Step 1 : Cut the legs, side rails, front and rear rails

Cut the eight 2x2s to the quantities and lengths listed here. Use a handsaw and miter box or a circular saw so your cuts are square.

• 4 legs 80-1/2-in.
• 12 side rails 12-15/16-in.
• 12 front and rear rails 44-15/16-in

Step 2 : Cut 6 plywood shelves

Use some of the 2x2s to support the plywood on a large worktable or on the floor. First, rip the sheet in three equal pieces 15-15/16x96-in. (assumes 1/8-in. saw kerf). Then stack the three pieces together to crosscut them in two equal pieces 47-15/16-in. long. Then cut a 1-1/2-in.-square notch out of each corner so shelves with fit around the posts. When using a circular saw or portable jigsaw to crosscut plywood, the up-cutting teeth tend to splinter the veneer so place the "good side" down when crosscutting.

Most home centers and lumber yards will make two cuts without charge and for a modest charge will make the one additional cut required for all your shelves. This not only saves time and eliminates the need for a circular saw, it also makes transporting the lumber in a car much easier.

Step 3 : Sand the lumber

Use a sanding block with 80-grit sandpaper to sand off splinters and ease the corners of all the lumber. This is much easier to do before assembly.

Step 4 : Lay out shelf positions

Measure and mark the location of each shelf on one leg. Then place all four legs side by side to align the ends. Using a framing square, draw a line across all four legs at each of your marks.

Page 1 of 2
Go To Page 2