Wood Shelf Pin Method

[cabinetman]

Using metal or plastic shelf pins or clips may not be the most decorative or traditional method for hanging shelves or adjustable shelves.

This method is really very easy to do and IMO looks unique. The basic idea is to have a dowels protruding from the case work that fit into grooved slots on the underside of the shelf.

Where you want the shelf (or shelves), drill 1/4" holes 3/8" deep into the cabinet walls the distance you want the supports from the front and back edges. If these are to be adjustable shelves drill however many sets of holes for the height adjustment.

On the underside of the shelf, using a bottom round bit (#45784), rout a 3/8" long slot, 1/4" deep to line up with the holes drilled in the cabinet wall.

Cut 3/4" long sections from a 1/4" wood dowel rod, species of your choice. Slightly chamfer the ends with some sandpaper and insert into the holes. When the shelf sits on the dowels, the bottom is flat, and all you see are the fitted dowels. This makes for a shelf that will be secure and won't slide. Amazingly, 1/4" dowels will hold quite a bit of weight.

This is not a method you would want to use if you plan to turn shelves over. If that's the case, just use the dowels and forgo the slotting.
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[gsmittle]

How did you know I was about to start a set of bookcases? Thanks for the tip!

g.

[sscherin]

We had a bookshelf somewhat like that design but instead of slotting the bottom of the shelf they had routed slots back to front centered in the end grain.. (stopping short of the face)

This gave a clean look top & bottom and you could still flip the shelf over if needed.

Down side was that only left 1/4" thickness for shelf support on a 3/4" board..
They made up for that by using a piece of music wire bent into a [ shape so it fit between the front and rear pegs.. That provided support over most of the edge.

[cabinetman]

We had a bookshelf somewhat like that design but instead of slotting the bottom of the shelf they had routed slots back to front centered in the end grain.. (stopping short of the face)

This gave a clean look top & bottom and you could still flip the shelf over if needed.

Down side was that only left 1/4" thickness for shelf support on a 3/4" board..
They made up for that by using a piece of music wire bent into a [ shape so it fit between the front and rear pegs.. That provided support over most of the edge.

That method can be used if there is access to the shelf. If there is a back, or attrached to the wall, and a face frame, the shelf is locked in. It works with a frameless cabinet where the shelf can be slid out the front.
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[herb fellows]

Ikea actually makes some of their shelving that way. I have a desk that is set up like that.

[August86]

I've used this method. There are jigs available to drill evenly spaced holes in the cabinet sides so the shelves can be repositioned.

Mile D.