Making some wood shelves

[chiefinspector]

I'm getting into woodworking and I want to build some shelves that are five feet wide and can be stacked. I also want to give them some one-foot-high legs. I'd like to use a thick piece of wood so I can put chamfered edges on them. I was wondering if it's better to find one big piece of lumber or to join two pieces together.

Do you have any tips for a beginner on a project like this? What's the best way to get a smooth, clean joint if I go that route? Any info will be helpful. Thank you.

 

[d@rkr00m]

What's the best way to get a smooth, clean joint if I go that route?

well, getting a smooth, clean glue joint is all about the prep work. The two pieces you're joining need to be perfectly flat and square where they meet.
My biggest tip is to use a few dowels or biscuits for alignment. They'll keep the two boards from sliding around when you put on the clamps. Don't go crazy with the glue, just a thin, even layer is all you need.
You'll know you have enough when you see a little bit of squeeze out after you apply pressure