Hey everyone! I'm new to woodworking and recently built a blanket ladder for my wife, which she loved! Now I'm looking to make a bookshelf for our apartment, but I'm unsure if the tools I currently have are enough for the job. I'm working in my tiny back patio and I have a basic toolkit, along with power drills, a hacksaw, and a Skil circular saw that I just bought, plus a couple of cheap sawhorses. So far, the circular saw worked fine for cutting smaller boards, but I'm worried about achieving the clean cuts needed for a bookshelf. I'm planning for it to be about 6' tall and 35" wide, with adjustable shelves, but I'm not sure how to achieve that yet.
Is it possible to make a nice bookshelf with the tools I have, or should I look into renting or buying more equipment? I'd love any tips or tricks you have for making the most out of my current setup!
3 Answers
You can definitely build a bookshelf with just a circular saw! The key is to get consistent cuts. You might want to invest in an edge guide or just clamp a straight piece of wood along your cuts for guidance. For adjustable shelves, a Kreg shelf jig can be a great investment—it makes drilling the shelf pin holes super easy. If you're considering a table saw later on, it can make a big difference in precision, but for now, you can make it work with what you’ve got. Just take your time and measure carefully!
A palm router could be a smart buy for adding dados for strength, especially for the top and bottom of your bookshelf. Look into getting a shelf pin jig for easy adjustments on the shelves. It’ll make your life way easier! Remember, it's all about just getting started and gaining experience along the way. Enjoy the process!
Honestly, don't underestimate what you can do with basic tools! You can find wood in standard sizes that should fit your needs easily. Just measure it out, cut the boards, and you can use shelf pins for adjustable shelves. As for finishing, a simple rounding plane can help with those sharp edges, and a bit of sanding goes a long way without needing a power sander. Save your money and get quality wood for your next project!
Totally agree! Just be sure to measure twice and cut once! That's a game changer!