Bookends are very handy for the end or corner table in a living room or on a desk in the boys’ or girls' room.
The wood blocks, either walnut or mahogany, are cut from solid stock with the top edge rounded off on the band saw. The base is cut out using the circular saw by making several passes of the full width of the dado head. This cutout provides room for screw fastening the metal plate (see drawing below). Before fastening the plate, finish the wood pieces natural with two coats of white shellac and wax. A piece of green or brown felt glued to the bottom of the plate will prevent the finished bookends from marring the desk or table top.