Prototype floating shelf

I need shelves in my closet, and wanted something better than I've been building lately. With that in mind, I had the wonderful idea of building a prototype version with all the junk wood I have laying around first. This way I can go through all the trouble of overcoming the inevitable obstacles I will run into, and it won't screw up the good stuff.

So, just assume that the finished product will look more finished with properly sized face plate, less gaps, full bottom plate, etc. Also, if anyone wants to suggest a decent hardwood that they think would work well for this project, I am open to suggestions that are within the price range of mere mortals. Let's check out some pictures.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g...28HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i...28HDR%2529.jpg

That ammo can has about 300 rounds in it, and the pistol box has the pistol inside. I put them up there to test strength because I was honestly pretty skeptical. Considering that I some how missed the stud completely on the right side, I'd say this is holding up surprisingly well.

I have/had a bunch of different ideas for this, such as not using a back plate and just running the arms straight into the wall studs with the pocket screws. However, with the screws going at an angle, I think it will be too difficult to get a good hit on the stud. Also considered running a support on the right wall, and just notching it, and placing a corresponding block on the bottom side of the top shelf, to slide in the notch, just to keep everything tight. The wall not being at a right angle kind of screws things up, especially since I was going to build 4 shelves, and the wall is at a different angle at each shelf. Open to ideas and suggestions. The idea when this is completed is for everything to fit flush so it just looks like a fancy floating shelf when done.

Finally, here are the various images that gave me the idea.

http://images.younghouselove.com.s3....4/ana-pic5.jpg
http://st.houzz.com/simgs/2101330c0e...dern-desks.jpg
http://minimalistdesignhomes.com/wp-...ves-ideas2.jpg

Looks good I need to do some wood work myself or more like have my cousins fiancé do it for me.

You know, I never saw that very last picture I posted until I made this thread. That idea looks a heck of a lot easier than what I built. I think I'll just do that. The advantage over my design is that the weight of whatever is on the shelf won't affect how much force is required to slide the shelf off, and I won't have to take the shelf all the way off to remove any items in the shelf. Well, that was a fun day, but I'm going to scrap the entire design and copy that shelf in the last picture. Heh.

The last picture is also my favorite. I would like to make something like that too, eventually. I have a couple floating shelves like the first picture that I haven't installed yet. I have installed one in our upstairs bathroom so far, and I like it.

I kinda like yours better, at least for firearm concealment. No seam to be possibly seen.

Tag for later too, I need some regular floating shelves in my kitchen.

The weight of what is on the shelf, makes it harder to open though. You could just build it on casters though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Colorado_Outback

I kinda like yours better, at least for firearm concealment. No seam to be possibly seen.

Tag for later too, I need some regular floating shelves in my kitchen.

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I'm with you on this- it looks like it's just a shelf, but there's a hidden compartment... you could even put some kind of lock or hidden latch on the bottom, and it wouldn't be obvious.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Irving

The weight of what is on the shelf, makes it harder to open though. You could just build it on casters though.

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Ball bearing Drawer slides... like this:
http://www.wwhardware.com/kv-8400-fu...FQuPaQodJ30AiA

We buy and use those same KV slides by the case. It's a nice product. For just a couple dollars more you can get the same thing in a version that incorporates a self close/slow close feature. Way cool.

Tolerances are important. The slides want to live in a space 1/2" wide +1/16", -0". We generally shoot right at 1/2", but we're using CNC equipment. If I were building something with hand tools, I'd aim for 17/32".

Thanks for the advice Tim, I was hoping you'd chime in.

It's a pretty neat idea. Expect to see me offering these for sale soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 68Charger

I'm with you on this- it looks like it's just a shelf, but there's a hidden compartment... you could even put some kind of lock or hidden latch on the bottom, and it wouldn't be obvious.



Ball bearing Drawer slides... like this:
http://www.wwhardware.com/kv-8400-fu...FQuPaQodJ30AiA

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The perfect hidden lock for this setup would be a pair of holes drilled vertically one on each side, drop a steel pin in there and you can easily remove it with a magnet. Very hard to see if you dont know what too look for and impossible to open with out the "tool". Usually enough security for idiots and curious children.

My dad secured his powder cabinet like this the entire time we were kids, he still had to show me once I started reloading later in life. haha.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Colorado_Outback

The perfect hidden lock for this setup would be a pair of holes drilled vertically one on each side, drop a steel pin in there and you can easily remove it with a magnet. Very hard to see if you dont know what too look for and impossible to open with out the "tool". Usually enough security for idiots and curious children.

My dad secured his powder cabinet like this the entire time we were kids, he still had to show me once I started reloading later in life. haha.

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That's a great idea for an inconspicuous lock. That idea would probably work to secure a number of different things I imagine.