How to build a pine X-compartment wine rack

Cut list

Step by step

1. Route the shelf dados

   Route matching shallow dados in the three uprights.

   • Clamp each upright flat on a supported bench.
   • Mark shelf lines at 20 1/16", 40 7/8" and 61 11/16" from the lower ends.
   • Clamp a straight guide across each marked line.
   • Rout each dado 1/8" deep across the board.
   • Repeat on both faces of the center divider.
   • Test the fit with an offcut from a shelf board.

2. Shape the X inserts

   Bevel the diagonal ends and make complementary half-lap slots.

   • Trace a 20 1/16" square and its two diagonal centerlines.
   • Mark the four end bevels on each blank from the layout.
   • Cut the end bevels with the guided circular saw.
   • Rout 3/4" slots 5 5/8" in from opposite long edges.
   • Square each slot end with the hand saw.
   • Dry-fit each crossing flush.

3. Attach the feet

   Fasten the two broad feet beneath the bottom board.

   • Center each foot beneath its marked position.
   • Clamp the feet square to the bottom board.
   • Drill clearance holes and pilot holes for the screws.
   • Drive four screws through the bottom into each foot.

4. Fit uprights and shelves

   Join the uprights to the base and fit the shelves into their dados.

   • Set the three uprights on the base with a helper.
   • Screw upward through the base into each upright.
   • Brush glue into the center-divider dados.
   • Slide each shelf into its matching side and center slots.
   • Clamp the case square and flush.
   • Drive screws through each outside upright into the shelf ends.

5. Attach the top

   Glue and screw the top board to the upright ends.

   • Spread glue on the three upright ends.
   • Align the top board flush with the sides.
   • Clamp the top in place.
   • Drill clearance holes and pilot holes.
   • Drive three screws into each upright end.

6. Install the X inserts

   Glue each half-lapped pair into its compartment.

   • Dry-fit one crossing in each square compartment.
   • Spread glue on each crossing and trimmed end.
   • Fit each pair against its shelves and adjacent uprights.
   • Clamp each pair until its glue sets.
   • Repeat for the remaining compartments.

7. Sand the rack

   Smooth the unfinished pine and remove sanding dust.

   • Sand exposed faces with the orbital sander.
   • Ease sharp edges and splinters by hand.
   • Remove sanding dust from every compartment.
   • Inspect the joints for gaps and loose screws.

8. Review before use

   Review the freestanding rack and bottle fit before loading it.

   • Place the rack on a firm, level floor.
   • Have a qualified person review stability and floor support for the planned load.
   • Check that the chosen bottles cannot slide out at either open face.
   • Redesign before use if the rack or bottles are not secure.
   • Load the lower compartments first only after the review.