Thread: Has anyone made/used adjustable shelving like this...

That type of shelving support was very common in late Georgian and later bookcases. The easiest way I've found to make it is to saw the vertical cuts across, say, a 4" x 1" stick, followed by the 45 degree cuts and then rip the stick into 5/8" strips for glueing/screwing to the inside of the bookcase.

Very hard to beat WW's advice!

I saw lots of examples of this type of shelving in Brazilian furniture. Works well when properly done.

Cant see why rounded ends would make any difference. You could make the support area a bulb shape instead of a 180° radius end.

Much the same design as used in a cedar bookcase we have made in the 1860's. Its in use' in my office, the shelves are adjusted from time to time, it works perfectly.
Regards, Bill

Thanks for the feedback.

What sort of size do you think is best? I thought 40mm strips, a 20mm triangle, and 20mm support piece? WW suggested much smaller sizes.

Dan

Seen the idea before but not with the pointy ends - the piece in your diagram with the pointy ends was the same idea but had rounded ends - these "locked" into the mating supports on the sides of the case which appeared to have been made by a forstner bit or similar and the ripped on a table saw to give the 2 supports.

Not sure if this helps you out but it would probably be easier time wise than cutting as you suggested.

Regards,
Bob

Originally Posted by BozInOz

Thanks for the feedback.

What sort of size do you think is best? I thought 40mm strips, a 20mm triangle, and 20mm support piece? WW suggested much smaller sizes.

Dan

WW mentions bookcases typically larger than you are planning and he has seen plenty of them. I'd say his measurements would be fine but if you want to go bigger go ahead. No harm.
My bookcase (circa early 1800's) is about 1.2m wide and the measurements are pretty much as WW suggests.

Made some progress on the design.

At the moment the shelving is 40mm with 20mm cut out section.

That looks sound.

Here is an image of typical lath shelf adjustment and a few images of alternative shelf adjustment from the 18th century.

It might be very period and very authentic bit IMHO it's very unattractive.

it can be very attractive,

here is the original picture i would assume you saw BozInOz

I like the look. I have not seen this design before but I must remember it.