Well, it took a while. The second part of the two-part project is finally done (and actually was finished a month ago - it just took me a while to get this post written). Click the link below to see all of the pictures.

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It has been a long arduous journey, but I finally completed the first bookshelf. There will eventually be another bookshelf and a desk. I will write more in the future about the long journey (which includes quite a few setbacks).

The first of the bookcases is ready for priming (actually I have one more round of sanding, and then it is ready). I was able to finish the molding on the top of the bookcase. I learned that half of a good project is learning to use wood filler. I also learned that if you use the stainable wood filler that you need to have a Jimmy Hendrix record on hand – because you will be high as a kite by the time you are done with it. The pictures are below.

After finishing the case, I was on to the hardwood face frame. It will basically consist of four cut poplar pieces joined using 3/8″ dowel joints. It was my first time using dowel joints, so I was a bit nervous. However, by using the dowel jig for the drill and the dowel kit (dowels, bit, rubber stopper) it made it quite easy. The frame is now in the clamps – and looking good!

A month or so ago, I started on a project that will consist of two bookcases and a small mini-desk that will join the two. I have completed the frame of the first bookcase. The frame is made of ¾” Birch Plywood. All of the hardwood in the project will be poplar. You can see the case below.