I've watched hundreds of woodworking videos from people big and small, skilled to just crafty. I've watched plenty of bookcase videos as a result. This is the best simple, elegant bookcase build I've watched yet. Will be using these methods to build my wife two bookcases for her birthday. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.
I'm getting ready to build a seven foot tall by four feet wide bookcase myself, so I appreciate your advice, wisdom, and candir on this one. About brushes: pros will readily tell you horse hair brushes are the best for many reasons. And I agree. The extra expense is worth every penny. As for staining, there are proper techniques that are proper for a reason. It builds quality, beauty and value. The best tutorial I've seen is on a RUclips channel called "WOODSHOP COMPANION". This old scchooler knows his stuff. If you use paint, use quality paints. I recommend a primer separate from the main coat. I don't like paint with primer combined. Results are not always uniform. My bookcase... mostly forest green, white shelves and trim, and twin doors with acrylic windows and a Windsor frosted glass film. Historical British styling. But that's just me. I will have it on here when I'm done.
I am so glad I discovered your channel a few months ago. I am a " Newbee" woodworker of about 2 years. Your bookshelf making tutorial is so simply explained, and easily to follow. I have saved this tutorial in my Pintrest to build this bookcase. Wish me luck!!
Get a thin strip of wood or other flexible material (like a yardstick).hold it on 2 equal reference points near each end, and push to create an appealing arch that you can trace with a pencil. They sell plastic and metal tools for this, but improvisation is cheaper. @@edwinmcguire6040
I like to use a wipe on water or oil based poly depending on how natural of a look you're going for. A little darker, deeper, oil based, more natural, water based, wipe on doesn't lea e brush strokes and poly has a bit longer dry time vs a shellac or lacquer, giving you more time to get it on the surface, super easy to do and very little mess to clean up. I prefer General Finishes. Thanks for all the videos, I really enjoy them from a Good ole' Oklahoma boy.
I’m scared of any sort of oil-based finish because of a bad experience where a finish like that soaked into the bottom of my books and discolored them. Since then I always line my shelves with freezer paper, just to be sure.
I built The TV stand from your video and when it came to the finish I decided to stain the wood and used a wipe on poly. I dont have good luck with brushing.
I’m fairly new to furniture building and have found your videos very informative. I’ve a question regarding the top though, would gluing a solid wood top down to dimensionally stable plywood not cause it to crack during seasonal changes? Or is wood movement exaggerated these days?
@@piraterage7889 deep down I knew the answer to my own question and decided to amend the build. I’m using a plywood top edge banded with solid wood, mitered in the corners.
What a great video! I’ve put off building a set of book cases. This definitely gets me confident enough to jump in. I’m saving this video and the dresser video as well. I’m excited to tackle both projects as soon as I can! Thanks Wes. Love your work!
Great project as always, always look forward to your videos. As for topcoats, if I go for stain, it’s either Minwax or Zar. Followed by top coat of polyurethane or acrylic so I can get an ultra flat sheen. The key is always sanding your first topcoat with 600 grit sandpaper. If I’m going color, considering I make country style type of furniture as a hobby, I use nothing but old Village or old century acrylic paints. Because of the depth of their classic colors. I will sometimes use danish oil on certain projects, followed with a coat of polyurethane or two on top.
Absolutely love your videos,,i did a cabinet out 3/4 birch ply, was approximately 7 ft high.When i installed my drawers ended up having to put spacers in for my drawer slides because the sides where bowed. Any idea how to stop this from happening.Thanks Ray
Hi Ray...I install a stretcher between my drawers on all my cabinets which helps maintain consistent spacing, side-to-side. Check out some of my cabinet videos and see if that helps. Good luck, Wes
Mate, we made 2 bookcases, similar to this in Australian Mountain Ash finished ply (25mm). Our preferred sealer was Whittle Wax Evolution satin - applied by cloth - beautiful
This video came at the right time Wes! My 'interior planner' has mentioned she would like some bookcases for her cook books! Just as soon as I build the wardrobes in the downstairs bedroom. I have picked up a lot of very good tips and advice from watching your channel. Do you have any previous video on building wardrobes? If you cant learn something new its a bad day. As for the finish on the bookcase, What about a wax finish? It would be a shame to paint over oak. Or a clear Polyurethane varnish, satin coat. The Acrylic just doesn't look as good, but I know it dries quicker .
Hey Wes, I really appreciate your experience and the way you explain your builds, it's really great! I do have a question though, when you are putting nail holes or seams what kind of putty do you use? I've tried a few different kinds and don't like the finish when I am staining. Thanks!
I refinished an old pine tv cabinet to repurpose as a little pantry. I tried a finish that I found on the Black Sheep House channel that was a combo of 1 part primer, 1 part latex interior Paine, 1 part polyurethane, and I also added some plaster for a matte finish. It was a smooth rolled on finish that has lasted and endured abuse for 2 years of usage. I have to say, the knots from the pine did start to show through about 8 months after painting and I didn’t do any prep work to block the knots beforehand. If you use a different wood, the finish is both smooth and durable with great coverage.I am thinking I could have further delayed the appearance of the knot-rings if I had applied some shellac to those spots before painting the piece.
Hi...because I live in the desert southwest, wood movement is not a huge problem. Areas with more humidity require more attention. Thanks for watching, Wes
Another great video Wes, and a beautiful bookcase.I always use oil based polyurethane on oak as it really brings out the colour and grain, it also very durable. I generally use matt.👌👌👌👌🔥🔥🔥🔥
Love it. Nice and simple design/build. This will be perfect for a free-standing kitchen pantry cabinet I need on one wall with just a couple screws at the top to secure it to the wall. Only change needed is a full face frame and add some doors matching those in my existing kitchen.
I am an audient viewer of your channel, love the simplicity of your explanations. I am curious about the pocket clips on your nailers, can you provide a link for them or advise me where you got them?
Awesome bookcase and your 4 items are truly important to produce a quality product. Depending on the wood used and the intended use, I find wiped polyurethane or tung oil to work great for natural finish.
Question did you edge band the bottom edge of the nailer at the top? It didn't look like you had . I always enjoy and learn something from your videos Thank you
One tip I’d suggest is to cut the sides of the base at a shallow angle so that the bookcase naturally leans against the wall. Though I’d like to see how you’d do it!
Another great tutorial Wes, thank you. Could you share what product you use to fill your nail holes? I haven’t had a lot of luck with the ones I have tried. Thanks, Dan
Hey this is Wes...if you have any questions or stuck on a particular project you need help with, go to
www.woodworkingwithwes.com
Thank you for sharing your woodworking wisdom with us! This bookcase turned out beautifully!
I've watched hundreds of woodworking videos from people big and small, skilled to just crafty. I've watched plenty of bookcase videos as a result. This is the best simple, elegant bookcase build I've watched yet. Will be using these methods to build my wife two bookcases for her birthday. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.
Thank you for your kind comment...I am glad this video was helpful. I am sure yours will be great!! Wes
Totally agree. It is so much easier to understand and make, thank you ❤
I must say, I can't believe how little glue you use compared to others. Really, where's it going to go?
Min wax pre stain
Min wax stain
Min wax polycrilic
Water. Base
I'm getting ready to build a seven foot tall by four feet wide bookcase myself, so I appreciate your advice, wisdom, and candir on this one.
About brushes: pros will readily tell you horse hair brushes are the best for many reasons. And I agree. The extra expense is worth every penny.
As for staining, there are proper techniques that are proper for a reason. It builds quality, beauty and value. The best tutorial I've seen is on a RUclips channel called "WOODSHOP COMPANION". This old scchooler knows his stuff.
If you use paint, use quality paints. I recommend a primer separate from the main coat. I don't like paint with primer combined. Results are not always uniform.
My bookcase... mostly forest green, white shelves and trim, and twin doors with acrylic windows and a Windsor frosted glass film. Historical British styling. But that's just me. I will have it on here when I'm done.
I am so glad I discovered your channel a few months ago. I am a " Newbee" woodworker of about 2 years. Your bookshelf making tutorial is so simply explained, and easily to follow. I have saved this tutorial in my Pintrest to build this bookcase. Wish me luck!!
Awesome...yes, I wish you luck and I am sure you will do great! Wes
Once more you are unbelievable. Everything you make it's like a gold...
Keep on going teaching us.
Thank you...thank you! I appreciate your kind words! Wes
Thanks for allowing us into your shop Wes. As always very well done! Sorry I can't help with your finishing question, prefer stain and poly.
Thank you so very much for watching the video...I really appreciate the support. Wes
That is a BEAUTIFUL book case! What a fantastic explanation as well! Thank you for sharing!
Hi...thank you for your kind words, glad you enjoyed the video! Wes
Several hundred in materials right?
Wes great video ❤️ the Book case.
You didn't show us how you cut the curved decorative piece at the top 😒.... Maybe next time 😁👍
Use your band saw! Thanks for watching, Wes 😀
@@WoodworkingWithWes What is the easiest way to create the arch?
Get a thin strip of wood or other flexible material (like a yardstick).hold it on 2 equal reference points near each end, and push to create an appealing arch that you can trace with a pencil. They sell plastic and metal tools for this, but improvisation is cheaper. @@edwinmcguire6040
I like to use a wipe on water or oil based poly depending on how natural of a look you're going for. A little darker, deeper, oil based, more natural, water based, wipe on doesn't lea e brush strokes and poly has a bit longer dry time vs a shellac or lacquer, giving you more time to get it on the surface, super easy to do and very little mess to clean up. I prefer General Finishes. Thanks for all the videos, I really enjoy them from a Good ole' Oklahoma boy.
It sounds like you know your finishes!! Thank you very much for the suggestion. Wes
I’m scared of any sort of oil-based finish because of a bad experience where a finish like that soaked into the bottom of my books and discolored them. Since then I always line my shelves with freezer paper, just to be sure.
Hi...that is a great tip we all need to be aware of. Thanks, Wes
excellent tutorial and tips. i'm going to be building a whole room library soon and i feel more confident now. thank you Wes!
Excellent...glad it was a help. I am sure it will be very nice! Wes
I built The TV stand from your video and when it came to the finish I decided to stain the wood and used a wipe on poly. I dont have good luck with brushing.
I am sure it looks great!! So glad you found the video inspiring. Thanks, Wes
Simple and easy. Nice video. Would love to know what wood putty you use.
Hi...I use Famowood that can be purchased on Amazon. Thanks for watching, Wes
I’m fairly new to furniture building and have found your videos very informative. I’ve a question regarding the top though, would gluing a solid wood top down to dimensionally stable plywood not cause it to crack during seasonal changes? Or is wood movement exaggerated these days?
I also want an answer to this
@@piraterage7889 deep down I knew the answer to my own question and decided to amend the build. I’m using a plywood top edge banded with solid wood, mitered in the corners.
What a great video! I’ve put off building a set of book cases. This definitely gets me confident enough to jump in. I’m saving this video and the dresser video as well. I’m excited to tackle both projects as soon as I can! Thanks Wes. Love your work!
I really enjoyed your video. Do you sell plans that include all materials, cuts, etc.?
Thank you for visiting the channel...sorry we do not sell plans. Wes
Great project as always, always look forward to your videos. As for topcoats, if I go for stain, it’s either Minwax or Zar. Followed by top coat of polyurethane or acrylic so I can get an ultra flat sheen. The key is always sanding your first topcoat with 600 grit sandpaper. If I’m going color, considering I make country style type of furniture as a hobby, I use nothing but old Village or old century acrylic paints. Because of the depth of their classic colors. I will sometimes use danish oil on certain projects, followed with a coat of polyurethane or two on top.
all natural wood finishes with boiled linseed oil and beeswax!
Thank you! I really appreciate the suggestion...Wes
Like it! Impressive the nailing at 5:07 with out marking outside. Painting or finishing for these kinds of furniture's i prefer walnut varnish.
My favorite stupid simple finish is a wipe on poly. It provides a durable finish without a plastic feel
Perfect bookcase! I enjoyed watching the video. Thank you ❤
No clue no joint connecting the parts, nailing it together, this is bad!
What do you mean? Please explain.
Please describe the actual mode of failure you’re worried about
Absolutely love your videos,,i did a cabinet out 3/4 birch ply, was approximately 7 ft high.When i installed my drawers ended up having to put spacers in for my drawer slides because the sides where bowed. Any idea how to stop this from happening.Thanks Ray
Hi Ray...I install a stretcher between my drawers on all my cabinets which helps maintain consistent spacing, side-to-side. Check out some of my cabinet videos and see if that helps. Good luck, Wes
Mate, we made 2 bookcases, similar to this in Australian Mountain Ash finished ply (25mm). Our preferred sealer was Whittle Wax Evolution satin - applied by cloth - beautiful
Hi...that sounds like wood and finish I need to check into. Thank you so much for sharing! Wes
This video came at the right time Wes! My 'interior planner' has mentioned she would like some bookcases for her cook books! Just as soon as I build the wardrobes in the downstairs bedroom. I have picked up a lot of very good tips and advice from watching your channel. Do you have any previous video on building wardrobes? If you cant learn something new its a bad day.
As for the finish on the bookcase, What about a wax finish? It would be a shame to paint over oak. Or a clear Polyurethane varnish, satin coat. The Acrylic just doesn't look as good, but I know it dries quicker .
Thank you, I opted for a semi-gloss polycrylic. Good luck with all your upcoming projects...sorry no video for a wardrobe. Wes
Hey Wes, I really appreciate your experience and the way you explain your builds, it's really great! I do have a question though, when you are putting nail holes or seams what kind of putty do you use? I've tried a few different kinds and don't like the finish when I am staining. Thanks!
I use Famowood, you can get it on Amazon. Thanks for visiting the channel, I really appreciate your kind words and support. Wes
I refinished an old pine tv cabinet to repurpose as a little pantry. I tried a finish that I found on the Black Sheep House channel that was a combo of 1 part primer, 1 part latex interior Paine, 1 part polyurethane, and I also added some plaster for a matte finish. It was a smooth rolled on finish that has lasted and endured abuse for 2 years of usage. I have to say, the knots from the pine did start to show through about 8 months after painting and I didn’t do any prep work to block the knots beforehand. If you use a different wood, the finish is both smooth and durable with great coverage.I am thinking I could have further delayed the appearance of the knot-rings if I had applied some shellac to those spots before painting the piece.
That's a finish I have not heard of...sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing. Wes
nice method for drilling holes for shelf installation---make your fence do DOUBLE DUTY---i learned something this morning thanx rick
Glad the video was helpful Rick. Thank you for your continued support! Wes
Question for a newbie...would you have to worry about wood movement since you're gluing and nailing the solid wood top?
Hi...because I live in the desert southwest, wood movement is not a huge problem. Areas with more humidity require more attention. Thanks for watching, Wes
Another great video Wes, and a beautiful bookcase.I always use oil based polyurethane on oak as it really brings out the colour and grain, it also very durable. I generally use matt.👌👌👌👌🔥🔥🔥🔥
That's a great suggestion, thanks John 😀
Very nice Wes! I like your kitchen stool project too! I made six of them for my wife and her five girlfriends.
Hey! Well now I am impressed with YOU! That is awesome...thanks for letting us know about your success! Wes
Love it. Nice and simple design/build. This will be perfect for a free-standing kitchen pantry cabinet I need on one wall with just a couple screws at the top to secure it to the wall. Only change needed is a full face frame and add some doors matching those in my existing kitchen.
Wow now I am impressed with YOU...sounds like a nice project. I know it will look great! Wes
I am an audient viewer of your channel, love the simplicity of your explanations.
I am curious about the pocket clips on your nailers, can you provide a link for them or advise me where you got them?
They are standard on Porter Cable nail guns. Thanks for watching, Wes
Strange question.
Where did you get you glue bottle from?
Tried glue bot, did not like.
Thanks
Check online woodworking suppliers such as Rockwell. Thanks for watching, Wes
Awesome bookcase and your 4 items are truly important to produce a quality product. Depending on the wood used and the intended use, I find wiped polyurethane or tung oil to work great for natural finish.
Thank you for your suggestion, and I am so glad you enjoyed the video. I appreciate the comment. Wes 😀
I love your channel Wes. I am wanting to learn how to build quality furniture and you are a great teacher. Keep the tutorials coming. Thanks, Hugh.
Thanks, will do! I appreciate your comment, Hugh! Wes 😀
What table saw do you have?
I have a Powermatic PM1000. Thanks for watching, Wes
Question did you edge band the bottom edge of the nailer at the top? It didn't look like you had . I always enjoy and learn something from your videos Thank you
Hey...you caught me!! Not this time, I just used putty and sanded. Thanks for watching, Wes
One tip I’d suggest is to cut the sides of the base at a shallow angle so that the bookcase naturally leans against the wall. Though I’d like to see how you’d do it!
Hi...great suggestion with the angle cut! Thanks, Wes
Question: what kind of drill bit did you use for the shelf pin holes? Those came out really clean.
A forstner style bit makes a clean hole when used in a drill press. Thanks for visiting the channel. Wes
There were many good points. What were the four Wes was emphasizing?
Hi...Thanks for your comment...you will see text listed on the video when I was explaining it. Wes
Nice in classic designs the most proper finish i think is stain and poly or only poly
Thank you...I agree, I opted for the clean poly finish! I appreciate your comment and visit. Wes
Mr Wes thank very much u are a good mentor I wish I can meet with you coz each n every video u post I enjoy
Always welcome...thank you so very much for your continued support. Wes
That’s really nice ❤❤
Just what I needed on a detailed description and building of a Tall Bookcase.
Great...so glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks, Wes 😀
Your work is amazing and so is your teaching style. Bravo!
Thank you very much! I sincerely appreciate your kind comment 😀 Wes
Another great video, breaking down the process into very simple steps
Hi...glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching! Wes
Another great tutorial Wes, thank you. Could you share what product you use to fill your nail holes? I haven’t had a lot of luck with the ones I have tried. Thanks, Dan
Hi...I use Famowood Wood Filler. It is available on Amazon. Thanks for watching, Wes
Thank you.@@WoodworkingWithWes
So beautiful
Excellent video, thanks for sharing this ❤
Thank you so much for your kind words, glad you are enjoying the videos. Wes
Beautiful....much needed lesson.....Thanx to the master!!!
Hi Wes. Great video as always.
What happened to your big shop? Did you retire and sell your business?
Hi...yes, I did retire and move. Can't say I miss all the long hours, but do miss perks of a big shop. Take care, Wes
@@WoodworkingWithWesgood for you! Best of luck to you and please keep the great content coming
I love this book shelf and the tv cabinet you did a while back.
Thank you so much for your kind words, glad you are enjoying the videos. Wes
This is a great video, thank you ❤
You are so welcome...thanks for watching, Wes
Excellent job
I watching from malaysia. , thanks a lot
Hi...thank you it was so exciting to hear from you so very far away. I appreciate you visiting the channel. Wes
Beautiful book case.
Hi...thank you so much, I really enjoyed building it! Wes
You are my favorite wood work
Thank you very much...I appreciate your kind words! Wes
Chaulk paint wax topcoat
Hi...thanks for the info! Wes
Nice vid. Enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed it...thanks for watching, Wes
Nice and crisp 🎉
Thank you very much...I appreciate your comment. Wes
Well done
thank you very much! wes
Osmo
Hi...I appreciate your suggestion but have not tried this product. I will give it a try. Thanks, Wes