How to Build a Sling Bookcase

Do you have a lot of books to read but can only take on a few at a time? Maybe you have some favorite books that your children like you to read to them at bedtime. A sling bookcase is exactly what you need. Building one to hold a few books at a time will require some knowledge of power tools.

Things You'll Need

• Two pieces 1-by-4-by-12-inch lumber
• Carpenter's square
• Compass
• Jigsaw or band saw
• 100-grit sandpaper
• Three pieces 1-by-4-by-28-inch lumber
• Table saw
• Variable-speed drill
• 1/16-inch drill bit
• Wood glue
• 3d finish nails
• Screen mold, 28 inches long
• Two pieces of screen mold, 29 1/2 inches long
• 3/4-inch brads

Instructions

Preparation

1. Place the two pieces of 1-by-4-by-12-inch lumber (end pieces) on a table, side by side. Measure down from the top and make a mark at 1 and 2 inches. Place the carpenter's square on the marks and draw a line across both end pieces. Repeat this from the bottom edge of the end pieces.

2. Place the point of the compass on the 2-inch mark, as close to the edge as you can get. Draw a semicircle from the top left corner down to the 2-inch line on the board. Next, place the point of the compass on the 1-inch mark on the right side of the board, as close to the edge as possible. Pull the pencil out until it meets the end of the semicircle that ended on the 2-inch line. Draw a semicircle to the same edge of the board as the compass. This will give you a soft "S" curve. Repeat this process for the other end of this piece and then on the other end piece.

3. Cut these curves with either the jigsaw or a band saw. Sand the edges smooth with 100-grit sandpaper. Place the carpenter's square at the end of the "S" curve and draw a line indicating where the bottom shelf will go.

Assembly

1. Place the three pieces of 1-by-4-by-28-inch lumber on the table. Set the table saw fence on 2 3/4 inches and rip one of these pieces to that width. Next, set the table saw fence to 3 1/4 inches and rip another one to this width. This one will be the bottom shelf. Drill three pilot holes above the line that you drew for the bottom shelf in Step 3 of the previous section.

2. Apply glue to the ends of the 3 1/4-inch bottom shelf. Place it on the lines you drew in Step 3 of the previous section and secure it with the finish nails. Next, drill three pilot holes, perpendicular to the bottom shelf and towards the bottom of the end piece.

3. Apply glue to the ends of the 2 3/4-inch piece. Place it between the end pieces and against the bottom side of the bottom shelf. Secure it through the end pieces with the finish nails.

4. Draw a line at the top and back of the sling bookcase 3/4 inch out from the back and 3 1/2 inches down from the top. Drill three pilot holes through each end piece inside these lines.

5. Apply glue to the ends of the last 28-inch piece of lumber. Place it between the end pieces at the top of the bookcase and secure it with the finish nails.

6. Apply glue to the front edge of the bottom shelf. Place the 28-inch piece of screen mold on the shelf and secure it with 3/4-inch brads. Next, space out the two remaining pieces of screen mold, apply glue just on the ends of the screen mold where it will touch the front edges of the bookcase and secure them with the 3/4-inch brads.

Tips & Warnings

• Drilling pilot holes, even in the screen mold will keep the lumber from splitting when you drive a nail into it. Sanding all the pieces before assembly will help speed the process of preparation for a finish.

• Always wear safety glasses when cutting wood. Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children. Do not raise the blade of the table saw any higher than needed to make the cut. Do not paint or stain this bookcase in an unventilated area.

Resources

• How to Build a Small Bookcase
• Making Children's Bookshelves