Integrated Book Shelves

Copper and beech bookcase

Share:

Summary

As part of refurbishing my home, in April 2020 I built this integrated bookcase. I wanted a solution which was strong, cleanly designed, and where I could learn some new skills. I also bawked at the idea of paying thousands for a custom built option, which would likely be made from MDF.
Integrated Book Shelves
Status: Completed
Updated: April 3rd 2020

Tagged: Carpentry, Maker


Integrated Shelving Project: Image #26

Materials

I opted to use beech countertops, and cut them down into planks. This was a way to save money and create a unique and sturdy aesthetic, while benefiting from the precision that’s put into countertop wood. (If I was to redo this now I’d probably use locally felled Ash or other, planked down by my friend who has a mill.)

For the ‘skeleton’ I chose copper piping. There are lots of industrial-style shelving builds online, but I didn’t find one built the way I’d do it, and I knew a bit of welding/brazing, so I figured I could learn that too while I was making it.

How it went

Overall it was a smooth build, the hardest part was threading the shelves down over the copper skeleton I’d made, where I’d made the holes push tight. (I actually managed this in the end with olive oil!) I enjoyed the few evenings I took making this, the chance to work on my woodworking skills and seeing the design come out as planned.

The rebate & pin method I used for securing the shelves vertically worked well, and I am glad I added the horizontal cross-bars from smaller (10mm) copper pipe at the last minute as it completes the design well.

The bookcase is incredibly sturdy, with the copper all brazed together and the beech shelves 30mm thick and push-fitted to the copper. I attached it to the wall with a few screws and brackets, but frankly it was probably solid enough on its own. I also got the corner fit very tight, which helps there too.

If I were to build shelves like this again, I’d change these things:

  • Use local wood, and spend the time bringing it into tolerance myself.
  • Size the shelf holes 1mm larger
  • Allow several taller shelves for graphic novels, which end up getting put horizontally for want of space.

Integrated Shelving Project: Image #1Integrated Shelving Project: Image #2Integrated Shelving Project: Image #3Integrated Shelving Project: Image #4Integrated Shelving Project: Image #5Integrated Shelving Project: Image #6Integrated Shelving Project: Image #7Integrated Shelving Project: Image #8Integrated Shelving Project: Image #9Integrated Shelving Project: Image #10Integrated Shelving Project: Image #11Integrated Shelving Project: Image #12Integrated Shelving Project: Image #13Integrated Shelving Project: Image #14Integrated Shelving Project: Image #15Integrated Shelving Project: Image #16Integrated Shelving Project: Image #17Integrated Shelving Project: Image #18Integrated Shelving Project: Image #19Integrated Shelving Project: Image #20Integrated Shelving Project: Image #21Integrated Shelving Project: Image #22Integrated Shelving Project: Image #23Integrated Shelving Project: Image #24Integrated Shelving Project: Image #25Integrated Shelving Project: Image #26

Let’s make mad sh*t.

I’ve made a lot of things in my life, and I intend to make a lot more. My biggest goal is to make a good and happy life.

Join my journey to authentic autonomy; let’s make craft software make money!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
    Powered by Project Pages