The Forestry Forum

Other topics for members => General Woodworking => Topic started by: Larry on June 21, 2017, 04:34:34 PM

Title: Gondola shelves
Post by: Larry on June 21, 2017, 04:34:34 PM
I have no idea why or where they got the name gondola shelving.  I do know every grocery store in the world uses them because they are strong, efficient, and attractive.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/IMG_1154~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1498076206)

These are in my container.  The shelf on the right has maybe 200 board foot of red oak.  I have had a 1,000 foot on one eight foot section before with no effect.

They are also an easy and an interesting project to build.  I have a shower in the shop that never gets used, so to utilize that space I thought I would put some shelving in it.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/DSCF9526.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1498075829) 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/DSCF9525.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1498076076) 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/DSCF9523.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1498076153) 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/DSCF9522.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1498076123)

I usually cut the spacer blocks to tilt the shelves towards the uprights.  On this unit a one degree angle gives about 3/16-1/4" tilt. 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/DSCF9527~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1498076180)

Mortise and tendon backs.  The commercial shelving units normally use a 1/4" coated hardboard for the backs.

Finish is a quick (and sloppy) shellac wipe on.

For the actual shelves I'll just cut some pine boards to lay on the arms.  This is the first free standing unit I have built.  Others I have built were just the uprights and shelf arms.  I lag bolted the uprights to the wall.  Great for lumber storage, canoes, or anything long.  I think its possible to get so much weight on the shelves that the wall could be damaged.













Title: Re: Gondola shelves
Post by: WDH on June 21, 2017, 08:17:45 PM
Looks great.  I have some, and the open front is very handy.
Title: Re: Gondola shelves
Post by: hackberry jake on July 24, 2017, 09:56:59 PM
Where am I supposed  to bathe now when the wife kicks me out? Looks like some fantastic craftsmanship!
Title: Re: Gondola shelves
Post by: Darrel on July 25, 2017, 12:32:36 AM
My wife saw the pictures and has put gondola shelves on the honey do list. I told her I couldn't do it because I don't have any red oak, all I have is black oak.  :D

She's not buying it.  ;D
Title: Re: Gondola shelves
Post by: samandothers on July 25, 2017, 09:59:24 AM
Very nice.  When I first looked I thought you had mortised and tenioned the shelf brackets.  Good design.

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Gondola shelves
Post by: Larry on July 25, 2017, 11:49:35 AM
Quote from: hackberry jake on July 24, 2017, 09:56:59 PM
Where am I supposed  to bathe now when the wife kicks me out?

The outside shower is still available. :D :D
Title: Re: Gondola shelves
Post by: OffGrid973 on July 28, 2017, 05:37:22 PM
Where do you normally use gondola shelves as I am digging the look.
Also reminds me of a karate practice block with removable pegs :)
Title: Re: Gondola shelves
Post by: Larry on July 29, 2017, 08:54:39 AM
About the only place I see them is grocery/retail stores.  A free standing unit with glass shelves would make for a nice display in a art gallery I think.