DIY Network

Jatoba Bookcase: Finishing Touches From "Wood Works" episode WWK-501

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A tung oil finish brings out the warm tone of the jatoba wood in this stylized bookcase. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G A tung oil finish brings out the warm tone of the jatoba wood in this stylized bookcase.

The final steps in the creation of the bookcase include adding the back panel, securing the molded base-trim and applying a wood finish.

Materials:

1/2-inch mahogany plywood stock
Table saw
Hand drill
Sharp chisel
Cabinet scraper
Clamps
Yellow woodworker's glue
Wood-screws and washers
Tung-oil wood finish
Paint brushes
Rags

Note: Cut sizes may vary. For exact measurements, please contact David Marks through his Web site -- information below under Resources.

Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with wood, power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc.

Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation, when working with wood stains, solvents and other toxic solutions.

Steps:

• With the case assembled, use a sharp chisel to square up the corners of the rabbet that will hold the back panel.

• Use the table saw to cut the back panel to the appropriate dimensions from 1/2-inch mahogany plywood.

• Add glue to the rabbet, position the back panel and clamp it securely in position to allow the glue to dry (figure A).

• Adding fine details using hand-tools give the bookcase a refined look. First, use a cabinet scraper to flush the edges of the shelves so that they form a seamless connection (figure B).

• Follow up with a hand-scraper to fine-tune the edges (figure C).

• Finally, use a sanding block and 220-grit sandpaper to soften all of the remaining edges of the cabinet (figure D).

• To attach the bottom trim, both glue and metal fasteners are used. The front-piece of the miter-cut trim can be glued directly to the front of the case since this juncture is long-grain to long-grain.

• The sides are attached using a different technique. Since the long-grain of the side-panel runs perpendicular to the grain of the trim (figure E), allowance will have to be made for wood movement once the bookcase is complete. For this reason, the side trim-pieces are secured with screws. First, drill 1/8-inch pilot holes, then use a 1/4-inch bit to drill oversized holes through the sides of the case.

• With the side-holes drilled, add glue along the front edge of the case and clamp the U-shaped trim into position (figure F).

• Next, secure the sides of the trim using screws and washers (figure G) through the pre-drilled holes. The screws and washers will allow the sides of the case to expand and contract in the oversized holes.

  Tip: Wax the threads of the screws to prevent friction, and make it easier to sink the screws into the wood.

For the final detail, we applied a tung-oil finish to seal in the warm color and rich texture of the jatoba wood (figure H).

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RESOURCES :

Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619

Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456

David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com