This was my first time using a plan from this site, it was my first time using a kreg jig, and pretty much my first time using a circular saw on anything that mattered. Also my first time staining. I'm real happy with how it turned out except for the staining! I used a stain + polyurethane in one and found it very difficult to get the color even without streaks. Next time I think I am going to stain all my cut wood BEFORE I assemble. I think that will let me have a nice even stain. Any thoughts on that?
I enlarged the plan by adding 12 inches to the top and 6 inches to the width. So I added a shelf 12 inches above the top one. It feels big and I love that.
Another thing that worked out nicely for me, I noticed when I was buying lumber from HD, the 2x2's were all a little bit warped or crooked, So for the four legs I opted for the premium perfectly strait and smooth pine. It was 8 bucks a piece instead of two but worked out I think. For the back I used mahogany pickets - not smooth, hard to sand down, but looks nice.
Took me about 20-25 hours over two weekends. Sanding and staining were the only laborious parts.
30 for stain,conditioner and brush
other essentials I needed to buy: kreg jig (40) with the right clamps (40) and some saw horses (40)
Comments
windjamer812
Wed, 01/21/2015 - 23:01
Great Job
You did a great job. Keep up the good work and learn how fun and addicting these projects become.
ncderemer
Fri, 01/23/2015 - 14:36
Staining
First I think your shelves look beautiful! I generally do find it easier to stain before I assemble. The corners can be really hard to do properly otherwise. The other thing I would say is that a stain primer can help make your application more even.
smuilenburg
Thu, 11/10/2016 - 11:34
New dimensions
I like the size that your book shelf is better than the original. What are the dimensions of your altered plan?
Mommaof4
Sat, 11/12/2016 - 11:51
size
I would like the dimensions as well