How to Build a Children's Bookrack

To make the back (A), use a circular saw with straightedge jig to rip 30-1/4 inches from a 4x8 sheet of 1/4-inch beaded board. Or use a tablesaw and a helper to support the sheet. Use a circular saw and edge guide to crosscut the piece to 34-1/2 inches.

Cut two pieces of 1x6 poplar to 32 inches long to make the top and bottom (B). Then crosscut two pieces of 1x6 poplar to 34-1/2 inches for the sides (C). You can make these cuts with a power mitersaw or with a circular saw guided by a crosscutting jig or an angle square.

Use a tablesaw or a circular saw with ripping guide to rip one 6-foot length of 1x4 poplar to 2-3/4 inches wide and another 6-foot length into two 1-1/2-inch-wide pieces. Cut the pieces to 29-1/2 inches long, making the shelves (D) and cleats (E).

Cut nine pieces of dowel 30-3/4 inches long. These cuts don't need to be absolutely square; just make a mark on each one and cut through it with the circular saw. Be sure to grasp the dowel tightly so it doesn't turn during the cut.

A push stick is a simple and essential piece of safety equipment for making narrow rip-cuts on the tablesaw. The one shown here is made from a scrap of poplar 1x6. Cut it out with a jigsaw and smooth the edges with sandpaper. The shape of the handle doesn't have to be exact; just shape it to fit comfortably in your hand.