In the video titled “Dumb Idea, Great Furniture,” Shaun Boyd shares an entertaining journey of creating a rather absurd piece of furniture: a bookshelf designed to hold just one book. This whimsical project serves as a “pallet cleanser” for Shaun, who often indulges in creating quirky, unique furniture pieces.
The Need for a Pallet Cleanser
Shaun starts by explaining that he enjoys making goofy and slightly absurd pieces of furniture. His past projects include a coffee table with holes, a literal sliding dovetail table, and even a coffee table big enough for just one cup. After moving his shop to his backyard, he felt the need to create another fun project to lighten the mood amidst the chaos of relocating.
He notes that the current state of his shop is cluttered, as his family has recently moved halfway across the country. This tight timeframe and the need for a quick project inspired him to dive into the one-book shelf idea.
The Absurdity of the One-Book Shelf
As Shaun reflects on the concept of the one-book shelf, he recognizes its absurdity. “Nobody needs this, nobody wants this,” he admits, but he is determined to build it anyway. He describes his approach to woodworking as throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, which often leads to interesting and entertaining projects.
Despite its silly premise, Shaun emphasizes that even whimsical furniture should be well-crafted and functional. He wants to ensure that the piece is something he can live with, rather than just a throwaway item for a video.
Designing and Building the Shelf
The construction begins with Shaun creating a tall cabinet and cutting some dados for the divider panels. He considers various design options but ultimately decides to keep it practical and functional, despite its humorous intent.
Next, Shaun moves on to crafting the legs for the shelf. He uses leftover maple from a previous project, which serendipitously matches the height needed for the bookshelf. Shaun reflects on the importance of keeping his woodworking fresh and embracing change, as he has moved frequently throughout his life.
Embracing Change and Experimentation
Shaun mentions that he enjoys trying new techniques and approaches in his woodworking. For the legs of the shelf, he opts for a long mortise and tenon joint instead of the more common dowels or screws. This decision, he explains, is simply to try something different and keep the process engaging.
He acknowledges that while this method may be more time-consuming, it’s worth it for the sake of variety in his work. “When I’m only making this piece one time, that really doesn’t matter,” he says, highlighting his creative freedom.
Router Love and Project Challenges
Throughout the project, Shaun expresses his love for routers, calling them one of the most versatile tools in woodworking. He jokes about the absurdity of wanting to create an entire piece using only a router, comparing it to the current trend of discussing the Roman Empire.
As he progresses with the build, challenges arise, particularly when he begins to make the cabinet doors. He realizes he has milled the door material too thin for the concealed hinges he plans to use. Instead of panicking, he adds thickness to the doors and decides to simplify the inlay design due to time constraints.
Finishing Touches and Final Thoughts
In the final stages, Shaun adds inlays to the cabinet doors, opting for a simpler approach to save time. He runs the pieces through the drum sander to achieve a polished finish.
As he nears completion, Shaun humorously reflects on the necessity of the project. “If a person only has space for one book in a one-book shelf, how do you choose what book to put in it?” he ponders. Ultimately, he concludes that sometimes, embracing the “dumb” is a worthwhile endeavor.
In a light-hearted yet meaningful way, Shaun Boyd reminds viewers that creativity can thrive even in the most absurd ideas. As he wraps up the video, he encourages anyone hesitant to pursue their own quirky projects to embrace the fun and creativity that woodworking can bring.