This was the hardest part of the project. Gluing end-grain to end-grain is really not a good idea for strength, but I wanted to have a clean look. Since the whole thing (loaded) weighs about 10lbs, I'm hoping that it will hold up to the minimal stress of its own weight over time. That being said, I'd encourage you to consider putting in some reinforcement pieces or use biscuits or something if you have the time.



To begin with, I glued each pair of shelf pieces together. In order to clamp them together, I cut out some pieces of scrap wood at the same 9 degree angles on the chop saw. I basically wanted a convex point to sit the pieces against, and a concave area for securing the clamps. Since I couldn't cut the concave part properly with the chop saw, I just cut straight through and used an off-cut piece as a spacer to bring the edges parallel again.



First, one piece was clamped at exactly the center of the jig. Parchment paper was used to keep the wood glue from getting everywhere. The second piece was then coated in glue, pressed up against it and clamped tight while maintaining the pressure inwards towards the first piece. Look for some glue to squeeze out and stay where it is when you let go. Then wipe that off and let it dry.