I’m thinking of making something similar to these stackable shelves. But I want to do it using hand tools only so it seems plywood is out of the question (searching online said it would damage my Japanese hand saw). So I’m looking at solid wood instead and getting pine hobby boards that I won’t have to plane seems to be the easiest and cheapest alternative. The shelves will mostly hold records and books and the largest will probably be 30x30x75cm but stacked on other shelves. Am I in for a bad time?
It’s doable but…
Figure out how much the heaviest load is and use a span/shelf calculator to make sure it’ll hold. If you offset each level, like in the video, I doubt there is any concern.
Pine doesn’t machine as well as good plywood. It’ll take significant work to make each hole for those pegs in such a way that there isn’t tear out… And if you don’t seal.it with something penetrating, will probably splinter quickly with use.
At 30cm wide, are you jointing boards?
Whatever you do, come back and post pics!