- 1). Drill two 1/4-inch holes through the ends of the 1-by-12-by-36-inch board. Position the holes 1/2-inch in from each end and approximately two-inches in from each long edge. This is the shelf surface. The holes are pilot holes to secure the shelf to the bracket.
- 2). Draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the 1-by-12-by-12-inch board.
- 3). Adjust the saw to cut a 45-degree angle. Position the board on the saw to cut across the diagonal line. Cut the board in half diagonally. The two triangles are the shelf brackets.
- 4). Stand the brackets vertically so they are resting on a point. The vertical edge goes against the wall. The horizontal edge is the mounting surface for the shelf. Mark two-inches from the top and bottom of the vertical edge.
- 5). Cut keyholes into the vertical edges of the brackets at the pencil marks using a router. The keyholes will provide a slot to facilitate mounting the shelf to the wall.
- 6). Sand the shelf surface and brackets with fine-grit sandpaper. Always sand with the grain.
- 7). Align the brackets on the outside edges of the shelf surface. Drive flush trim wood screws through the top of the shelf surface down into the top or horizontal edge of the brackets.
- 8). Apply a wood finish. Allow the finish to dry before mounting.
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