Customer Reviews

Shelves Cabinets & Bookcases

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book, mainly for the section on closets and bookshelves. I got a bonus though, because the section on cabinets was also one of my favorites. It will probably be a while before I tackle that, but the photos, steps and instructions are clear enough to not feel quite so intimidating. I've taken some woodworking classes like building cabinet doors, basic woodworking where we made shelves and simple drawers, but I have always been a little nervous about jumping right in. This book makes it appear so "doable". Even the front cover made me think, ummm I could do that. I have all the tools and have made some smaller project items, but it's time I think this lady will need to jump in with both feet.

What's really helpful, because I am a planner, is the helpful tips contained in this book. For instance, in the section on shelves on page 6, it shows shelf weight limits for different woods and wood thickness and lengths. Just the kind of information I need when planning a shelf to build. I loved the section on closets (even though a little short -but I guess it IS basically boxes! LOL) because it discussed the heights and widths shelves should be, how much space a hanging clothes need and tips on planning the layout. It discusses the differences and steps when using MDF vs Prefinished vs Wire shelving for closets.

Absolutely loved the details, instructions, tips, photos in this book. Highly recommend.

Especially helpful if you want to build simple bookcases from 3/4" birch plywood using drywall screws, glue, brads, circular saw (with jig), and hardwood trim. No dados! Keep the shelves 32" long and 9" wide.

This is an excellent book with great pictures. It does a good job of explaining some techniques and what tools are used. I bought it in order to get some ideas on how to build some nice built in cabinets. I am excited about how the project will come out!

My purpose in buying the book was to build a custom bookcase for my stepdaughter--a recent college grad. She has tons of books, and so constructing a bookcase that was as sturdy as it is attractive was tops on my list. I live in an apartment and also have a minimal amount of woodworking tools (no planer, no router) and so the simpler the better in my case. The work is still in progress, but I find the book to be well laid out, well illustrated/photographed, and great for inspiring ideas and best approaches. It has already been of help with my project, and will serve as a welcome addition to my home improvement library.

The projects here are all doable by a determined beginner and use common equipment. I have two minor gripes though: first they mention shelf strength with and without a 2" edging; but never define what the 2" edging consists of. (BTW the sagulator that they refer to apparently no longer exists.) Second they seem to be rather fixated on table saws as tools and don't mention alternate techniques like router, bandsaw or panel saw. ( Everyone doesn't have room for a table saw nor necessarily want one.) The information presented is very useful and the pictures actually show what is going on. I much prefer loose tendons to biscuits as tendons are much stronger and much more useful.
The strength of materials is useful in spite of them not saying what they mean by 2" edging. I didn't realize that magazines are heaver than hard cover books so that was good information.

The most affordable book that really covers the subject and a good read.

This is a well written and illustrated book for woodworkers who are beginning through intermediate experience. The book leans heavily toward bookshelves and bookcases, but touches only lightly on cabinet making. It does have an exceptional section on installing pre-made cabinets.
I would have liked to see a little more discussion on designing and fabricating cabinets, as I am outfitting my garage workshop with shelves and cabinets. Yes, I suppose it's just box building with a face frame, but there are usually a few tricks of the trade that make for stronger carcases. I would have appreciated a section on cabinet door making and even how to make sliding cabinet doors that don't stick.
All in all, still a very good book.

The book gives complete instructions and very clear photos. It should be easy to follow the instructions to complete each project.

I purchased "Shelves Cabinets & Bookcases" by Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding to have as an example of the kind of shelves I would like to build, or rather an example of such, when building our home in the near future. If I can conceive what I want from the knowledge base I am aquiring in this and other books, I can make or have someoneelse make for me the builtins or standing shelves my wife and I have wanted in our homes through the years. This a wealth of knowledge on the subject and one may be able to be guided to where concept becomes reality.

The topic is basic, but thats why you should buy. great for the beginner and yet has good referance materials for more experianced woodworkers. Basiclly most furiniture at its core is a shelf/cabinet design just modified to hold drawers (dressers). I actually got this on a whim (to get the free shipping) I am glad I did. It also has tips and charts on how long vrs thick to make shelfs/cases sag free. I really liked the different style of adjustable shelves listed (not just the peg kind, the wood ones were really cool and looked nice). Gave me ideas to implement in my future projects and plans.

Another good book from from the woodworking masters at Fine Wood working. This book shows how to start with a solid and level foundation and keeps on building your skills; both of which are key to any successful project.