How to Build a Bookcase

Building a bookcase can be a complicated project requiring craftsman skills or a simple straightforward project. Here's a design that you can make with standard lumber from the lumbar yard using some common tools. You certainly don't have to be a craftsman to make this practical but inexpensive piece of furniture.


Step1
What you'll need

1 piece of 2"x 10" x 12' lumber (cut in half)
2 pieces of 1"x 10" x 8' lumber cut into 32" sections
"L" brackets (4 per shelf).
A saw or router.
Piece of thin hardboard or 1/4" plywood.
Brads (1/2") and screws (#8 3/4" long)
Sandpaper, stain, and paint.
Drill and drill bits
Screwdriver and hammer


Step2
Cut (or have your lumberyard cut) a 2"x10"x 12' piece of lumber into two pieces 72" long. These two pieces will form the sides of your bookcase.


Step3
Cut (or have your lumberyard cut) 2 pieces of 1"x10"x8' lumber into three sections each. These 32" sections will form the top, bottom and shelves of the bookcase.


Step4
Sand the edges of all the boards. Paint or stain all the boards as well as the piece of hardboard or plywood.


Step5
Determine the optimum spacing of your bookcase shelves (depends on the size of your books) and mark the spacing on the sides of the bookcase.


Step6
Attach "L" brackets to the sides of the bookcase aligning them so the shelf heights will match your requirements. (Put the brackets 3" from the front and 3" from the rear of the bookcase sides).


Step7
Fasten the top shelf to the L brackets on both sides of the bookcase and then work your way down, attaching the shelves as per your layout. You may want to position the top shelf 1" from the top of the bookcase for appearance.


Step8
Paint the "L" brackets so they blend in with the bookcase color.


Step9
Cut the hardboard to fit the back of the bookcase and attach it with the brads.

How to Choose a Backhoe to Rent

Decide if you need a backhoe, loader, or excavator. Backhoes have more power than compact machines but cost less than excavators. The backhoe loader features two tools. On the front, a loader is used to pick up piles of material or push dirt into a hole. The rear backhoe digs through hard earth. You can exchange the backhoe or loader bucket for different attachments: crushers, grinders, or other tools.


Step1
Decide how deep you need to dig. A full-sized backhoe reaches down 14 to 16 feet.


Step2
Use a compact backhoe to dig eight to 10 feet deep. It is less expensive, more maneuverable, and easier to transport than a full-sized backhoe.


Step3
Check that the loader has adequate lift height to load your dump truck.


Step4
Choose attachments to increase the machines' flexibility. Substituting forks for a bucket lets you transport pallets.


Step5
Choose a backhoe with a quick coupler, or integrated tool carrier to use multiple attachments.


Step6
Look for stabilizer legs that have either grouser shoes for a firm grip on dirt or rubber-padded shoes for use on asphalt.


Step7
Choose four-wheel drive backhoes for better traction on mud or loose ground.


Step8
Select four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability on crowded job sites.