Tip for gluing up mitered joints and library progress

Last time I showed you my library bookshelf progress, I got a lot of questions about what I was planning for those big gaps on the side of the bookshelves.

Library Built Ins 4

I filled it in with a 2×4 wall (of sorts).

Built in bookshelves progress

And then covered that with a two sided column.

Built in bookshelves

 

How did I  make a two sided column?  I mitered two long pieces of MDF and glued them together.  I also shot some nails in to help hold it in place while it dried.

 

The key to keeping long mitered joints in place during glue up is using tape to hold the pieces together like this:

1.

Mitered joint glue up.2.

Keeping pieces from sliding during glue up of a mitered joint.

3.

Keeping pieces from sliding during glue up of a mitered joint.4.

Keeping pieces from sliding during glue up of a mitered joint.

 

It’s that easy.  Then I glued and nailed it over my 2×4’s and it looks like this.  Of course, it won’t look REALLY good until it’s all caulked, trimmed, painted and finished…

Built in bookshelves

And my goal for that is the end of the week.

WISH ME LUCK!

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20 Comments

  1. Mareen, I caulk anywhere where there is a gap. It might be every seam. I’ll prime first and then caulk because the primer will fill very small cracks and then I won’t have to waste my time caulking. I caulk along the line and then wipe it down with a wet finger. That’s what works for me. Or squish as you put it. I don’t recaulk unless there is a really wide gap and I have to build up…and I try to pretend I never have to do anything like that!

  3. Sandra,

    Being totally brain-dead on things like this – Where exactly do you caulk? Is it every seam? Are there any places that you don’t have to caulk? Do you put a small amount on and then squish it into the seam scraping off most of the caulk in the process? Do you need to recaulk due to shrinkage?

    Maureen

  4. Sandra! You are so smart!! Come to Birmingham so we can play! I need your DIY hands and tools to finish my Hansel and Gretel house!!!

  5. Yep. If I could have installed the face frame before securing the cabinets to the wall, I would have used clamps to hold it in place but — as it is, nails had to do the job.

    Also, I intended to use pocket holes but didn’t plan ahead and drill my holes before installation and the 14″ depth wasn’t enough room to get the drill with the long bit behind the jig. (Wood glue is strong enough to hold but using pocket holes would have prevented the nails in the face…but then you have to plug the pocket holes. It’s really just a matter of preference and planning.)

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