Customer Reviews

How to Plan & Build Bookcases, Cabinets & Shelves

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book hoping for plans and ideas for built-in shelves and storage units. The book does a fairly good job explaining the construction basics involved, but it is woefully bereft of ideas. The book is published in the early 1980's and the projects which are illustrated have not, for the most part, stood the test of time. If you are looking for building ideas and examples you can show a builder, this book is not a good starting point.

Pre-Req to this book is knowing how to use Power Tools and manual wood tools.A great place to start. Not for the highly experienced, but great for those who are just starting out in woodworking or those who like 1980 / 1990 Retro. Don't expect to be an expert after reading this book;but do expect to create some nice pieces and learning the basics. You must learn to walk before you run. It can be compared to a 4th Level School book of a 8 Level school.

Although the book is supposed to be for cabinet and shevling, it is clearly more about cabinets. Not good if you looking for ideas on interior fancy shelves. Very good if you looking to build interior cabinets.

The Editorial Staff of Ortho Books, How to Plan and Build Bookcases, Cabinets, and Shelves (Ortho, 1987)

How do you review a how-to book, really? I mean, as long as it does what it's supposed to do, and does it clearly, it's good, right? From that standpoint, this one's pretty much got it made. Clear descriptions, heavy on the illustration, step-by-step instructions, that sort of thing. I do wish it had gone into more detail on some of the optional stuff (especially face-framing; if you plan to do a lot of bookshelf-building that requires doors, you'll probably need another book as well), but for basic construction of shelving, this should do you right. Not much more to say. If you need it, you need it, if you don't, you don't. *** ½

Chapters: Getting Started, Selecting a Style, Establishing a Size, Materials, Hand Tools, Power Tools, Hardware, Adhesives, Joints, Building Techniques, Finishing Techniques, Shelves, Doors, Drawers, Computer Center, Hidden Double-Bed Cabinet, Slide-Projector Cabinet, Wine Rack, Sewing Center, TV or Stereo Cabinet, Ironing-Board Cabinet, Modular Cubes, Open Utility Shelves, Fixed-Shelf Utility Case, Simple Plywood Cabinet, Freestanding Bookcase, Tall Pine Bookcase, Standard Base Cabinet, Interlocking Shelves, Corner Cabinet.