The shelf in this project consists of vertical "trees", each with several horizontal pieces that will hold the bottles. Plan the exact layout based on the number and size of bottles to be stored and the space available. Each tree consists of two long vertical pieces, with several short horizontal pieces going up and down each side like a ladder.
Measure the bottles to make sure the compartments are the correct size. For this project, each bottle compartment was 4" square and 11-1/2" deep.
Use a table saw to rip 1x6s in half lengthwise. Use a route board to round off the edges of the wood. Cut the pieces to the correct length and set aside.
The bottles will rest on the short lengths of wood that span pairs of vertical pieces. To cut them, rip 1x6s in half on the table saw, then rip in half again. Cut them to length, then use a router table to guess one end of each piece (Image 1).
When cutting so many pieces of wood, it's a good idea to use a template. Carefully measure the cut of the first piece and attach a template to the cut-off saw (Image 2). The cuts will go much faster than if each one was measured individually.
Lay all the vertical pieces next to each other so they are even across the bottom. Measure and draw long, straight lines on all the pieces to show where the horizontal pieces will go. Use wood glue and nails to build the individual trees.
Prime and paint the trees as desired. Since this project includes so many irregularly shaped pieces, Karl used a paint sprayer. He also used tinted primer for better color coverage..
The wine rack will be mounted on a plywood bracket that will be attached to the wall. Cut the board to size, sand and round the edges with a router. Prime and paint as desired.
Place the trees on the stand and adjust as desired. Cut spacer blocks to fit between trees for easy mounting.
Assemble the frame. Place the first tree on the board and fix it by screwing the screws into the tree from below. For this project, the first tree was aligned with the side and bottom edges of the board. Install the other trees one at a time, using spacer blocks to keep the spacing even and correct.
Use a nail gun to install the trim around the backing board.
Install the rack. Position the rack as desired. Make sure rack is level and install screws through backing plate into wall studs.
