Wooden Pilaster Strips

[gerryv]

This is a question for custom hardwood furniture builders.

We have an old "secretary" that would have been made in the 1800's. The shelves in the upper bookcase section each sit on two wooden cross members which in turn are inserted unattached onto wooden pilaster strips that are attached vertically in each corner of the cabinet. I can only describe the pilaster strips as being cut in a sawtooth or zig-zag pattern with the bottom of each tooth being horizontal. The system is very simple but robust and works well with shelf height adjustment being in roughly one inch increments.

Are there any custom/premium furniture and/or cabinet builders here who know if such a system is still used when the usual aluminum or plated, mass produced slotted type are not wanted?

[steve_g]

Gerald
I know what you're talking about... I've only seen the method on "antique" pieces of furniture and have been intrigued. I always say to myself that I'm going to try that some day and then forget about it.

SG

[Ajcoholic]

It must still be in use as you can still purchase the wooden hardware. Lee Valley here in Canada sells it.

AJC

[gerryv]

Andrew, I see they have the metal ones but don't find any of the wooden ones that I was asking about. Do you have a part number by any chance?

[fredtoo]

Gerald,

Can you post a picture?

[SterlingDevelop]

http://www.sawtoothshelfsystem.com/www.sawtoothshelfsystem.com/sawtooth_shelf_support.html

[steve_g]

Brenton

That's the stuff! Thanks for the link.

SG

[gerryv]

Thanks much to Brenton and Steve for the followup. This is exactly what I was looking for. It looks like these would be an easy cut on the Shopbot and, I'd think somewhat more special than four lengths of stamped out metal.:)

[Ajcoholic]

Andrew, I see they have the metal ones but don't find any of the wooden ones that I was asking about. Do you have a part number by any chance?

Here it is... http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=69005&cat=3,43648,43649

It looks like Lee Valley is buying it from the place posted by Brenton. MAybe you should approach them and make it for them..:)

AJC

[gerryv]

Thanks Andrew,
I didn't search the right name not knowing it at the time. My son is only 20 min. away from the Ottawa store so will be able to go in and eyeball it. As a custom furniture builder, what are your thoughts on it - would it add something to the customer's perceived value that the metal ones don't?

[steve_g]

If I were making them (and I will) I think I'll use the "half round" style shown in the history section... less points to chip off.

SG

[gerryv]

Good point Steve, sounds like a plan here too :) Now all I need is for the new (used) machine to arrive!

[Ajcoholic]

Thanks Andrew,
I didn't search the right name not knowing it at the time. My son is only 20 min. away from the Ottawa store so will be able to go in and eyeball it. As a custom furniture builder, what are your thoughts on it - would it add something to the customer's perceived value that the metal ones don't?

Well, I dont use the pilaster style ones anyhow - except maybe in a few commercial jobs I do once and a while - for my furniture and cabinets, I use the sleeve & pin shelf supports where you put in a metal ferrule in all the holes, and use a flattened metal pin for the support.

I think these wooden ones would be nice in repro furniture. They have a place, thats for sure.

AJC