Now that you have a growing CD Music collection, you need a place to store it. You need a bookcase style storage unit, where you're CD's can be browsed in alphabetical order. But you've checked the prices for pre-built units and they are out of your budget ($200+). Not to worry! (Please read this through a few times before attempting, to ensure that you follow my meaning.)

   I gave my situation some thought, and came up with this sollution. I purchased two identical bookcases in a box from a local "Big Box Store" (Wal-Mart), this set me back $50. I went to a local Hardware store, and for about $6 more I came home with 2, 1x2x10' finish boards, some assorted sandpaper, and a box of 1+1/4" sheetrock screws. I already had an electric drill with an 1/8" drill bit, and an extension cord, and a saw at home.

   First, unpackage the contents of the bookcases, and sepperate the top, bottom and adjustable shelves from one box, add these to the other bookcase set, you may now either throw the rest of that bookcase away, or set it aside for now. You should now have one bookcase with enough shelving for two bookcases. Next, take both of the 1"x2"x 10' boards and cut them into 8 boards that are 28+3/8" wide. (Note: measure you particular boolkcase shelf width, it should be 28+3/8" wide, if not cut you're boards to the same width as your shelves.) Next, sand the boards to a smooth finish.

   Now, measure and mark the 28+3/8"by 1x2 boards, a center mark 4" in from both ends. Place each 28+3/8" board on the top (finished edge toward you, raw edge of shelve away from you) of each shelf. Make sure the edges are flush, and that the 1x2 is exactly 5+1/2" in from the front of each shelve. drill a 1/8" pilot hole through the 1x2, and just into the shelve; 4" in from the edges. Next scew a sheetrock screw in each pilot hole, securing the 1x2 to the top of each shelve. The 1x2's are the stop for the CD's; when you replace a CD on the shelve, it will contact the stop, and all of your CD's will be flush with the front of each shelve.

   Now measure 5+1/2" down from the inside top of each bookcase side board, and mark this lightly, add another 5/16" for a total of 5+13/16" from the top mark a line and on this line, mark 3" in from the edges of the side board. Predrill holes at your marks, insert the first shelve, and secure it to the side boards with sheetrock screws in the pre-drilled pilot holes. Check fit using a jewel case, it should slide in flush with the front of the shelve, with a 5/8" gap between the top of the jewel case and the top shelve.

   Now continue measuring down from each shelve, as above, 5+13/16", mark , 3" in from the edge, pilot hole, insert shelve, secure with sheetrock screws, check fit. You should end up with eight shelves secured with screws, the top shelve, the bottom shelve (base), and one adjustable shelve just above the bottom for box sets. This unit will hold approximately 650 CD's with room for box sets as well. It's demensions are 72" tall  by 11+5/8" deep (5+1/2" usable), by 30" wide. Total cost: $56, and about three hours of work. (Note: the last two shelves are not visible in the photo.)