Routing Shelving Unit

It will hold up fine with a maximum load of around 10lbs (depends on depth). Check out "The Sagulator!!"

I agree with Jim that 3/4" MDF is a bit weak for a 3' span-- especially for books. I'd use a centered stile in the back and front-- about 2" wide made of pine or even 3/4" plywood dadoed the same as the sides that will accept the shelves. , ( a brace running back to front would be even stronger-) When assembling, the front stile in the center would be the last thing to go on.

The usual depth would be 1/4 inch (I am assuming that you mean the depth of a dado cut). You would glue them in the dado. By the way, isn't 3 feet more than a bit long for MDF? MDF is heavy but weak. Jim

deflect approx 60 feet with a 2000 lb load. Good to know ;-)

Maybe a new method for cold bending?

Back to the original topic, I'll second the 1/4" deep dados, but I'd also agree you'd want something other than MDF for your shelving material. Solid hardwood (3/4") should be fine for 3', or even strips of pine under MDF as supports should work. Alternatively, if you didn't want to rout dados, you could cut a bunch of 1"x1"xshelf depth" strips to use as cleats, and set your shelves on those. You'd still need something to support the MDF in the middle, but that's another option for the sides. Good luck and have fun, Andy

That should work. The OP will find that MDF breaks very easily. It also may crack when nailed. It also does not hold screws well. Otherwise, outside of its appearance, it is fine stuff. (In your house that is). Jim

So THAT's how I can make that bend!

As others have said, depending on the load, 3' might be too much. But if you still want to use MDF, you could always attach a cleat to the back wall to support the back edge of the shelf.

Cool. A practical way to turn 60" of lumber into 120'.