Help with Bookcase design.

The only real advantage to the bottom you describe is that it locks the sections together, as you already figured.

A three foot width using doubled pine boards should be strong enough that you don’t have to worry about bowing.

If you Google “barrister bookcase plans” you’ll find plans and a few pages that outline the pin system. I’d suggest buying a plan for that part alone, since the measurements and pin placement are critical for the doors to be able to open and close smoothly.

-- John, co-owner Sawdust 'n Stitches

Not sure about the dowels, but 1×12 boards 36” wide will probably sag on an average load of books without support. At least according to the Bookcases book I have read.

If you want unsupported shelves 36” wide you need either a front or back brace, or laminate some plywood (2 half-inch board for instance) and trim them to cover the edge.

Norm built some nice, modular barrister bookcases several years ago that were very nice. I think woodstore.net or plansnow.com has some Craftsman style barrister bookcases, but I think I remember not quite liking the way they look. Norm’s plan has the info for the door mechanism too.

-- You can't control the wind, but you can trim your sails

Thanks for the info…...I got it figured out awhile back though.