Drop front bookcase

[Jim Brown]

Hi folks, I'm wondering if anybody can point me toward plans for a drop-front bookcase. I've looked through my woodworking mags and books, but I haven't found what I'm looking for ... and while I've seen some pictures on the net, I haven't seen enough detail to tell me how I want to make the drop shelf work. This item would be for my daughter's room and would accommodate her small laptop, but would mainly be for books and storage.

I've seen some plans for secretaries, but they're not what I'm looking for. What am I missing?

And if you're just going to tell me to google it, thanks, but I already did ... just didn't see anything that gets at what I'm looking for.

[JBark]

I think it would help if you gave a bit of a description. From what you say I would build a bookcase and attach a drop front to a fixed shelf (30" high) with any of the hinges designed for that purpose, adding the supports that one can find. I'd attach the bookshelf to the wall to make sure it doesn't come down from pressure on the writing surface. You'd probably want a second fixed shelf to lock the drop front in the up position.

[lpdicecco]

Jim,
From what your saying, you have an idea in your head as to what you want, soooo, put that idea on paper. sketch it out with size, shape, dimensions. figure amount of material and then just do it!!! ;D ;D ;D

I'm sure you can do it. Looking forward to see what you come up with.

[Jim Brown]

John, the tipping issue is one I hadn't thought of ... thanks for raising that point. Larry, I definitely can handle the dimensions, etc., but I'm still in the market for a cool way of supporting the drop down (or slide out shelf). Moot point as it turns out ... my wife says kitchen cabinets are next on the list! Thanks guys!

[JBark]

There is a lot of drop leaf and drop front support out there. Lee Valley, Woodworkers Supply, Rockler. Don't know about cool though.