Tartus Bookcase
This piece was commissioned by a local man as a Christmas present for his wife. Please note that I built this from pictures he provided from the internet, the overall design is not mine. He made the two signs himself to be added later. The finished piece is 24" by 24" by 78". My initial concern was sagging because of the weight of the swinging doors. They had to fit under the top piece and not scrape against the lower platform. I solved this by making a solid 3/4" plywood back that is taller than the rear bookcase, it goes up into the upper piece and down into the lower platform where it is attached securely to both. I reinforced the upper and lower sections with additional cross pieces of plywood to prevent warping. I placed two more supports under it for a dolly to catch so it could be transported easily.
I used a jigsaw to rough cut the openings for the door panels, then straightened them up with a router.
I then flipped them over and added a bevel on the outer edges.
Back on the interior, I marked for a plunge cut so the panels would fit flush. For the upper panel, which would become the window, I used a piece of hardboard with one white side.
These are the upper and lower platforms. Note the two extra pieces I added so a dolly can transport it easily.
The center bookcase on its side. Note how the back extends up and down to attach to the platforms.
A swinging side bookcase with the door panels installed. Note how the flush panels will be invisible once everything is painted.
Finishing up the three bookcase pieces.
This is the bottom of the center bookcase showing the multitude of screws and cross braces. The second picture shows it from the 'top' side.
The customer provided an old kerosene lantern that I hollowed out, cleaned and painted so he could put a light inside of it for the top. You can also see the window lites that I attached last.
All the hinges are attached, ready for painting.
I applied three coats of sprayed paint. Near the bottom you can see the catches to hold the doors closed.
And here is the finished Tartus bookcase.
