Here is my entry for the bookcase challenge. Actually, maybe I should call it “how I forced myself to learn Sketchup the right way.” I had dabbled in Sketchup before but I never made drawings of different components that I then assembled. I spend a lot of time for this challenge watching the tutorials on YouTube and reading about proper Sketchup techniques online. I have worked with many 3D modeling programs before and some of the concepts are the same but there is certainly a learning curve for Sketchup.
Learning how to use components was the biggest help for this project. I also learned how to do dovetails properly and use layers and scenes to keep multiple views in the same project.
So without further ado here is the bookcase:
I haven’t done any work really with dovetails or gluing up panels so I tried to focus on those skills for this project. As you can see, the corner joints are done with dovetails and the shelves are attached with sliding dovetails. The bookends are what I think makes the project unique. They also use sliding dovetails and are able to slide out of the end of the case if you had a full shelf. The weight of books on them would cause them to “rack” in the dovetail slot and thus hold the books. They are made of alternating wood because I think it kind of makes the bookends look like books themselves.
The side panels are a glueup of cherry and maple to highlight the slots for the bookends. All of the pieces are 1” thick for strength and uniformity. I think this bookcase would be a great way for me to build my woodworking skills and end up with a nice bookcase.
Here is the Sketchup file. It has multiple scenes which can be accessed by clicking on the tabs at the top. I made one layer with the original drawing (which I found out can’t be on the default layer if you are going to use scenes). I then copied it to another layer and added books. For the exploded view, I copied to another layer and manually pulled the parts out.
Good luck to everyone and I welcome comments or questions on the design.
-- Kyle, Michigan
3 comments so far
GaryK
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8401 posts in 430 days
posted 131 days ago
Cool looking design!
Good luck.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
lightweightladyleftie
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84 posts in 154 days
posted 131 days ago
The bookends really make this bookcase special (and practical). I’ve made bookshelves using a keyhole slot and screws on the underside of bookends, but I prefer your idea. You came up with a unique design for removing them, too. And if a person were really overwhelmed with ambition, he could actually create wooden books (carving and painting or leather/fabric binding). Great work!
One question: Did you think about the possibility of racking of the whole bookcase since there is no front or back bracing, or will the thickness of the lumber and size of the dovetails alleviate any potential problem?
-- "But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6
Scott Bryan
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8481 posts in 263 days
posted 131 days ago
Kyle,
This looks like an interesting design. And congratulations on getting a fairly good working knowledge of Sketchup.
Good luck in the contest.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.