Women’s Woodworking Series Part Two: Bookshelf Build
About the Class
Build your own solid pine bookshelf in this hands-on, three-session workshop, the second part of the Women’s Woodworking Series. Starting with rough-sawn white pine, students learn to mill, cut, join, and assemble a freestanding shelving unit, and get to know several shop machines not used in Part One.
Prerequisite
Completion of Women’s Woodworking Series Part One is required to register for this class.
Session 1: Milling and Cutting Stock
Students learn how to turn rough lumber into square, accurately sized parts.
Topics
- Orientation and demos on the planer, jointer, table saw, and table saw crosscut sled
- Jointing and planing rough boards flat and square
- Ripping boards to width on the table saw
- Crosscutting parts to length with the crosscut sled
- Planing shelves to final thickness
Hands-On Project
Students mill their rough-cut pine and cut all sides and shelves to size.
Session 2: Joinery and Assembly
Students cut the joints that hold the shelves in place and assemble the unit.
Topics
- Cutting rabbets with a dado stack on the table saw
- Optional bandsaw work to cut custom leg profiles
- Dry-fitting and checking for level with a speed square and level
- Gluing, drilling and countersinking, screwing, and covering screws with dowel plugs
Hands-On Project
Students cut their rabbets, dry-fit the sides and shelves, then glue and fasten the shelving unit together.
Session 3: Top, Shaping, and Finishing
Students complete the shelving unit and prepare it for use at home.
Topics
- Router table demo and use of a roundover bit
- Attaching the top with glue, countersunk screws, and dowel plugs
- Sanding for a smooth finish
- Choosing a stain or varnish to protect the piece from chips and scratches
Hands-On Project
Students round over and attach the top, then sand their finished bookshelf, leaving with a completed piece ready to finish at home.
Course Outcomes
Students gain:
- Confidence using the jointer, planer, table saw, dado stack, crosscut sled, and router table
- Understanding of how to mill rough lumber into square, accurate parts
- Experience with rabbet joinery and screw-and-dowel assembly
- A finished pine bookshelf they built from rough stock
Provided
All materials including white pine, poplar dowels, wood screws, and glue, plus tools, safety equipment, and instruction.
What to Bring
Closed-toe shoes and hair tied back. All other gear will be provided.
