This Cherry Nook Shelf with a curved top and trim is a fantastic project created by DIYTyler. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own nook shelf.
Materials Needed:
- Cherry wood boards (various sizes)
- Wood glue
- 23 gauge pin nails
- Dowel pins
- Sanding sealer
- Polyurethane finish
Tools Required:
- Miter saw
- Band saw
- Planer
- Table saw
- Clamps (Bessie clamps, F-style clamps)
- Brad point drill bit
- Flush cut saw
- Compass miter gauge
- Spray gun for finishing
Step 1: Break Down the Cherry Wood
Start by breaking down the long pieces of cherry wood using a miter saw. This makes the boards more manageable. The furniture in the girls’ room is a mix of ash and cherry, so I opted for a combination of gnarlier cherry for the trim and cleaner cherry for the carcass.
Step 2: Joint and Plane the Boards
After cutting the boards to size, use an 8-inch jointer to joint two sides of the boards. Then, move to the planer to make the opposite side parallel. This process reveals beautiful figure cherry underneath the worn edges.
Step 3: Resaw the Boards
Next, resaw the boards using a band saw. This allows you to create thinner pieces that can be glued together to achieve the desired depth of 10 inches.
Step 4: Rip the Boards to Size
Once the boards are resawn, rip them down to their final dimensions at the table saw. This ensures that all pieces are uniform and ready for assembly.
Step 5: Assemble the Carcass
At the assembly station, use Bessie clamps to glue the boards together. Make sure to scrape off any excess glue before moving back to the planer to achieve a perfectly flat surface.
Step 6: Create the Curved Top
To make the curved top, set the blade depth on the table saw just below the thickness of the board. Use a compass miter gauge to make a series of cuts that will allow the wood to bend easily.
Step 7: Assemble the Curved Top
Use dowels and glue to secure the curved top to the carcass. This creates a strong bond and adds to the aesthetics of the shelf.
Step 8: Sand and Finish
After assembly, sand the entire shelf to smooth out any rough edges. Then, apply a coat of sanding sealer followed by two to three coats of polyurethane for a beautiful finish.
Step 9: Install the Shelf
Finally, install the shelf in the desired location. Make any necessary adjustments to fit it snugly against the wall. Use brass screws for a polished look.
