What You’ll Receive:
- Detailed cut list and plans including a PDF and a SketchUp file for both versions of the bookcase.
- Over three hours of detailed video instruction showing every step of the build, from wood selection to finishing. Closed Captioning available.
What You’ll Learn:
- Breaking down plywood with a circular saw
- How to make a circular saw track
- Making dados and rabbets with a router
- Assembling casework
- Face frame assembly
- Working with molding and edging
- Pre-finishing with gel stain
What you’ll need:
- Circular Saw
- Drill
- Router (with rabbeting bit and a small Ogee profile bit)
- Miter Saw (you can substitute with a traditional hand saw and miter box)
- I also used a brad nailer, but that’s optional.
- Plywood and trim that can be sourced from any home center
8 Lessons Included
| 1. |
 |
Bookcase Project TourA complete virtual tour of the Bookcase project as well as a discussion of what you need in terms of materials and tools. |
17:16 |
| 2. |
 |
Circular Saw Cutting JigYou don't need expensive commercial jigs to cut plywood. Using inexpensive materials, we'll make our own! |
21:32 |
| 3. |
 |
Materials & Cutting PartsA look at the materials used for this project as well as an in-depth demonstration of breaking down plywood for parts. |
18:28 |
| 4. |
 |
Joinery & Plywood TrimAll case joinery is done using the router and a special plywood bit. An of course, we need to cover those ugly plywood edges! |
27:02 |
| 5. |
 |
Pre-FinishingWhenever possible, I recommend pre-finishing. But you absolutely must have a logical strategy in place. |
25:32 |
| 6. |
 |
Bookcase AssemblyThis video not only covers the assembly of the bookcase, but also the drilling of the shelf pins. |
17:20 |
| 7. |
 |
The Face FrameNothing dresses up a plywood case better than a face frame! Learn how to assemble and attach a face frame to the bookcase carcass. |
33:16 |
| 8. |
 |
Trim and Final FinishA few traditional trim details bring our elegant bookcase to life! |
29:33 |
murrd0ck (verified owner) –
This video series is great for woodworkers of all levels! I would call myself intermediate, and I was still able to learn a lot. Some of the things I learned helped me to create an entertainment center too! Marc goes into great detail about what he is doing and why. The good thing about this series is that you learn how to build a beautiful bookcase with just a basic assortment of tools. I used more than what Marc listed but that was just a personal choice. I especially like seeing the different finishing techniques that Marc uses, and this is no exception. The shellac under gel stain is invaluable! Don’t wait, just purchase this series. You won’t regret it!!!
collinp2 (verified owner) –
Marc’s videos are extremely thorough and well-executed. The videos clearly demonstrated the skills and techniques that I needed to complete my project. Marc is very honest throughout the process and explains things very well. I couldn’t be happier with the purchase!
jdbrown1998 (verified owner) –
First let me say I love the guild and all the projects. I am in the military so I just arrived at my last duty station where I will be able to homestead till I retire so this was my first full build from the guild site. The videos were excellent and really showed you a bunch of different options. I have noticed this about all of his videos – Marc walks you through the different options on how you can approach different parts of the build. The bookshelf is super sturdy and looks great in our home office.
I would definitely recommend you try this project if you are in need a of a bookshelf. Oh and one thing to do if you can – buy your plywood from a lumber yard instead of a big box store. It might cost double but it is SO much better of a product that I really can’t believe it. I will never again buy plywood from a big box store.
jonnoell (verified owner) –
As expected, Marc lays out everything you need to know in order to build a high-quality bookcase including multiple options for each step along the way. Although this may seem like a simple project at first, Marc’s tips on stock breakdown, face frames, joinery layout, and pre-finishing strategies are fundamentals that you can apply to a variety of other projects. This was my first Guild project and I could not be happier with the videos or the two new book cases in my living room.
satch1979 (verified owner) –
I have a very limited set of tools and this project series has so many good tips on dados and casework that it spurred me on to design other similar pieces for my home and office….and I’ve designed ANYTHING in woodworking prior to this. So even if you don’t currently have space to put in a bookcase, these videos go far beyond just the bookcase build itself. The techniques used to cut down sheet goods and working on joining plywood together are invaluable. It de-mystified everything about the standard bookcase we all know, including how to trim it out.