Sliding Dovetail Bookends

Nice design, simple but very effective.

-- I can so I wood but why are my learning curves always circles

very nice…i love these…putting this in my favorites…great gift idea!

-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...

Nice project. The grain in the maple is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

Thats some very nice work.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

These turned out very nice and I love the idea. I do hope you don’t mind if I borrow it for a future project.

CtL

-- Chris L. "Don't Dream it, Be it."

Chris … be my guest. To me, it’s not borrowing … it is research!

-- The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. -- Vincent T. Lombardi

The dimensions were largely dictated by the material I was using (1×6 dimensional lumber). Each book rack was cut entirely from a single piece of lumber 4’ in length. There was virtually no waste.

The dovetails are 14º – 5/8” cut 3/8” deep. I wanted the faces that support the books to be 6” high, which meant the bed could be 28” in length.

The key is to get a good fit on the dovetails. I cut the pins a little thick, and then worked them down with 180 grit self-adhesive sandpaper. The supports are 2 5/8” wide, and though they fit snug, they move easily when you want to adjust them but stay put with the weight of the books against them.

-- The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. -- Vincent T. Lombardi

Great Project! Necessity is the mother of invention!

-- Fred.... Poconos, PA ---- Chairwright in the making ----

Clever!

-- Don, Pittsburgh

I just now came across this project. Great idea, you do excellent work. I am going to put this on my to do list.

Thanks for posting.

I made a bunch of these for Christmas gifts last year … they were a real hit, especially with the relatives that can read! (lol)

-- The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. -- Vincent T. Lombardi

I like this. Its a simple and logical approach to a common problem,but there is a skill level required here.Well done!

-- " If I can make it,so can you" Andy in Oregon

They look great

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon