Asian Inspired Bookshelf Concept

I like it. Definitely a unique design. Mahogany would be nice, but it could be done in almost any wood and still look good. I’m not sure how the center boxes would be supported but something could be designed to make it work.

Great design.

-- "A goal without a plan is a wish."

that’s interesting.. I had envisioned a pagoda-style book case so I like this! I especially like how you’ve suspended the art display cubes in the middle.
I like it.
I wonder what it would look like with doors as well, leaving the art cubes open.. hmmm

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Very cool looking. I like it.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

What an excellent idea, should be fun when you start construction.

-- Canadian Wood Chuck (Bruce)

i like the concept. perhaps if the top, middle top, center boxes, and bottom skirt were made of a lighter wood such as maple, alder,etc. to contrast and compliment each other?

-- smoknn

This is just a concept, I’m trying to come up with a bookshelf nice enough to submit for the bookshelf contest going on right now. Do you think this one would be good enough to submit, I mean if I drew it up in sketchup?

Chuck

-- Chuck [Elgin, IL]

Chuck,

This is a nice design. I can’t see why it wouldn’t be good enough to submit. It looks good to me. Go for it.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

This is nice. Sketch it. Build it!

-- Maplewood, MN

absolutely!!! This is wonderful

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Ok, but I’m going to need some help… how should I treat the sides? How should the floating display blocks be supported… I was thinking the back panel could be half inch material and could use screws? I know… screws aint real woodworking, but how would you guys think to do it?

Chuck

-- Chuck [Elgin, IL]

I like it.
The display blocks could be supported by through mortise & tenon joinery.
The boxes themselves could be dovetailed, box-jointed, or mitered with slipfeathers for strength.
However they’re done, it’d probably look best with a miter for the top-most joint (like a miter box-joint lidded box).
The back can be as thin as 1/4” cabinet grade plywood fit into a rebate running around the perimeter
and held in place with small brass screws. Or, you might want to consider resawing hardwood and shiplapping the back. Another option, albeit more work, would be to build a frame and panel back with stub tenons that go into shallow mortises along the sides. The panels could then be resawn hardwood, veneers, or plywood.

Cheers,
Gary