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Swedish Wall Shelf
By Dave Munkittrick
| Here’s a charming shelf that’s small enough to fit on any wall and can be built in an afternoon. It makes a great gift and it’s easy to make a bunch all at once. While the design is based on a 19th-century Swedish-American clock shelf, its use today is limited only by your imagination. Kitchen spice shelf, photo display shelf, knickknack shelf—it’s great for just about anything, except maybe encyclopedias! |
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| Trace the outline of your template onto the wood. Take advantage of grain patterns around knots that follow the shape of your piece. |
Click on any image to view a larger version.
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| Cut out the pieces on the scroll saw. For tight inside corners like this use what’s called a “zero-radius” turn. Here’s how to do it: Cut all the way into the corner, then rotate the piece around the blade by letting the teeth slowly nibble away as you complete the turn. If you’ve never done a zeroradius turn before you can always make relief cuts into the corners to give your blade more room. |
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| Outline the shelf brackets onto the back of the wall panel. This will show you exactly where to drill the pilot holes for the screws. |
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| Drill and countersink pilot holes through the back panel and into the shelf brackets. Use a second clamp to hold the assembly onto your workbench. Use a square to help guide your drill and place the holes where the brackets are widest. |
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| Nail the top to the brackets with 3d finish nails. Use a small hammer and tap (don’t drive) the nail into the bracket. Use a nail set to countersink the nail heads. |
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| Clamp the valance onto the underside of the top with spring clamps. Use a thin bead of glue to minimize squeeze out. A damp cloth can be used to wipe away any excess glue before it sets. |
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| This story previously appeared in American Woodworker February 2000, Issue #78.
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