Custom Shoe Rack

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-405 -- More Projects »
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Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a guest how to stay a step ahead of her closet clutter by helping her build a custom shoe rack. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this task a three.

Tools:

table
portable workbench
circular saw
hammer
nail set
drill with brad bit
shelf positioning jig
straight edge
spring clamps
90-degree angle clamps
carpenter’s square
pencil
drill
dust mask
cabinet-grade plywood
glue
finishing nails
shelf supports

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
Steps:

1. Measure the area and draw a plan for the shoe rack. Lay out all the pieces you'll need to cut with a cutting diagram on graph paper (figure A).

2. Transfer the cuts to your particle board and cup pieces with a circular saw. Start with the angled cuts.

3. Now drill holes in side pieces for the adjustable shelving. Clamp the shelf side and a positioning jig together. Drill out the holes for the shelf pins (figure B).

4. Begin assembling the shoe rack. Start by putting wood glue on the edges of the first two outside casing boards. Using corner clamps secure the boards to your worktable and drill pilot holes before nailing the boards together (figure C).

5. Repeat the process connecting all of the outside casing boards.

6. Attach the center divide board.

7. Install shelf pins, shelves, and shoes (figure D).