How do I make this

[J4m3sg]

Hi Brain trust,

I’m looking to build two of these book cases, or at least a variation of them. I’ve got most of the joinery etc figured out, however what I’m not sure of is the joint in the top right/left corners. I’m thinking it needs to be a joint that has some kind of inherent structure to it to prevent the 2 vertical pieces splaying outwards, however to be brutally honest I’m not confident with dovetails to attempt that many of them, and my previous efforts have been prone to a bit of “slop”.

Is there an easier joint to use? Unit is likely to be painted so final joint won’t be on show, but I’m keen to do it with hand tool/joinery rather than a drill/driver and some steel brackets (which would be a lot easier)

Hoping someone out there has some ideas other than “get better at dovetails”

 

[JSW]

You mean the cornice detail? If so google 'kitchen cornice' and click on images, that will show you how it's shaped and fitted.

 

[blackrodd]

+1 Above regarding the cornice.
But if you're query is how to go about making the over cupboard shelf units, then perhaps you should be thinking that
You're present joint skills aren't up the the task, if you can't make reasonable dovetails or mortice and tenon joints.
The first thing is a set of working drawings or plans, make up a "skid" or full size drawing of the joints and general construction method to follow,
The more skilled and experienced among us will be able to "see" the way to make it almost out of their head.
I would think It would be a good idea for you to start making simpler stuff, boxes, kitchen tidies, etc and keep making joints and build you're skill levels, then the job above will be easier to carry out successfully, and gain many brownie points at the same time.
Regards Rodders

 

[Racers]

The cornice covers the joint, so some screws from the outside would work and be covered.
Is you aren't having a cornice biscuit join the top into the sides.
No need for fancy joints it its going to be painted.

Pete

 

[RobinBHM]

If you are talking about the face frames, the simplest way is to counterbore, screw and plug or buy a pocket hole jig and screw them that way. You will need a chop saw to cut the ends square.

 

[Sgian Dubh]

... I’m not sure of is the joint in the top right/left corners.

Because the cabinets in that image are painted, it's likely they're made with man-made board - MRMDF, MDF, or plywood being the most obvious candidates. Assuming the image is of a commercially made piece, typical joinery for all the fixed joints, not just the top corners, are likely to be biscuit joints, tongue and housing joints, or even perhaps Domino joints, which are becoming more popular as the Festool Domino machine becomes more common.

With your stated preference for not using machinery or power tools, the logical choice I suspect is a tongue and housing because these are relatively easy to execute with hand tools such as rebate planes, saws, routers, etc. This joinery would be strong enough when glued up, particularly if a back panel is screwed in place, and the whole thing is attached to a wall. There are other joinery methods you might employ using just hand tools, but this suggestion is a start, and fairly straightforward to execute. Slainte.

 

[J4m3sg]

Thanks for the comments so far, and good question re cornices which isn't clear from my original post/photo.

Forgetting about the cornices for a minute, I’m after something more simplistic I’m afraid ie joining a horizontal and vertical pieces of wood at the corner. I appreciate this is in principle a reasonably simple question, but I’m concerned that the longer vertical lengths of wood will create longer levers which mean the joints are prone to skewing sideways, especially with some heavy books leaning against them.

The suggestions so far are good ones though - will take them on board. Anyone else have any thoughts?

Jim

 

[david123]

Jim
You could look at a dowling jig. They are simple to use without complicated tools. Look up "Joint Genie" on YouTube they have lots of videos that may give you an idea how they work.
Hope that helps

 

[James-1986]

I'm not sure which joint you mean either.

I would recommend 'cabinet making for beginners' by 'Charles H hayward'

It contains lots of information on basic cabinet construction, don't let the word 'beginners' put you off. I'm a joiner by trade and all the advice in the book has worked for me when I have forayed into basic cabinet work. I'm doing a bookcase at the moment with a traditional cornice, I'm just using a frieze and building the moulding up. Works OK if the cabinet is narrow.

As for dovetails, don't go mad with the aesthetics and they are easy enough to do especially in softwood. The point where I struggle with them is when makers have the pins very fine, my hand sawing isn't good enough, but its not an issue if the main concern is strength.

My dovetails are ugly, but strong!

 

[Benchwayze]

I used to be ugly but strong! Now I am just ugly! :wink: