Just finished my first solo built-in bookshelf and it actually looks good

Three years ago when I started my apprenticeship, I could barely cut a straight line. Last month, I got a side job for a client in the West End who wanted a floor-to-ceiling unit. I was sweating the whole time, especially the crown molding at the top. Used my old DeWalt miter saw and it came out perfect, no gaps. The client just texted me a photo with all their books on it, said it's their favorite part of the house now. Anyone have tips for making the scribing process on uneven walls a bit faster?

4 comments

4 Comments

jamiew531mo ago

So what scribing method did you actually use on that wall?

grantp281mo ago

Honestly that's a pretty risky move taking on a built-in without more experience. Uneven walls can make even a good shelf look amateur if the scribing is off. A client being happy now doesn't mean problems won't show up later with settling or seasonal changes. That old miter saw might have worked once, but relying on it for precision work is asking for trouble on the next job. Sometimes getting it perfect is more about luck than skill, and that's not a good way to run a business.

cole9941mo agoMost Upvoted

So you're saying my whole business plan of crossing my fingers and hoping the walls are straight might have some flaws? I mean the miter saw is from like 1998 but it still makes the cool noise. If the shelf falls off in February I'll just tell the client it's a seasonal feature.

sethhernandez1mo ago

Sometimes you just have to work with what you've got. My first built-in looked rough but it's still holding up ten years later. A steady hand and a sharp pencil can beat fancy tools if you take your time. Clients care more about it being solid and looking good than how you got there.