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Too Short Shelves

7K views 16 replies 13 participants last post by  oldnovice 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Rather than getting stuck trying to figure out where I went wrong (still convinced the plans were wrong but oh well), I'm trying to figure out how to lengthen some plywood shelves, and wanted to run it past you guys to make sure I'm on the right path. The cut list stated to make the shelves 19 3/4 deep by 17 1/2 inches wide…well somehow my opening is about 18 1/2 inches wide even though I've followed all of the directions. Is my best bet going to be to rip some 1×3 into 3/4 lengths and biscuit/kreg jig/ glue/clamp it to the ply to get it to fit? I don't believe these shelves are going to be holding anything significantly heavy (it's for my SO's craft area). So weight shouldn't really be much of a factor. Or, should I just grab another sheet of plywood and rip new shelves? Thanks all!
 
#8 ·
rhybeka,

How are you finishing the front edge of your plywood shelves? If you ripped a little of the depth of your shelves, you could make a solid wood edge for the front and each end of the shelves. Miter the corners, glue and clamp. Your shelf will be plenty strong and would look finished on the front edge and ends.

Good luck.
 
#14 ·
Huh thanks Ron! I hadn't thought of that! The shelves aren't face framed, just edge banded from the look of it, so adding to the back may be my best option. Got a new to me craftsman table saw from my dad last night I'm itching to get cleaned up!
 
#16 ·
yes, I have slacked on this project and I'm still stuck working with the shelves. but it'll be done by mid february since I return to class and my SO will have a small cow if it's not done. doesn't help that the decision was changed to stain it instead of paint. I'm going to rotate the shelf, and kreg jig the left and right side - still debating on leaving a gap at the back for electrical cords or just setting it all the way back and trimming the front flush with a face frame.
 
#17 ·
Just for an off the wall idea!

Cut the shelves diagonally, slide the two pieces along the diagonal until you have the length desired, biscuit/dowel/glue along the diagonal, and trim the ends.

Your shelf will be longer, nearly the same strength, but narrower ... if you can stand for that difference!
 
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