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Short Summary
Main recommendation: Build simple corner shelves from scrap half-inch plywood using basic tools, joining the pieces with pocket screws and rounding the corners with a quarter-circle cut. The project is aimed at beginners and does not require complex joinery. Plans are available free through the video's description.
Key Points
- The shelves are painted, so grain direction and plywood color matching do not matter.
- Every piece is a different size, which is the main challenge of the project.
- The shelves' curved corners are quarter circles, while the upright pieces get a one-inch radius on one corner.
- Pocket screws hold the joints, and the joints are strong after sitting overnight.
- The host notes that the joints could be made more complicated if desired.
Details Worth Noting
- Concrete instructions:
- Cut the rectangles with any saw available: circular saw, jigsaw, band saw, table saw, or hand saw.
- For each square shelf, find the center by connecting the diagonals. Measure from the center to the edge to get the radius, set a beam compass to that radius, and draw a quarter circle at the corner.
- Cut the shelf corners with a jigsaw, band saw, or coping saw, then sand the curves smooth by hand.
- Mark a one-inch radius on one corner of each upright vertical piece.
- Drill pocket holes with a pocket hole jig. Clamp the pieces together while driving the screws, since otherwise they slide. Hold a board on top of the shelf to press it against the adjacent piece while driving.
- Drive the pocket screws only until slight resistance is felt, because they go all the way through if overdriven.
- The host recommends checking the plans while assembling to visualize how the pieces fit together.
- A mistake the host notes: the holes for the next shelf should have been drilled at the same time as the earlier holes, which would have simplified assembly.
Bottom Line
This is a beginner-friendly woodworking project that uses scrap plywood, a few basic tools, and pocket screws, and the finished joints are sturdy enough for shelving.
