Build a Ladder Shelf

In this class you will create a Ladder Shelf, a modern twist on the old-fashioned bookcase.

This project will teach you how to mark and cut out for Dados that support each shelf. The book/display shelf itself involves angled cuts at the top and bottom thereby creating the look of a leaning shelf adding an elegant functionality to the overall look of the furniture.

Although the sides lean against the wall at an angle, the shelves remain parallel to the floor, creating the look of a leaning ladder. The fronts of the shelves are finished with a Classic profile using the Router Table, whilst the shelf sides are created using the portable hand-held Router.

This gives you experience with this much-coveted Powertool in both configurations.

The depth of the shelves varies on each shelf to ensure the back of the shelves sits flush against the wall, accommodating books of different depths.

In this class you will learn and carry out the following skills:

Marking and measuring

Cutting the pieces

Using templates to guide the router during cutting

Using the router to create Dados

Using the Mitre Saw to cut mitres on the shelf sides

Using the Jointer to join sections of wood together to make the individual shelves

Using the Router table to create the front edge profile on each shelf

Glue up and assembly

• There is an option to not complete the final glue-up in the workshop and instead take the pieces home for final assembly later. Instead of glueing, the shelves can be screwed in place and then removed for transport. This may be required for people who do not have a vehicle big enough to take the piece fully assembled.