X Book Caddy

Difficulty
Intermediate
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Free plans to build a Land of Nod Good Read inspired book caddy. Your kids will love putting their books away at just their height at an angle. DIY tutorial from Ana-White.com.

Super sweet plan treat today!!!

 

You did ask!

My friend Gina from Lady Goats built this X Book Caddy - of course inspired by the Land of Nod Good Read Book Caddy (retail $149) - from solid wood boards for less than $20! 

I love how this little book caddy is right at the little one's height, and places the books at an angle so they are easy to put away and take out.

Well, I want you to hear straight from Gina how easy these were to build - and see more pictures and construction photos and details on the finish - so please take a second to go visit Gina here.

PS - Love the bookshelves in the background? Of course those are DIY too - plans are here!

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

2 - 1x2 @ 8'
1 - 1x3 @ 4'
1 - 1x4 @ 4'
1 - 1x6 @ 4'

Recommended attachment is 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws

Cut List

2 - 1x2 @ 22"
4 - 1x2 @ 10 1/4"
2 - 1x2 @ 12 1/2" (both ends cut at 45 degrees off square not parallel)
2 - 1x2 @ 14 3/4" (both ends cut at 45 degrees off square not parallel)
2 - 1x6 @ 24" (bottom shelf)
2 - 1x4 @ 24" (top shelf bottom slat)
2 - 1x3 @ 24" (top shelf middle slat)
2 - 1x2 @ 24" (top shelf top slat)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Don't round the corners at the top and bottom ends yet - it'll be easier to do that last.

The easiest way to join these board is with a single 3/4" pocket hole and 1 1/4" pocket hole screw - use glue. Make sure the two ends match up.

Step 2

Now attach the bottom support to the bottom - remember to put these on the insides. I'd use 1 1/4" finish nails and glue or countersunk screws.

Step 3

Attach bottom shelf boards to bottom rungs. Again, I'd use the 1 1/4" screws or finish nails and glue.

Step 4

These can be either attached with pocket holes or countersunk screws and glue.

Once these guys are on, you can have at it with the jigsaw and round those top corners off.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

n0rse

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 18:43

When I was a kid, my mom, sibs and me knocked together something similar to use as a manger for our Christmas story retelling (if you want to learn how to use the manger to collect hay and get your kids involved in serving each other during the season, see the story/book "The Last Straw"). We've had it forever, and tho it's been repaired a time or two, it's full of good memories.

megarnerful

Fri, 02/01/2019 - 13:49

Thank you for this!! Saw it on a blog, saw the price tag on the LoN site, IMMEDIATELY went to your site. You're the best!!!