Build an Under-Window Bookcase

Now that you have the shelves and standards cut to size, you'll need to cut the dadoes and rabbets to accommodate the shelves and the plywood back.

We'll begin with the rabbets. Install a stacked dado blade set into your table saw or radial arm saw to 1/4", which should be the two outside blades only, no chippers. Set the depth of cut to 3/8" and your fence to 11-3/4". Cut one rabbet on each of the two shelf standards, along one of the 28-1/4" edges. Also cut a rabbet on the top shelf and the bottom shelf in the same manner, along one of the 47" edges.

When the rabbets are completed, you'll need to re-set the stacked dado set to 23/32" in thickness. This should require three 1/8" chippers, one 1/16" chipper and two spacers (in addition to the inside and outside blades). See the instructions that came with your stacked dado blade set for the exact setup required. Set the depth of cut to 1/4".

On a table, lay the two shelf standards with the rabbets facing up and the rabbeted edges lined up together. This will ensure that the standard on the left will remain on the left, and vice versa with the standard on the right.

On each standard, make a mark 4-1/4" up from the bottom and another mark 16-1/4" up from the bottom. Use your square to mark the cut line at each of the marks perpendicular to the rabbets. These marks denote the tops of the dado cuts.

Use your radial arm saw or table saw with the dado set properly installed at the appropriate marks. If using a table saw, use a mitre gauge to guide the cut - do not use the fence, as the stock can bind against the fence.

Finally, you'll need to make one more rabbet in each standard. This rabbet will be at the very top of the standard using the same setup, and will accommodate the top shelf. Line up the top edge of the standard with the edge of the dado set to make the cut.