I'm Sure the Pros Don't Do It This Way
Every careful cut brings the built-in one step closer to becoming part of House 173.
The other day I wrote about how long this project is taking, mostly due to the fact that I'm far from a professional. This weekend is the perfect example of that.
Correcting Yesterday's Mistake
Yesterday I cut the new base platform because I had messed up the other original one, leveled the base and fed the power line up from the workshop.
And it all ended up looking like this...
Building the First Bookcase
Then today, I finished the assembly of the fireplace carcass, and got all the pieces cut for the first bookcase!
I'm sure the pros don't do it this way, but to get the sides to be exactly the same lengths, I clamped them together to cut them. Because of the tall base to the built-in, the bookcases will be 7 feet tall, taking the overall height to almost 8 feet! I also cut the top and bottom, as-well-as a center span to give the case more structural strength.
And I got started on the pocket holes too:
It's slow going for sure, but fun too!
One thing I keep reminding myself is that, if all goes according to plan, this won't just be another project. Long after I've forgotten how many evenings it took to build, I hope this bookcase is still standing here doing its job. That's reason enough to slow down, check one more measurement, and remake a board when it isn't quite right. A few extra hours now might buy a few extra decades later.
Hopefully the next post will have some obvious changes!
See you soon!
George
Son, after fifty years swinging a hammer, I've met plenty of pros... and every one of them swore the other guy was doing it wrong.If clamping two boards together helped you get the same cut twice, then congratulations... you just earned yourself another shop trick. - Your Friendly Neighborhood Carpenter
Frequently Asked Questions
Why clamp two boards together before cutting?
Clamping matching pieces together helps ensure they're exactly the same length. Even tiny differences can create alignment problems later when assembling cabinets or bookshelves.
Why use pocket holes for built-in bookcases?
Pocket-hole joinery creates strong mechanical joints while hiding the screws inside the cabinet. It's a popular technique because it's fast, accurate, and requires minimal clamping during assembly.
Why build one bookcase at a time?
Completing one cabinet first allows the builder to verify measurements, improve techniques, and make any necessary adjustments before repeating the process for the matching cabinet.
Is it normal to remake parts during a woodworking project?
Absolutely. Even experienced woodworkers occasionally remake pieces because a small mistake caught early is much easier to fix than trying to hide it after assembly.
Keywords
DIY built-in bookcase, pocket hole joinery, built-in fireplace, bookshelf construction, cabinet building, woodworking project, House 173, custom bookcase, fireplace surround, Kreg pocket holes