Magic Wire or Bookcase Strip

[savvy]

I'm looking for some advice regarding adjustable concealed shelf support systems.

I'm constructing a "pigeon hole" style bookcase using 18mm MDF, each shelf will be 450mm (W) x 325mm (D) and supported on either end. I've worked out that the approximate maximum distributed load for each shelf will be 40kg exc. the weight of the shelf itself.

I was thinking of using either Magic Wires or Bookcase Strip supports but was unsure as to whether they would be up to the job.

I've looked around for both but have found it very difficult to find any manufacturers recommendations with regards to the maximum loads these products can withstand.

If anyone has any advice on the most suitable system, I'd really appreciate it.

Also with regards to the magic wire system - would I simply route a slot out of the mdf self edge to receive the wire? and would 18mm MDF (-3mm for the wire) be enough considering the weight?

Cheers

 

[morrik27]

Not sure about the bookcase strip supports, but we have those magic wires at work, yes they hold the shelf up, but if you do overload it they tend to pull out of the holes and make a REAL mess of the holes in which the sit, and all around them.

Personally i wouldn't TAKE money to use them!

Others may disagree though...

 

[Jasonb]

You may be pushing the magic wires with 40kg and you would be better off with 25mm MDF and set the grooves near the bottom. I made these shelves with magic wires which are about the same size as yours but I don't think the books weigh 40kg

The other supports are not hidded, you will see the strip that they fit into although it can be set flush into a groove and painted the same as teh MDF

Jason

 

[savvy]

Thanks Jasonb, I've weighed the books (all big reference books mainly) so the figure of 40kg is pretty accurate.

Ideally it would be hidden fixing but obviously it's more important that the bookcase works as a unit.

Do you have any experience of using bookcase strips? do you think they'd be up to the job?

Another option could be to go with a Shelf stud and Banjo Sleeve however I'm not keen on the look of them.

 

[Jasonb]

The bookcase strips will be plenty strong enough. I'm not keen on the look of the banjo ones but these look better, can be used with or without inserts and take a fair weight.

Jason

 

[xerxes]

Leaving aside the support system you choose, take a look here and decide whether MDF is suitable for your application (you'll find it well down the list, after the natural timbers which are in alphabetical order).

 

[awbcm]

Leaving aside the support system you choose, take a look here and decide whether MDF is suitable for your application (you'll find it well down the list, after the natural timbers which are in alphabetical order).

Be so kind and explain the logic in your statement.

 

[chappers]

Just made three bookcases for a customer with the shelf support strips routed in as Jason describes. Wouldn't worry about them being invisible you can as Jason says paint them to match the bookcase, but when the case is full of books there wont be much visible anyway

 

[savvy]

Leaving aside the support system you choose, take a look here and decide whether MDF is suitable for your application (you'll find it well down the list, after the natural timbers which are in alphabetical order).

Thanks xerxes, I did check that out earlier and calculated the deflection to be 0.002" per foot for a 25mm shelf - so think I'm ok on that front.

 

[savvy]

Just made three bookcases for a customer with the shelf support strips routed in as Jason describes. Wouldn't worry about them being invisible you can as Jason says paint them to match the bookcase, but when the case is full of books there wont be much visible anyway

Thanks chappers, that's the way I'm going to go I think. Do you think a flat recessed strip like this will suffice or can you recommend another.

Thanks again.

 

[chappers]

I prefer the fat ones but remember you have to route 2 channels one to take the actual strip(routed to the thickness of the strip ) and another deeper one for the lug at the back of the shelf support to slot into.
alternatively you can buy a stepped one that can either be fitted straight onto the face or just routed in flush http://www.sdslondon.co.uk/product/49001-raised_bookcase_strip_1829_mm.html]

 

[Jasonb]

Or buy a router bit that will cut the two widths in one go

Jason

 

[awbcm]

Manufactures details regarding bookcase strip and studs etc. can be found hear

I use strip 7476 & stud 7475 in Alum – bronze plated code 47 1829 11 page 8

It's my personal opinion that painting of the strips looks 200% rubbish.

Don’t forget you can purchase direct from the manufacture and that will save you some money. Line your own pockets not the middle man when you can.

 

[xerxes]

Leaving aside the support system you choose, take a look here and decide whether MDF is suitable for your application (you'll find it well down the list, after the natural timbers which are in alphabetical order).

Be so kind and explain the logic in your statement.

My point was simply that MDF isn't very stiff material. When used for shelving it can sag under its own weight. I just wanted to clarify that Savvy was satisfied on this point.

 

[chippyphil]

Just as a side note, MDF can tend to de-laminate on the ends as the grooves to accept the hidden supports effectively reduce the thickness of the shelf by up to 50%