Build an Under-Window Bookcase

By Chris Baylor, About.com Guide

Now that the basic case is completed, we'll work on adding some decorative touches to the case, beginning with the base of the unit. You'll be making a couple of curved cuts using either a jigsaw or band saw.

Cut one piece of 1x4 to 50" in length. This is slightly longer than the final length, but it will be trimmed to fit when installed.

Make a mark four inches in from each end of the board. Then, make a mark 1-1/2" in on each of these two marks. Using a straight-edge, connect these two most recent marks.

Now, using either the compass or the circle, scribe a 1-1/2" radius arc connecting each of the first two marks and the straight-edge mark as shown in the PDF version of the plans (downloaded in Step 1).

Cut along the arcs and straight line using the jigsaw or band saw. Clean up the saw cuts using the sandpaper.

Center this board on the front base of the cabinet, and mark the edges of the cabinet on the board with your pencil. Miter a 45-degree angle cut on each end. Cut a length of 1/4, mitered on the front and square cut on the back, to fit on each side of the case, matching with the miter on the front piece. Once all fit properly and cleanly, attach the three pieces with finish nails.