Prepare Shelf Blank and Drilling Jig

What happens here

Begin by selecting the desired hardwood or lumber for your floating shelf. Clamp this thick shelf blank securely to a sturdy workbench, ensuring it won't move during the drilling process. Next, select a thinner, sacrificial piece of wood (referred to as the jig board) that is wide enough to cover the area where the floating shelf bracket rods will penetrate. Clamp this jig board precisely on top of the shelf blank, ensuring it is properly aligned for the intended bracket placement.

Goal: Secure the shelf material and prepare a thinner piece of wood to serve as a precise drilling and routing jig for the floating shelf bracket.