Small Bookcase with Dado Joints
A sturdy 30" × 36" bookcase with shelves housed in router-cut dados, a plywood back, and a wall anchor. A great router project.
- Time10–16 hours plus finishing
- Est. cost$90–$200
Skill level 2 of 3
Intermediate
Stronger joinery, routers, milling stock flat and square, and furniture-grade glue-ups.
Intermediate plans
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Shaker-Style Side Table
A clean, timeless side table with tapered legs, mortise-and-tenon aprons, and a top that floats on wood buttons. 18" × 18" × 26" tall.
- Time15–25 hours over several weekends
- Est. cost$80–$200
Intermediate tips
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Glue-Ups Without Gaps
Prep, dry-fit, clamp, and clean up: a calm, repeatable process for panels and assemblies that come out flat and tight.
Flattening and Squaring Stock: Face, Edge, Thickness, Width, Length
The classic milling sequence that turns rough or warped boards into flat, square parts — with machines or hand planes.
Using a Router Safely and Effectively
Feed direction, bit speed, light passes, and secure workholding: the fundamentals that make routing safer and give cleaner results.
Pocket Holes vs. Dowels vs. Biscuits: Which Joint When?
An honest comparison of three popular machine-assisted joints — how each works, where it shines, and where it falls short.
Ready for more? Move up to Expert →