How to Build a Wood Shelf With Braces
- 1). Determine the desired length of the shelf and use the measuring tape to show that length on the plank. Make a mark at that spot with the carpenter's pencil.
- 2). Cut the plank at the desired length using the circular saw.
- 3). Clamp the shelf to your work table using the "C" clamp. Tighten it so you cannot move it.
- 4). Rout one long edge and both side edges using the router and a bell-router bit. The long edge will serve as the front of the shelf.
- 5). Align the wood braces to the bottom and back of the shelf. Place each one 25 percent to 30 percent in from the outer edge.
- 6). Screw the braces into the wood using the Phillips screwdriver and the 1 3/8-inch wood screws.
- 7). Hold the shelf against the wall and check that it is even, using the level.
- 8). Ask your assistant to hold the shelf against the wall with the braces and the bolt holes facing out, so you can see exactly where the shelf will connect.
- 9). Drill through the brace bolt holes using the drill and the 1/4" drill bit. Drill in one smooth movement until the drill bit penetrates the wall.
- 10
Insert the 3-inch butterfly bolts through the holes. - 11
Tighten the butterfly bolts by turning the bolt head clockwise and simultaneously pulling, so the butterfly expanders catch and tighten within the wall. Finger tighten each bolt, then use the Phillips screwdriver to further tighten the bolts until the shelf fits flush and secure against the wall.
Source...