S.O.S: Save Our Shop

[FIVEBYFIVE]

Once again I must prove the importance of the investment in tools and usage of garage space. She wants a simple shelf. She picked out two 1x12x6 white pine. I love her. Is 12" too wide for a shelf, or it doesnt matter aslong as my supports are 12" also. I also think I can get away with one on each end and one in the middle. Not sure how I will shape those supports. I have done simple triagular supports and also supports with an agee look. What would be the best shape for those supports. I dont think it will be too wide. But I could always be wrong.

 

[Mark Fogleman]

Michael,
If you can rip a 1 1/2" strip off each board and attach it to the face edge of the shelf it would be much stiffer and allow wider spacing of your supports.
The following info comes from an article David Thiel did in the March 2005 Woodworking Magazine on the physics of shelving and the Architectual Woodwork Institute was referenced. He also compared solid wood vs plywood and composites.
A plain 4ft X 12" shelf of 3/4" Poplar (I know it's not pine but it's the closest example) will deflect 1/4" with a 117 lb load. If you put books on it they weigh ~35 lbs/lin ft. So books are too heavy for this shelf. Cutting the length down between supports to 30" allows 483 lbs 8-O before a 1/4" deflection. So length does matter:lol:

 

[DavidF]

Once again I must prove the importance of the investment in tools and usage of garage space. She wants a simple shelf. She picked out two 1x12x6 white pine. I love her. Is 12" too wide for a shelf, or it doesnt matter aslong as my supports are 12" also. I also think I can get away with one on each end and one in the middle. Not sure how I will shape those supports. I have done simple triagular supports and also supports with an agee look. What would be the best shape for those supports. I dont think it will be too wide. But I could always be wrong.

Shelf supports actually look better if they don't come right to the front. I would take Tarheads advise and add a lip to the under side of the shelf, and end the supports an inch or so behind that. The shape really depends on any existing style in the room, but an ogee is always nice.