Make a bookcase using a single sheet of plywood

Make a cool bookcase using a single sheet of plywood.
Equip your woodworking shop for under $1,000: theweekendwood...
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[@jrcerts]

I really appreciate how you show your "mistakes" (i,e. the remade jig). That combined with your sense of humor make your videos so approachable. As a new woodworker I feel frustrated by my mistakes and some other channels can be intimidating with their "flawless" workflow. Showing your mistakes and more importantly the corrections, really models your thought process, which is so helpful. Thanks Steve. You are an inspiration!

[@JohnBloy1]

I liked how you worked into the video of how although painted, the shelf came out acceptable, while expressing your love for a nice "see through" finish that enhances the natural wood surfaces(including the banding).

[@jennylynne4414]

Thanks for actually showing a "mistake." So many people try to make it look like they never make the wrong decision or buy a bad product, or have trouble with a product ... it's nice to see it happens to everyone and how you can just change your direction and carry on even when something doesn't work. And I love the design!! I too would have liked a more natural wood finish than the paint, but, I can appreciate the paint better now that I know WHY you went that way :)

[@stevel2027]

Couldnt agree more... the most satisfying DIY projects always have a few mistakes (well.. with me anyway :D) and a few unforeseen problems. Then navigating around them and feeling like a genius is the best part! And you get to see the genius EVERYDAY as well... awesome lol.

[@jennylynne4414]

Desperate, fake sells people are such a turn off.

[@Alicia9745]

Thank you so much for the humor and humanity in this video. It's nice to see that even with lots of experience, mistakes happen and just laugh about it and continue on. You make woodworking fun and accessible.

[@chriseaton7741]

It took me 3 projects to get the hang of the polyshades. The biggest help was not using a brush but a sponge and going very sparingly and doing more thin coats, came out fabulous on the last shelves. Another commenter was right on the money that you can match existing wood colors easily with it. The only reason I kept working with it was I bought a big can and didn't want to throw it away!

[@tompritch56]

I used that same stain/poly combo myself. Mine was a distaster too. It showed the same results. Thanks for sharing.

[@eitremn]

I agree completely! I love that he doesn't try to pretend that he is perfect!

[@jordanzish]

You remind me a bit of our good friend Norm Abram. You make it look effortless without ever talking down to the viewer. I dig your channel. Nice to have online personalities like yourself taking over now that network television is unwilling to air actual educational/niche programming.

[@homerlikesbeer]

projects like this are the ones that bring new woodworkers to the hobby , not birdhouses or cutting boards, projects that are useful , not so hard to do an fun .. exelent video , saludos desde MEXICO!!!!!!!!

[@SteveRamsey]

For normal stains you are correct. Not ployshades. At least not according to the instructions the manufacturer puts on the can's labels.

[@lexboegen]

I like the look of that bookcase. It's reminiscent of the 1950's and should fit in nicely with your other "retro-modern" pieces that you've done. Entertaining and informative, as always. Keep up the good work!

[@jstrole814]

I've used that Poly Shades stuff a few weeks ago with pretty much the same outcome.. Very blotchy looking finish.

[@VeriCheriLee]

I really like this shelf unit. It's different...and even tho I don't really like pink personally...I think this color looks very well with your decor...Very Well Done Sir.

[@ecrusch]

I kind of like the paint look better. I've been painting a few projects lately and it's a nice change. Nice job on those book cases Steve, and thanks for sharing.

[@buddyinthebayou1]

I really enjoyed the bookcase project. I've heard it said, “sometimes things have to go wrong in order to go right.” I believe this is an excellent example. Even though, initially, it seamed the poly-stain result was going to be a bit rough to over come, you did it in high style and ended up with a beautiful bookcase. Well done!

[@wyattstorch]

I appreciate the honesty you demonstrate by showing your mistakes through the process. Your work is an inspiration. Thanks for posting and I look forward to seeing more!

[@RockNJeep]

Steve, this is a wonderful bookcase. I love the design. It's retro but also has a touch of that Italian look. I'll definitely be making one for myself. But I wanted to say I also tried out the Minwax Polyshades on a coffee table I was restoring for a friend. I used the prestain conditioner prior as well. I found that I had to lay it on in several coats to get a good finish out of it. I also didn't sand between all the coats. It ended up coming out ok but I agree stuff aint that great.

[@wongmalang]

Watching this in 2019. Wow, you were so young! I almost don't recognize you. Thank you for the video, Mr Ramsey. Can't wait to get my hands dirty building it.

[@10101laila]

I'm morroccan women i like your job ,your are the best for me

[@MonicaReally]

I LOVE all the recent "retro fab" projects!! I'm SO going to make this for my new apartment!!!

[@SirShoX0r]

Cool to see someone dealing the the little problems, kudos!

[@alexandramcfassel6231]

You had me at "I decided to make one using the correct dimensions"! Love it!

[@Fingerskate516]

This is amazing! Steve, Just want to say you are my (among many other people's) inspiration to woodwork. I'm 19 and not many kids my age are into it but the craftsmanship I have seen in your videos makes me really want to learn. I can't wait to see your future videos. My first project is a Jewlery box for my little sister!:) thank you!

[@LRPharm54]

You sure have a lot of tools and clamps. Very nice. I own a hammer and a drill.

[@Jean_lukepicard]

I was thinking the same thing lol.

[@michaelswann8046]

thats the major problem lack of tools etc lol

[@RobRobertson1000]

So true about that stain/poly problem. try hard as I might, brushing was a disaster. will now do some testing with spraying it. Thanks for encouraging us other mere mortals

[@mwhumble]

I've had excellent results with them - but now I spray it with an hvlp. gun. I initially tried brushing it, but you tend to get a streaky/blotchy finish. Where they're golden is in matching an existing stained finish. Need a little more red in that? No problem, thin and spray a light cherry. Obviously each subsequent coat will darken the overall slightly, so you have to work up to it.

[@marks3478]

Barry, I ended up not using the template idea either. I just glued them in pairs, then on the back I just strapped them together. It also makes it easy to separate them if I want to move them or relocate them to a different part of the house.

[@guyhinger3492]

I love the whole one sheet of plywood thing...and the shape of the shelves are very nice. Thanxs for the info make me want to build something today in the shop, even though it's rainy out today..lol

[@john73738]

Great work Steve, I tryed that Poly Stain ONCE.. Never again. I used it on a 6' aquarium stand I built. It goes on like crap, and does not come off with stripper. Oh well, Used Gel Stain and all came out well, just darker than I wanted.

[@sundragon1976]

I have wanted one of these exact bookshelves forever and then the fact that it's pink I'm dying I wish that I had all the tools and knew what I was doing to make one it seemed easy except for the trial and error you came to with the stain :( that is so awesome and beautiful… If only! LOL you're so talented!

[@akesq01]

Thank you. I really appreciate your honest feedback about techniques and products like the finishing coats in this project.

[@wilhelml]

Cute style! I really like that you show your trials and errors, and then some kind of solution. Keep up the good work!

[@dinholopez20]

Wow I ended up speechless!!! this is fabulous!!! I think I'm enrolling in the carpenter program this semester!!! Thanks Steve

[@d.bcooper7819]

Soooo cool that you kept in your mistakes as part of the story. Thanks, it was a pleasure to watch

[@lilolmecj]

This is probably my favorite project, and I love the paint color. It is how it was meant to be. Glad to know the stain poly mix didn’t work well.

[@aljhoncambaya2211]

Wish I had all equipment to make such beauty bookcase.

[@kenhuynh2474]

I love the shelf. It's really creative. LOL'd when you made that face when you were applying the paint.

[@xConundrumx]

Loving the hole jig idea. Will be using that ... A LOT from now on. As for the stain thing, yeah ... I never use that stuff mixed in with something else or not. It never ever ever works out for me. The only exception being a black water based stain followed up by a black shellac mix.

[@magrildz]

You know... I took notice of your channel through those pre-video advertising clips that most of us just skip by clicking "Start Video" or "Skip Ad"... One day, ignored the Skip Ad link...Decided to give it a look. Now I can't stop watching! I love your projects, Steve! I am even considering trying that writing desk you posted recently! Keep up the awesome work! Subscribed!

[@ramboIII3]

The shelves looks better painted, great video Steve. I like your videos because you keep it real and simple.

[@hartistry1957]

Excellent work buddy! ; but more importantly, thanks for reminding us that it's ok to make mistakes;)

[@thupagaming9637]

Jimmy Hart bro u r abselutelly right this guy is awesome

[@jworrin]

Yes, thanks so much for not editing the mistakes out!! It makes me feel so much better to know that I'm not the only one to do stupid little mistakes! :)

[@arrowstheorem1881]

Wow, you made it look so effortless

[@Ronbo62]

looks great Steve...this reminds me of mid century modern furniture.

[@mikajb99]

This is so cool you should have like a tv show or something! You make the explanations so simple

[@wnebergall]

Well it is nice to know I am not the only one having these problems Thanks Steve

[@DanielCole]

This is a perfect use of some scrap plywood and a snow day! I'll be checking out the other projects here too. Looks like a treasure trove of plans.

[@huntermark1160]

Steve, I just want to share with you that I have received numerous compliments on this book shelf. I built it shortly after watching your video. I have had several women request me to build one for them after I posted it on a dating website. Thanks a lot!!

[@mejane7010]

You posted a photo of a book shelf...on a dating website. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that you're still single :/

[@huntermark1160]

Hi Jane, Yes still single, but only because I want to be. Because of the book shelf picture, I have met at least four women. I built and sold 2 book shelves to women on the site. I am currently dating a woman who bought one of the book shelves. :-)

[@mejane7010]

lol. A pic of a handcrafted item certainly trumps the generic "bathroom" pic. Good luck!

[@russelblackwell6041]

love your video clear instructions so many things you can make yourself the jig is brilliant

[@MephistoRolling]

i have been watching so many of your videos recently, i love that you show mistakes, it makes it fun to watch as well as learning more then just showing perfect things. Looking forward to more videos.

[@raylovett9187]

I subscribed to your channel a week ago, I love your attention to detail. The copper tubing was a great addition to that jig. Stability is key... Thank you for sharing this, you ARE the MAN!! :-)

[@rafaeldario2265]

MUY BIEN STEVE TIENES UNA TECNICA MUY PRECISA EN TODOS TUS PROYECTOS Y LO HACES VER MUY SENCILLO PERFECTO.... SALUDOS DESDE MEXICO CITY.....

[@icawn]

THANK YOU STEVE! I was just about to ruin a sweet gun rack ready for finish. There is no way I could have handled the pain of sanding that thing again.

[@learnerlearns]

Great episode Steve! Plus I love that "fab fifties" retro chic bookcase... Paint is a perfectly acceptable finish, regardless of why you chose it. Looks great, easy to clean, cool color! Thanks for sharing your methods successes and fixes for those "hiccups" we all have.

[@TheBrotherKnight]

Good project Steve. Love the jig idea. I will be using that one for sure. As for the two in one product, been there and had to do the same as you. Thanks for sharing David

[@joedogg707]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who found that stain/poly combo to be garbage. I thought I was some kind of moron. I still may be, but at least I'm not alone. Great bookcase. I'll be trying that one soon for sure.

[@ryanmccoy121]

That stain was a really pretty color it is to bad it didn't work out, I think it would have looked very nice, the pink fits the room you put it in very well tho. Also, great choice in music this week Steve, I don't know why but it seemed to fit perfectly with the project.

[@JakeEnns]

I think the final colour choice is wonderful. This coming from a guy who does not like to paint wood projects, even if they are plywood.

[@Picklejam08]

Cool plans and video. Dig the Jig! Awesome use of the entire wood stock for the project. I like the design so well, that I am going to cover it with either a cherry or rosewood veneer and router a small bevel along the edges. Should give it a classic 60's look. THX!

[@Khether0001]

the pallets were nice, but I'm so glad you're doing these again, they look much more cool! =)

[@dody201]

Thanks for your idea Believe or not you made a change for my life

[@eggory]

I really like the geometrical design of those shelves. That's really my kind of thing.

[@beverwyck1]

That makes 2 of us! It was one of the first stains i used and i chalked it up as inexperience until i used it again a couple of years later and failed. I love their gel-stains though!

[@darkangelov31]

I'm actually enjoying wood working, wish you was my teacher for real, you are hilarious.

[@BourneAccident]

Inventive...creative...well planned...well executed...inspiring. Thanks.

[@BarrySumpter]

OK sorted. Had an Aussie Multi Jig from way back. I attached both Aussie Jig doweling guides to each end of the projects doweling template. Its much heavier but surprised with how good it works. Even more surprised that I sorted it out myself. LOL.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Cool shelf, Steve. That's a shame about the stain blotching. I've always had bad lick too when trying to stain pine. The inconsistent grain just doesn't seem to like being stained.

[@markabell]

Thanks for posting and sharing. It amazes me how many people will complain about your choice of finishes. what tools you used, your technique or whatever. For my part I will just say thanks for the good design and showing your issues with staining. All informative.

[@aleblanc3547]

Steve, I Just found your channel via Rock-n H Woodshop...nice. Looking at the finished project, it's hard to believe it only took one sheet of plywood!

[@roninoshe9928]

Just checked out your website and some of your other videos/plans. You are absolutely hilarious, and make it easy for a beginner to make some cool stuff while entertaining as well. Thanks for what you do.

[@rybochkin9770]

Steve you a master at doing things form nothing!

[@MetalJoe0609]

i have gotten pretty good results with the stain and urethane stuff, but it takes 4 or 5 coats, and a lot of sanding. this is a great project, i love 1 sheet pieces.

[@alanhamel4955]

first video i've seen with the new saw. looks good.

[@KeyserSoseRulz]

Steve I love your videos. You do not hide your "mere mortal" mistakes, but rather correct and have a good laugh too. The videos are a lot of fun b/c of this and b/c of your overall positive, can do attitude. Liked, subscribed and favorited.

[@artfx9]

Correct, edge banding is done before all the drilling. Great build once again.

[@maylenemcdondald6156]

I love it! My mom designed nicknack shelves on a double sided movable bookshelf back in the 1970's! It was kind of an open concept design when my parents built their home. It divided the living room from the dining room area but you can still see either side of each room. Your book shelves are absolutely awesome! What color is the paint? It's really pretty! :-)

[@ProphetOfIsa]

That's why I always try to do a test piece. Another thing you can use that jig for!

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Steve- you're awesome!

[@cyberbid]

404 error here as well. Please fix asap. This shelf looks awesome. I would also love the plans ;)

[@carloantonioj]

Great job, I like how you fixed the painting issue

[@clandlv]

Im not surprised that u getting almost 1m subscribers. pleasure to watch your videos! keep doing this great work!

[@kaydenmcgowan557]

thats a really unique bookshelf nice job well done

[@MrWneild]

Steve, Try a Transtint dye diluted in alcohol after the sealer. For a topcoat try a thinned out poly ( wipe it on)since it won't redissolve Transtint. I have found that a wipe on poly can be recoated in about an hour. Try finishing before assembly. I like the paint tape trick. Bill

[@mikesavoie2055]

Great video! I had the same results with the 2 in 1 stain before, but recently had it work great using the black stain. You should test it using a foam brush to spread it, seemed to work fine.

[@rafant44]

Very beautiful project. I'll build one at least. Thanks a lot for your generosity in sharing it.

[@MOU2EYBOY]

Nice job. I sure won't try the stain/poly combo now.

[@milindvdamle]

Steve Nice job with the project. Loved the dowel jig and mallet! It was reassuring to see even experts make mistakes with dimensions - thanks for keeping it in the video. Regards Milind

[@CirclesWoodshop]

Have you ever tried a boiled linseed oil, polyurethane, tung oil all mixed in thirds finish? If you wanted some color you could add some dye. Super easy to apply and it provides a great finish. It just takes multiple coats.

[@MillerWoodcraft]

very cool, had no idea you could get a full shelf from one sheet

[@mainematt1234]

I agree with the Polyshades....what a waste of time and $. I ruined a wine rack with some...grrr. One of the things I love about the videos and you Steve is you screw up, and then you show us! Thats' the best. I screw up all the time, we all do. At least we can learn from the mistakes and improve. Keep making!

[@issaki0a]

I wish I am your neighbor to enjoy the show >>>>>> great job Steve

[@PeterKertesz2013]

Steve,just a tip.Instead of using the tape to see how deep you should drill the hole,just cut off a piece from and old sweeping brush or some unwanted handle,cut it to the required/perfect size,drill it through and use it as a guide.You can work much faster this way,and prevents to drill the sheet through accidentally.

[@pluckyboy64]

Steve, they say misery loves company. I had the same disastrous results with that exact product while making my window trim. Sorry to see it ruin your bookcase, but at least I know now that it wasn't just me. Love the show, thanks for doing it!!

[@TheLeroy1981]

I love the look of this, considering digging my tools out of the cellar and having a go.

[@Master_Blackthorne]

Thanks for sharing. Like the bookcase design and jigs. I really like like the music too--real cool.

[@SebQtaneus]

I loved the whole "I liked the jig so much...." scene. I wonder how many times New Yankee Norm (or any wood working show for that matter) could have (and should have) had those types of scenes left in.

[@antoniomallari6136]

excellent and simple Steve!! I like the music backgound lol

[@okiterukagetsu]

OMG 9 years ago!!!! Congrats. This appeared in my recommends.

[@MrsEmPeel]

I have used the finish you used. Had the same problem the first time I used it. Then I tried it in my spray gun and it works beautifully. I spray very thin coats (3 usually) do not wipe any off and it works. The problem with splotching with this product usually occurs I think because it dries faster, and when you try to wipe it, it is just awful.

[@jezedrana]

I really like your way of explaining and working. I subscribed immediately. The bookcase looks really good!

[@chilldog1234567890]

the pink color rocks. the wife will love it.