Introduction: Game Shelf

About: Projects that prevent boredom.

     Need a game shelf that is just the right size for your console and games? This Instructable may be the solution. It is small enough to fit in a dorm and very easy to do. There is a hole on the side of the shelf that allows the tray to open freely. (Please note: Because of the thin size of the shelf it must be bolted to the wall to avoid risk of tipping.)

Please vote "The Game Shelf" for the "Hurricane Lasers Contest". If I win, I would be able to burn designs and patterns onto the wood for a more custom look.


Step 1: Plans

     Here are the plans for the pieces. They are cut out of 3/4 inch pine planks from Home Depot. Print the images and use as a guide to cut out all of the pieces. The second plans gives one the measurements and quantity of the pieces. The first drawing shows how it should look once assembled. I place the left view on the right side.

     The hole on the side is measured for Xbox 360 Slim. For other stand up consoles (Wii, PlayStation 3, etc.) make the necessary changes. The console should fit snugly in the hole with the face flushed to the side of the shelf.

Step 2: Assembly

     The tools you will need are listed below:

          Tools:                                                        

               Drill
               Clamps
               Wood Glue
               Sand Paper
               Wood Finish
               Screws- 1 1/2 inch
               Wood stain- Optional

     1. Once the pieces are cut out stain as desired. Then let dry.

     2. The smallest pieces are the braces. The first shelf should be flushed with the bottom of the hole. The brace needs to be screwed under the hole with the thickness of the shelf in between. Draw lines where the shelf is going to be. Use it as a guide for the braces.

     3. The top off the second shelf is 9 inches from the bottom of the first shelf not including the braces. The same is for the third shelf.

     4. After the braces are screwed in, glue the three shelves and clamp them together until they dry. Once the glue is dry insert the screws through the bottom of the brace.

     5. Glue and screw the top to...well... the top. Just like the shelves, except, it will stick out on all sides of the shelf. This will stick out 1/2 inch from the back of the shelf.

     6. The 3" x 24" will be glued under the top to give the whole shelf a country look.

Step 3: Finishing

     The project is almost done. Take the two long strips. One goes between the first and second shelf. The other, between the second and third shelf. Screw them on through the back. This will keep the games from falling behind the shelf and keep space in between the shelf and wall (to run wires through). Also these strips is used to as support for the shelf. One will be screwing the shelf to the wall through these two strips.

     When finished, sand down the whole thing. If you have a wood burner or a felt tip pen, put the name and date. Wipe clean and apply the finish.  Congratulations! Its finished.

     To install, find were you want it to stand. Locate the beams in the wall and screw the shelf through the strips. If you don't screw it, the shelf will tip and there goes the console.

     Enjoy using it.

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