How to Build a Simple Shelving Unit

In this weeks video, we are making bookshelf / Storage Shel Unit, whatever you prefer to call it ...

Seems many of us are always in need of some sort of bookcase, or these days, maybe it's better called a storage shelf because books are becoming more and more digital. The unit build here is a custom unit that I needed for my own office. As you can see from the picture, it needed to fit neatly between my office door and my paper shredder which, there is no other place to put it in my very crowded small office space.
You can read about the build in the link, and how it was made, but one of the features of doing woodworking is the ability to custom make things to fit what you need and not to have to rely on what others have made or shopping to find things that need to fit your circumstance. The other bonus to this ... at least for some is it also something fun and creative to do. There is something about working with your own hands and a medium like wood that is very comforting and calming and of course your get to create something that is both functional and pleasing to look at.
Woodworking ... what a great way to spend time ...

[WigWagWorkshop]

Great project Colin! Clear and easy to understand tutorial, not overwhelming.

[AwesomeWoodThings]

Another great looking project that's not too difficult to create. Looks great!

[gregteagle]

Good job Colin. Simple but very usable.
Greg

[MustBeard]

I really enjoy watching your channel! I have learned so many useful tips and jigs! Thanks Colin!

[datadev]

I like function over form. Sometimes you just don't need fine furniture. You reminded me that I have not used dowels in years and I don't know why. Well actually I do. I was wooed by companies convincing me I need a biscuit joiner then a pocket hole jig and now a domino loose tenon machines. You've inspired me to pull out the ole doweling jig. hehe

[markevans]

Nice project.. very tactile and functional end product, thanks Colin.

[jeffcarpenter]

Do you have any videos on making end tables?

[Boomers_Bud]

Great video and project Colin. Keep them coming !Derek

[tooljunkie]

looks good for a shop project. nice dowel jig. and i notice a couple new planes in the background?

[ronc]

Yes that dowel jig sure works slick Colin,  so thanks for sharing different uses of it. Nice clean simple design works for me. Hope Ikea does not get hold of it  you might be a very busy man. LOL

[LarryB-inFL]

I know it's an old video, but was looking at it and my first thought was why pine boards instead of plywood? And then the shot @1:11 of the very bowed shelf made me wonder it again. And if the answer is supposedly price, then I would challenge people to compare decent pine wood per board foot against nice 3/4" plywood.

[nowaas]

What brand is the Doweling Jig that you used ? Thanks Colin

[aquinobalrok]

Beautiful work. What is the name of the wood that you used? What products did you use for the finish?

[hardnox]

Nicely done Colin. What make and model dowelling jig do you use?

[NYPAULY]

Nice project. BTW (my experience) pocket screws would have worked well. And thanks for reminding me about that jig for spacing multiple dowels. I remember seeing it but never built it.

[TheRussianWoodworker]

Wow I love watching your videos they're always so interesting and information to watch. I was wondering where did you get that doweling jog and that fancy spacer? Because I'm thinking of trying to make some furniture and I would like to use some dowels in the build. Great job and thank you for the boost in knowledge.

[rommelfcc]

nice but why didn't you just dowel the base on?

[meanders]

I don't know Colin, that pine still looks like pine even with the custom dye :) And the water-based poly didn't do much to help, looks dead. Enjoyed seeing a little-used joinery technique though.That DowelMax looks like a nice piece of kit, the quality machining and general presentation remind me of Veritas tools which I love and have several of. Good stuff from Canada! But still...I think I would put that $300 ($400 or so with accessories) toward a Domino joiner instead.