How to Make Modern Triangle Bookends

Keep your books in order with these triangle bookends. I love the clean, modern lines!!

Supplies and Equipment for Making the Triangle Bookends

• 13½" (343 mm) length of scrap lumber, ¼" thick cut as follows for one bookend:
• Side A = 3.6" (92 mm)
• Side B = 3.9" (100 mm)
• Side C = 5.1" (130 mm)
• Strong liquid adhesive
• FolkArt Home Decor Wax
• FolkArt Acrylic Paint
• Painter's tape
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E

Instructions for Making the Triangle Bookends

1. Cut Sides A and B using the table saw with the blade angle set to 0°.
2. Set the blade angle on the table saw to 45°, and cut each end of Side C.

   Blade angle gauge set to 45°

   Table saw blade at 45°

3. Sand any rough edges on the disc sander.
   
4. To sand the angled edges, reposition the table on the disc sander to 45°.

   Angle gauge on disc sander set to 45°

   Lightly sand angles edges

5. Coat the pieces with Home Decor wax, avoiding the cut ends and sides. Let the wax set overnight, then buff with a soft cloth.
   
6. Tape off the edges with painter's tape, and paint the edges with acrylic paint. Let paint dry.
   
7. Glue the pieces together, beginning by joining Sides A and B as shown. Use a carpenter's triangle or other tool with a rigid 90° angle to position the sides. Let the glue set.
   
8. Glue Side C in place, carefully aligning the 45° angles at the top and bottom of the bookend. Let glue set.

Note: If you vary the length of the Side A and B of the bookend, thus varying the size of the bookend, you need to recalculate the length of Side C, which you can easily do using this right angle triangle calculator. So much easier than trying to remember high school algebra :)

Inspiration for this project came from Make + Tell

Carole