How to Build a CD Wall Unit

Cutting the Slots

• 1

  Place the four pieces of 1 x 8 x 19½ inch lumber on a worktable. Hook the end of the measuring tape on a long edge of the lumber and make several marks at 3-¾ inches.

• 2

  Position the long edge of a framing square on the marks. Draw a faint line down the center of the lumber with a pencil. Repeat this for each of the remaining pieces of lumber.

• 3

  Install the ¾ inch router bit, according to the router manufacturer’s instructions. Set the fence of the router table 6 inches from the cutting edge of the router bit. Put one of the pieces of 1 x 8 x 19½ inch lumber on the router table.

• 4

  Hold the 7½ inch edge against the fence of the router table. Turn the router on. Push the lumber through the router bit and stop when it reaches the line. Turn the router off, wait for the bit to stop moving and then pull the lumber backward to free it from the router bit.

• 5

  Set the opposite end of the same piece of lumber against the fence of the router table. Be certain the slot you just cut is facing in the direction of the router bit. Turn the router on and push the lumber through until it reaches the line. Turn the router off and remove the piece as before. This produces a piece of lumber with slots cut in it from the same edge. Repeat this cutting process with the remaining pieces of lumber.

Assembly

• 6

  Stand two of the pieces on their long edges with the slots facing up. Apply a bead of glue to the edges of the slots on the remaining pieces. Slip the slots of the glued pieces into the slots of the two on their edges. Push them together and clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. This forms a tic-tac-toe design comprised of 6 inch squares.

• 7

  Allow the glue to dry completely. Hold the CD wall unit against the wall in the desired location. Mark the wall at the bottom side of two shelves to hang it horizontally. Turn in diagonally and mark the wall in the top corner of the center square and the corners down to the left and the right.

• 8

  Drive two 2 inch drywall screws into the marks with a variable speed drill and Philips head screw tip. Drive them in so that the head of the screw is slightly higher than its insertion point on the wall. Screw them in enough to leave about 1 inch protruding out from the wall. Set the CD wall unit on the screws.