Crafting a Hand-Cut Dado Bookshelf

Article 132: Crafting a Hand-Cut Dado Bookshelf

By: A Woodworker Who Still Loves Chopping Grooves by Hand

A dado joint provides rock-solid shelf stability. In this project, we hand-cut dadoes into side panels for a stout bookshelf with timeless joinery and no visible fasteners.

Materials

• ¾" plywood or hardwood:

  • Sides: 12" × 36" (2)

  • Shelves: 11" × 30" (4)

  • Back panel: ¼" × 30" × 36"

• Wood glue

• Finish (oil, polyurethane)

Tools Needed

• Marking gauge

• Backsaw or tenon saw

• Chisels

• Router plane (optional)

• Clamps

• Square

Steps

1. Layout Dados

   • Mark ¾"-wide dado locations on side panels, spaced evenly.

2. Saw and Chop

   • Saw the shoulders, then chisel out waste to exact depth (⅜" or ½").

3. Dry Fit

   • Test shelves in dadoes. Adjust with router plane or file for tight fit.

4. Glue Up

   • Apply glue to dadoes and clamp. Add back panel for squareness.

5. Finish

   • Sand and finish as desired. Optional: add face frame or edge banding.

Sketch – Side Cutaway

Side Panel:
 __________________
|_D__D__D__D________| ← D = dado joints