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I finally finished my first project and learned a lot in the process. Next step is getting some better tools, my wife is less weary of me spending the money because the next project is a crib and a changing table and on and on…
The triple ladder like structure is padauk, finished with teak oil for the UV protection, then Danish oil and wipe-on poly. The shelves are poplar finished with Danish oil and poly - I regret not using just poly because I actually wanted the green in the wood to remain more than it did along with the contrasting whiteness, but it probably looks a little more elegant this way with the yellowing of the oil.
It was assembled using dowels which was a real pain with a hand drill. Everything was ripped and cut with the crappiest table saw in the world, but it was a birthday gift from my folks so I can't complain too much, but it will be the first thing to go. The table is a Skil 3305 with a massive 26" wide table;) I did buy a 50 tooth thin kerf Freud LU83R010 combination blade for it after trying the table out and struggling to make raised garden beds. The blade cost $40 less than the table saw. That helped a good deal in being able to rip the 8/4 padauk.

From Bookshelf

I'll add a picture of it covered in books when it makes it's way to it's final home in our bedroom. I'm just going to hide cheap bookends inside the books on either end.

Edit:
The shelf is in place and filled with books and here are a few more pictures, I'm happy with how sturdy this turned out to be. I added adjustable gliders to the front two posts because our floor slants a little bit and it added a little extra stability giving it the slightest back tilt on the carpeting in our room.




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Your first WW project….really??? If this is your 1st then you are destined for great things.
Well executed and elegant design.Thx for sharing.
 

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The design is a modified version of a bookshelf they sell at Target - I posted in the forums quite a while back when I first wanted to start this project, and that post shows a picture of the original, albeit nicer looking in the picture than you actually find in the stores. I spent about $30 dollars more on the wood and finish than it cost, changed the look a good deal and obviously I'm a lot happier with it than I would be with Target furniture…
 

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That is your FIRST project. Wow. That is a gorgeous bookshelf. My first project was sawdust. (it was beautiful sawdust by the way).

Congratulations and condolences. Grats for the project. Really … it is awesome.

Condolences because now that your wife knows you can woodwork, your "honey do" list just grew exponentially…trust me….I know.
 

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That is very impressive for a first project. My first project was so shoddy that I wouldn't dare post it here.
 

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Nice work! First projects are always special…we know every knot and flaw.
Ellen
 

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If that's your first woodworking project, I can't wait to see what comes next. Good job.
 

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Your brave to use paduak for your first project! But rightly so, it turned out great. Nice work.
Looks like the kids like it too!

Ryan
 

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You'll always remember your first. very well done.
 

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A great showing for your first project. Looks way better then the one sold at Target, the stuff there is always good for inspiration though.

I'll keep an eye out for your next projects, good luck with them.

CtL
 
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