EASY STEPS TO YOUR WINDOW SHELF

Turn a window with an ugly outlook into a thing of beauty by making a built-in shelf using a pocket hole jig, which is great for quickly joining timber when making projects such as cabinets.

Here’s how

STEP 1 Measure window reveal to find outside dimensions of your frame. Cut 4 lengths of 90mm timber for top and bo om and 4 lengths for sides. Make them about 20mm longer than required. Two lengths for each facet will be joined using a pocket hole jig to create the depth of the shelf unit.

STEP 2 Following the instructions, set stopper on the drill bit and drilling ports on the pocket hole jig to suit the thickness of material, here 19mm.

STEP 3 Mark points on one piece of frame timber for

each facet where screws will join them. Make them 50mm from each end, then about 200mm apart. Draw a square line across them.

STEP 4 Sit timber on edge in jig so drawn marks align with points on the jig, and clamp to hold. Drill through centre drilling port in jig until you reach the stopper on the bit. Move jig along timber, drilling pocket holes at each point.

STEP 5 Spread glue along edge near pocket holes, bu together with second piece for that facet and clamp. Using screws supplied with jig, screw through pocket holes to join timbers. Remove excess glue using a damp cloth and unclamp.

STEP 6 Use mitre saw to cut joined timber to exact length to suit dimensions determined in Step 1. Square one end first before measuring and cutting the other. Spread glue along ends of top and bo om and bu into sides. Predrill through sides using a countersinking drill bit, then screw together using 40mm screws.

STEP 7 Cut shelf to suit internal frame dimensions. Drill 2 pocket holes at each end facing towards that end. Cut a spacing block to fit between top and shelf so shelf is in the middle of the frame. Also sit shelf on other spacing blocks to allow room at the back for the handle of the window. Drill through pocket holes into sides of frame. Don’t glue the shelf in case you need to remove it to get to the window.

STEP 8 Apply 2 coats of clear varnish to the window shelf, sanding lightly between coats, and leaving to dry a er each coat. STEP 9 Slide into window opening. Predrill and screw through top corners into window reveal to secure. Slip a length of dowel under the shelf to act as a prop, nailing through the top of the shelf to hold it in place.