How to Build a Knick-Knack Shelf

Step-by-Step guide on how to build a great designer "knick-knack" display shelf

STEP 1

Mark fins A1 and B1
On A1 and B1, mark a centre-line for the base of the centre notch and a centre-line across the width. Working from the centre, measure 125mm to mark the centre of each notch for B1 and 95mm for A1 (see Diagrams 1 and 3), then mark the notches.

STEP 2

Mark out the curves
Position A1 in a vice, securing a small clamp at each end. Position a one-metre steel ruler against the clamps, bending it to the opposite edge, marking a curve. Repeat for B1, reversing the curve. Cut the curves with a jigsaw.

STEP 3

Assemble A1 and B1
Mark A fins with cross-halving notches from the top edge and the B fins with notches from the bottom. Use a dropsaw to cut along the lines, removing waste with a 12mm chisel.
TIP: Use an offcut to check for a snug fit, widening with a file if necessary.

STEP 4

Mark out fins A2 to A5
Join A2 and A3 at one corner with a small nail. Position the centre of A1 at the centre-line of A2 and A3 to transfer the joints, repeating for A4 and A5. Cut the notch with a dropsaw and tidying with a chisel.
TIP: Notches are half the timber depth.

STEP 5

Mark out and cut B curves
Pair up fins B2 to B7 and mark up the notches using B1 as a template. Use a dropsaw and 12mm chisel to cut the notches. Mark the B curves, flexing a steel ruler, cutting with a jigsaw. Intersect the fins, marking A fins above the B fin joint.

STEP 6

Cut curves on A2 to A5
Remove the A fins, clamp and use a steel ruler to join the marks into a single curve that passes through the joints, cutting with a jigsaw.