I’m very new to Sketchup and I’ve had more trouble than most learning how to do anything useful with it. Just in the last two days I made major progress. I’ll probably do a separate forum or blog post to discuss my trials and tribulations with SketchUp.
For the project, I wanted something light and airy. I think this bookcase has the lightness I wanted yet sturdy. The weight of the bookcase rests on a base so that there is no weight on the curved ends of the side rails. Since there is no strain on the curved parts, I’ll probably leave the grain running vertically for the entire side loops.
The back edge of the shelf is designed to provide a stop for the books, hold the optional bookends and add resistance to racking. The under shelf supports provide additional strength. There are 10 of these supports but I think they could be roughed out with a bandsaw then routed with a template to finished size. The rest of the shelf/side support joints are simple matching dados. These interlock to provide additional stiffness. These could be doweled if necessary for additional strength and provide another decorative touch. Biscuits hold the two side loop sets together. The back edge of the shelf components are also joined with biscuits.
The drawing does not show it, but I’m considering using a 1/8” round over bit on the outside edges of the side rails to soften the look. Also considering softening the front edges of the shelves.
The piece on the top shelf is a movable bookend. There could be several of these. These are not connected to the shelf in any way so they are completely removable. The end of the bookend fits in the grove in the back of the shelf. If the top tries to tip over, the bottom extension will bind in the grove and support the book.
The Sketchup File includes a detailed drawing of the back edge of the shelf and how it joins with the side rail. Also includes details of the curved shelf supports.
-- Leon -- Houston, TX - " I create all my own designs and it looks like it "
3 comments so far
Jiri Parkman
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552 posts in 261 days
posted 138 days ago
Nice design. I´m admiring your ability to learn sketchup.
-- Jiri
Scott Bryan
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8549 posts in 271 days
posted 137 days ago
Hi Leon,
This is an interesting design for the contest. I both congratulate you and empathize with you on the Sketchup learning curve. I guess the only real way to learn it is to simply dive in and begin using it.
Good luck on your entry.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Al Navas
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218 posts in 324 days
posted 137 days ago
Leon,
Nice design!
BUT: Make sure you use the tag challenge04 – otherwise, the entry won’t count !!!!!! You will this detail in Martin’s announcement.
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com