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I’ve
built many a bookshelf over the years and have always been
frustrated by free-standing bookends, which tend to slip or
tip. So, while crafting a bookshelf for my
great-grand-daughter, I hit upon the idea of fully
adjustable built-in bookends.
In the top shelf, I used a keyhole bit in my plunge router
to make a stopped slot, where shown in the drawing. I
plunged the bit ½ deep into the center of the shelf, and
then routed to with a few inches each end. That created a
keyhole slot with a single entry hole that will be hidden by
books.
After make the bookends, I drove a #10x1½ flathead wood
screw into the bottom of each, leaving the head about ¼
proud. Simply adjust the screw-head protrusion to make it
slide easier or with more friction in the routed slot. To
install the bookends, insert the head of the screw into one
of the keyhole bit entry point and slide it where you want
it. The pressure from a book or two leaning against the
bookends prevents the bookends for sliding away.
Gerald “Jum” Coorough, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
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