What a Day it Has Been

So about that top rail I replaced yesterday...I apparently like destroying them. I intentionally cut this one a bit too wide so that I could just flush trim it with the router once it was mounted. I didn't figure into this little equation the grain direction in relation to the router bit rotation. After a bit of kickback I had managed to split out a large section. After some choice words I had to run to the lumber yard for more stock.

Wasted minutes later I had the new one securely mounted to the frame as well as the case.

Previous to the top rail debacle, I had spent time sanding and oiling the back for the bookcase. This was only slightly more time consuming than I had planned and actually quite rewarding once I saw the veneer come to life under the oil finish.

During the process of attaching the trim on the sides to the case I ran into an issue with my compressor that I've just sort of dealt with until today. It's a really old, "on-demand" compressor from Sears that my Grandfather gave me a few years ago. It looks like it was purchased in the 1980's or possibly earlier. Anyway, from time to time it doesn't have the "oomph" to drive the brads or pins that I've been using for assembly. So I upgraded:

Twice the horsepower with an oil lubricated pump. This presents a bit more maintenance but the increase in pressure and decrease in decibel output is worth the titch of extra work.

The new compressor was able to attach the back to the case without any issue whatsoever. While attaching the back I was posed with the question of how to locate the center dividers through wood that I was unable to see through, even with my x-ray specs. I ended up using some rare earth magnets. Put one on each side of the thin back and I was able to slide both right next to the divider. This gave me a great picture of where the divider was and where I needed to put the brads.

After the back was attached, oil was applied to the non-nice veneer side and it was ready to move indoors.

I had really hoped to have this thing done today, but it just wasn't in the cards. The good news is that the shelves should go relatively quickly tomorrow so it should be in the office with books on it by tomorrow evening. I'm looking forward to having this one done!