I'm building a bookcase with adjustable shelves with a 46" span that will likely carry some heavy books.
To cover the load, I am making the shelves 1.5" thick (double 3/4" plywood).
I now want to make sure that the shelf pin setup I am using is as strong as possible.
- Can I assume that all other things being equal, 1/4" pins will support a heavier load than 5mm pins (since the diameter is larger)?
- Will using a "sleeve" in the shelf pin hole add strength and prevent tearout from too heavy a load?
- Would adding a third parallel column of pins on each side support *materially* improve the strength?
- Any other suggestions to maximize strength of a shelf pin setup? (note: I would prefer not to add any intermediate supports)
- Finally, any feedback on the Rockler Shelving Jig? (it seems to do the job, comes with self-centering bits, and is affordable)