Cheap, easy, low-waste bookshelf plans

Step 2: Measure, measure, mark, and cut

Yes, measure twice. As you can see from the photo, there is very little waste.

Trim the 1x8 boards to 8' exactly.
From each of the 1x4 boards, cut (4) 35-3/4" pieces for a total of (8)
Cut the all-thread into (16) 9-3/8" segments.

Before cutting each section of all-thread, run the wingnut onto the rod. After cutting the rod,remove the wingnut over the cut end to "chase" (repair) the threads.

You should also double-check the length of your all-thread rods. I'd dummy one up and try it out before cutting all of them. It needs to be just long enough to catch a couple of threads and snug down without punching out through the cap nut. The actual "cap" portion of cap nuts is fairly thin, and if the all-thread is even a bit too long it will punch through the end when you snug it up.

Comments

[Fourbonds]

Great job

[Fourbonds]

Getting ready to------ Is there a maximum for the rails?

I guess 3 feet right?

[aeray]

No maximum. If they are over 4 feet, tie the unit to the wall with a bit of wire or cord and a screw. It isn't structural; it just keeps the whole mess from toppling due to pets, earthquakes, drunks, and children.

[Fourbonds]

thanks

[aeray]

Thanks. Did you build one?

[Servelan]

Thank you! I have another project that requires cutting some all-thread and this step will make it actually usable when I'm done instead of a pile of frustrating pieces with glorped up ends.

[aeray]

If the ends are going to be exposed (unlike this project) you may still need to dress them a bit with a file or grinder, before removing the wingnut.

[jack8559]

Conversely, you could apply J-B Weld to one end of the threaded rod and grind the other flush after assembly, just be careful not to damage anything with the sparks from grinding (or you could file the ends smooth).

[neilh]

If you are cutting a lot of threaded rod, perhaps making one of these with a mill or a dremel if you are careful could help:

http://softsolder.com/2009/12/09/holding-machine-screws-for-trimming/

This machinist slits a nut of the proper sized and uses it in a vise to hold the threaded rod for cutting. (it is not mine, but I love the simplicity of it).

[Broom]

Genius!

[aeray]

Good ideas. I actually use a Portaband (a hand-held metal cutting bandsaw) clamped upside-down to a workbench.