Intro - Overview - Layout - Daddo and Rabbet Cuts - Back Assembly - Face Frame - Molding/Doors - Finishing - Checklist
Assembling and Gluing the Carcass
- The pieces of the bookcase must be assembled DRY prior to gluing to make sure everything fits together properly. Use a framing square to draw a line on the outside of the plywood for each dado joint so when finishing nails are used they will penetrate the shelves and not be visible on the inside. Also it is a good idea to do any major sanding at this stage. Before the unit is assembled the pieces can be laid on a work bench for an easier sanding job. After assembling, you will finish-sand the unit. Remember, the assembly procedure must begin from the INSIDE OUT.
- Reassemble using wood glue. Apply the glue evenly on both sides of joint. Let the two pieces soak up the glue for about 5 minutes, then apply more.
- Clamp the joints and let the glue dry. (Leave the adjustable shelves out for now.) Use small wood blocks or clamp covers so that clamps will not mar the wood.
- Use finishing nails and nail all the joints. Be careful not to mark or dent the unit when you hammer in the nails, If you do dent the unit, take a damp rag and steam iron and steam the dent for a few minutes till the dent is raised. Leave the finishing nails protruding slightly above surface of the wood. Once every thing is dry, use a nail set and counter sink these below the surface.
- To check for square-ness, measure from each corner to corner diagonally. It is square if the two measurements are the same. Nail a temporary brace diagonally across the unit to keep it square and stable. Leave the nails protruding slightly from this brace for easy removal.
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Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
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