Building a wooden magazine rack with curved dividers involves several steps, from selecting the right materials to finishing the final product. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful and functional magazine rack:
Materials Needed:
- 1/2” or 3/4” plywood or hardwood for the sides and bottom
- 1/4” or 1/2” hardwood for the dividers
- Wood glue
- Wood screws or finishing nails
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Wood stain or paint (optional)
- Clear wood finish (e.g., polyurethane)
- Measuring tape and ruler
- Jigsaw or band saw for cutting curves
- Drill and screws for assembly
- Clamps for holding pieces in place
Tools Required:
- Jigsaw or band saw (for curved cuts)
- Circular saw or table saw (for straight cuts)
- Drill with bits for screws
- Clamps
- Sanding block or electric sander
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Design Your Rack
Start by determining the dimensions of your magazine rack. A typical size might be 12-16 inches wide, 10-12 inches tall, and 10-12 inches deep, depending on how many magazines you plan to store.
2. Cut the Pieces
- Sides: Cut two pieces for the sides of the rack. These should be straight, rectangular pieces based on your dimensions.
- Bottom: Cut a piece for the bottom of the rack, which should be the same width as the side pieces.
- Dividers: The dividers will need to be curved. To make these:
- Draw a curve on a piece of scrap wood using a template or by freehand.
- Cut the dividers using a jigsaw or band saw. Ensure they are slightly taller than the sides of the rack so they can be attached securely.
3. Shape the Dividers
- To create a smooth, curved design for your dividers, clamp the pieces down and carefully cut along your curved line. After cutting, use sandpaper or a sander to smooth the edges and ensure a nice, even curve.
4. Prepare for Assembly
- Sand all the pieces to remove any rough edges or splinters.
- If you’re staining or painting the wood, now is the time to do it. Apply the stain or paint and let it dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
5. Assemble the Rack
- Start by attaching the bottom piece to one of the side pieces using wood glue and screws. Clamp everything in place while it dries.
- Next, attach the curved dividers. If you’re using glue, apply a generous amount where the divider touches the side and bottom pieces, then secure with screws or nails. Space the dividers evenly across the width of the rack.
- Once all the dividers are in place, attach the second side piece in the same way as the first, securing the rack structure.
6. Final Touches
- Allow the glue to dry completely (usually 24 hours).
- Sand the entire rack to smooth out any imperfections and give it a nice finish.
- Apply a final coat of wood finish or clear polyurethane to protect the wood and give it a polished look.
7. Display Your Magazines
Once everything is dry and secure, your magazine rack is ready for use! The curved dividers will help keep magazines organized while adding a stylish touch to your space.
This simple yet effective design can be customized to fit your home decor style, whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a more rustic, traditional vibe.
Enjoy your woodworking project, and if you’re interested in expanding your skills further, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course for more detailed plans and tutorials! You can find it here: Ted’s Woodworking Course.