Hey woodworkers! I'm starting a bookshelf build and it's making me think about the early days of woodworking. I'd love to hear from those of you who began with simpler tools and techniques. For your first bookshelf, how did you attach those shelves to the sides? Did you mostly use nails or screws? If so, what tricks did you have for making sure your joints were strong and looked good? Did you use countersinking or fill in any holes for a smoother finish? What challenges did you run into using basic methods, and how did you work through them? If a newbie is out there with just a saw, drill, hammer, and screwdrivers, what advice would you give for making solid joints while keeping the appearance nice? Let's share our stories and help each other out!
2 Answers
For my first coffee table, I relied a lot on pocket screws. They were easy to use and helped give me decent strength without needing to be perfect. Plus, they’re hidden. I'd definitely recommend those for a beginner.
I started with dowels and glue because I thought it looked classier than screws. It was tricky since I wasn’t super skilled, but I cut dovetails (not great ones though!) and filled in gaps with wood filler. Looking back, I realize screws could’ve made disassembly easier for me as my skills improved! Take my advice: dowels can be strong but don’t be afraid of screws!
How did you manage to get your dowels precise? Did you use a jig or just measure super carefully?