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How to choose wood for my project?

Hello everyone,

I have a school Enginnering project, and I need some help figuring out where to start.
Essentially, I want to build a shelf/desk tidy that's shaped like the flag of Colorado.

Here's a sketch of what I was thinking. Imagine that the black lines are the wood planks and segments. The coloured dots are just to keep track of what colour each segment will be, whether this is done with LEDs or paint when I get to it.

So all I want to know is: what would be the best type of wood for making something like this? Also, would I need to do any finishing or varnishing for a shelf, or for the chosen wood specifically?

P.S, this is my first time using this platform so sorry if I haven't mentioned anything I should have! I can give any more info if needed.

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EricL

Hello @ohjay

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your wood project.

That's a great woodworking project to be undertaking, will you be using it as a display on the wall or a small shelf or table? Can you please tell me what size were you planning to make it in? Does it need to be seen back-to-back or is it just the front that needs to be seen? Will it be for interior or exterior display?

An easy timber to work with are pine panels, they come in various sizes and thicknesses. They can be easily cut and screwed together to form even larger panels. They are easily painted and can be routered if necessary.

In regards to paint, I suggest using Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat as for the topcoat it all depends on where you'll be placing the flag.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

ohjay

Hey Eric,

Thanks for the welcome!

To answer your questions,
- I'll be displaying it on a small shelf
- As for size, I'm not completely sure but I was thinking of 50cm length x 33cm height x 20cm width. The height can be anything, but the width can't go beyond 29.4cm and the length can't go beyond 60.1cm.

- The front, top, and sides will be seen. The back shouldn't be seen based on where it's placed.

- This will be for interior display.

And thank you for the information about pine planks and Dulux, I'll make sure to remember that!

EricL

Hi @ohjay

I've drawn up a quick Sketchup of the flag with some initial measurements based on 184 x 19mm 2.4m DAR Pine Premium. I suggest using Zenith 8G x 35mm Gold Passivated Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screw - 30 Pack to assemble it all together.

Please remember to drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the pine as you are drilling close to edge of the board.

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles when working on your project.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let me know.

Eric

ohjay

Oh, I think there's been a misunderstanding!
I don't want to make a flat Colorado flag out of wood, I want to make a shelf segmented into the colours of the flag of Colorado, meaning that the front of the shelf would end up being an outline of this flag, like it would look on a colouring-in page.
To explain this a bit better, take this photo of a house-shaped shelf/bookshelf.

Do you see how each segment is a space that something can be put inside? I want to do the same thing, but with the segments of the flag of Colorado. However, your sketch is useful for realising which segments would be where. For example, the two white stripes, and each of the blue stripes, would be their own shelf space. Then, to the left of the centre, there would be a circular shelf space and a C-shaped shelf space. When this is looked at as a whole, it would look like the flag of Colorado. That's why I had a width measurement as well: how far these shelves would extend from the backboard.

Hope this clears things up,

P.S - What are pilot holes?

MitchellMc

Hi @ohjay,

It sounds like you might like to create something like the rendering I put together for your below. The 3D effect on the C is fantastic in the first couple of renders, but it will be quite difficult to create the walls of the C. The last render shows a compromise where you'd only need to cut out a thick C from timber. You could cut multiple C's and stack them on each other to give you the needed thickness and deep 3D effect. I suggest using a piece of 90mm PVC pipe for the central area.

I'd suggest starting by creating the outside carcass and the C. You'll then be able to position the C within the carcasses and work out the lengths of the shelves and their adjoining angle to the C.

To light up the C, I suggest cutting all your templates and then taking one for the front and routing out the interior of it so it's just the frame of a C. You can then install your LEDs and wiring and cut a piece of red perspex to be mounted on the front.

I see no reason why you can't use 12mm MDF for this project, and a couple of sheets of 2400 x 1200mm 12mm MDF Panel Standard should be more than enough. You might even be able to do it with one. Ensure you give it a good couple of coats of undercoat before painting.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

ohjay

Hello Mitchell,

After running it by my Engineering teacher, I've found out that MDF is banned from schools due to the chemicals that are used in the wood. Would 6mm ply be a suitable replacement?

Thanks,
OJ

P.S Thank you for those renderings, you're a lifesaver

EricL

Hi @ohjay

It's good that you've double checked with your teacher about MDF and its suitability for your project. The good news is that plywood would be an excellent timber alternative to MDF. However, I suggest using a thicker piece of plywood such as 12mm. It will prevent bowing and make it easier to join together if you are using a brad nailer.

However, if you are screwing everything together, I suggest using an 18mm thickness. This will give the screws something to grab onto and prevent it from being pulled out.

My number one tip is to make sure to use a timber adhesive such as Selleys 460ml Aquadhere Polyurethane Wood Glue Durabond Adhesive in combination with Bar Clamps.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

ohjay

Hello Eric, me again!

I'm ready to buy all my supplies and begin building... what screws would be best for this project?

I'll be using the 18mm plywood, something like this:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/1200-x-596mm-18mm-plywood-pine-bc-grade_p0390159

EricL

Hi @ohjay

It's good to hear that you're just about ready to start on your project. I suggest using Zenith 8G x 50mm Gold Passivated Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screws - 50 Pack in combination with P&N 4 Piece Quickbit Pilot Drill / Countersink Bit Set. I suggest countersinking all your screw fittings to prevent the plywood surface from warping and cracking. Drilling pilot holes will also prevent the plywood from lifting and splitting.

To help you along with your assembly I propose thinking about investing in some Trojan 75mm Mitre & Corner Clamp. It will help when you are starting a box assembly. There is also the IRWIN 450mm Quick-Grip Medium Duty Bar Clamp.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the start of your shelving project.

Eric

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