted 199 days ago
That is really nice.
-- Maplewood, MN
mrtrim
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1548 posts in 366 days
posted 199 days ago
wow ! im reading these comments and thinking there must be a gas leak in here or something !
i like the plan looks good
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 199 days ago
mrtrim,
No problem, really ;-) .
By way of explanation: I made my first blog entry, without posting anything in the Bookcase Challenge – THAT caused most of the initial comments. I was in the process of finishing the design; as happens often, it took me about 4 more hours to complete it, before posting it. I hope this clarifies it (somewhat).
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
mrtrim
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1548 posts in 366 days
posted 199 days ago
ok al gee had me worried ! lol
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 199 days ago
Thanks, rikkor.
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
Brad_Nailor
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725 posts in 443 days
posted 198 days ago
Nice design. I like barrister bookcases and this one is a fine example of one. The software you used looks interesting….reminds me of Cabinetvision. Nice render!
-- Women love me.....trees fear me
MsDebbieP
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11929 posts in 647 days
posted 198 days ago
an excellent entry in the new challenge!
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 198 days ago
Thanks, Brad and Debbie, for the nice and kind words !
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
Peter O
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633 posts in 361 days
posted 198 days ago
I love barrister bookshelves, and this set looks great!
In the exploded view it looks like you have sides that are drilled for adjustable shelves. Is that just a function of the eCabinets program defaults?
I’m thinking, if you can get floating books like those, you really don’t need bookshelves!
-- Coffee is best with a fine layer of sawdust on top. -- http://www.north40custom.com
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 198 days ago
Peter,
Thanks!
On purpose, I designed the cabinet to have adjustable shelves (for home use). Of course, they can all be made fixed, too. With the eCabinet Systems software, the user has a choice, whether adjustable or fixed shelves. Good catch!
About the books: I found these will levitate on their own – THAT I have no control over. Just kidding! Since the cabinet can be exploded, any visual elements added as “display items” will not explode; they will simply remain in place. But, in 3D space, it makes for interesting visual effects.
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
CanadianWoodChuck
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81 posts in 400 days
posted 198 days ago
Beautiful bookcase – I’ll take 2
-- Canadian Wood Chuck (Bruce)
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 198 days ago
Bruce,
Let me know your address…. :-) Thanks, I am glad you like it!
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 192 days ago
I added the project files to my post, which include dimensions in Front and Side views, the Buy List, and the Cut List. These are in *pdf format. I designed the project using eCabinet Systems software; the file format generated by this program cannot be converted to DXF format.
The files are located immediately above the first image of the cabinet. My thanks to Martin for posting the answers to the Frequently Asked Questions answered by Glen Huey, Senior Editor of Popular Woodworking.
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
Karson
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12910 posts in 887 days
posted 176 days ago
Al:
A great design. Looks very makeable. When will it be completed.
Good Luck.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 176 days ago
Thanks, Karson. I will build it soon, only if it is the winning entry.
With all the (other) terrific entries, I seriously doubt this design stands a chance at all. Eventually I will build it for use at home. However, there are several projects in line in my shop, and it might be a while before I get to this one.
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
mrtrim
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1548 posts in 366 days
posted 176 days ago
ill disagree with you al , i tnink it has a very good chance . i really like it a lot . good luck
Al Navas
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220 posts in 361 days
posted 175 days ago
mrtrim,
I appreciate your kind words. It won’t be long now… ;-) Good luck, one and all !!!
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com