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?
Here’s the old-fashioned version of that: Thomas Jefferson’s Bookcase. Having built a book case inspired by this of this out of oak, I’ve noticed no deflection. (It’s structurally different, center-keyed box joints instead of dovetails, thick plywood back, various clear finishes.)
However, I can tell you that there are a few functional problems. One is that the shelves do slide against each other. The little nubbins would help, however, you’re cutting the fibers of the wood or into plys. That could increase deflection. I bought some handwrought nails and may end up using them, but I like the modular nature. Another is that these shelves are not light. I had hoped to make them easy to move, but they are not light. Finally, there’s no cover, so books fall out as they’re getting moved. Barrister bookshelves solve these problems.