John Lewis ABACUS 816 / 00204

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Summary

Important Safety Information

Warnings

Key safety warnings regarding product usage, level ground, and keeping small parts away from children.

Dos

Recommended actions for safe assembly: check parts, tighten screws, ensure legs contact ground.

Donts

Prohibited actions during assembly: avoid overtightening, standing on product, using power tools.

Product Assembly

Step 1

Initial assembly step connecting side panels with connecting bolts and dowels.

Step 2

Attaching the fixed shelf to the side panels using dowels and screws.

Step 3

Connecting side panels and fixed shelf using camlocks for structural integrity.

Step 4

Inserting back panels into the grooves of the bookcase structure.

Step 5

Attaching the top panel to the side panels using connecting bolts.

Step 6

Securing the top panel to the structure using camlocks.

Step 7

Installing shelves using screws and camlocks for fixed and adjustable positions.

Step 8

Attaching plastic feet to the base of the bookcase.

Step 9

Connecting the base assembly to the main bookcase structure.

Step 10

Inserting shelf supports for adjustable shelf placement.

Step 11

Attaching cover caps to conceal visible fittings.

Step 12

Securing back panels using back holders for stability.

Step 13

Important advice on lifting the unit and maximum shelf load capacity.

Step 14 Final Assembly

Final step involving wall anchoring for furniture stability and safety.

Wall Mounting Guide

Types of Walls

Guidance on selecting appropriate wall plugs and fixings for various wall materials.

Care and Maintenance

Advice on checking and retightening wall fixings to ensure continued safety.

Care Guide

Care and Maintenance

General advice on cleaning and protecting wood furniture surfaces from heat and liquids.

How to Care for Your Wood Furniture

Specific instructions for maintaining wood furniture finishes, including dusting and waxing.

Safety Instructions

Precautions for handling, moving, and installing furniture safely to prevent injury.

The ABACUS 7 SHELF Bookcase, stock number 816 / 00204, is a functional and aesthetically pleasing storage solution designed by John Lewis. This bookcase is intended for indoor use and offers ample space for organizing books, decorative items, and other belongings. Its design emphasizes both utility and safety, with clear instructions provided to ensure proper assembly and long-term satisfaction.

Function Description:

The primary function of the ABACUS 7 SHELF Bookcase is to provide vertical storage with multiple shelves. It is a freestanding unit designed to hold various items, helping to keep living spaces tidy and organized. The bookcase features seven shelves, including one fixed shelf and six adjustable shelves, allowing users to customize the internal layout to suit their specific storage needs. The overall structure is designed to be stable and durable, provided it is assembled correctly and secured to a wall as recommended.

Important Technical Specifications:

Dimensions: H210 W77 D33cm. These dimensions indicate a tall, relatively narrow, and shallow bookcase, making it suitable for various room sizes, including those with limited floor space.
Number of Shelves: 7 (one fixed, six adjustable). This provides significant storage capacity and flexibility.
Shelf Load Capacity: Each shelf can take a maximum of 15kgs of static load. This is an important safety specification, indicating the weight limit for items placed on each shelf to prevent damage or structural failure.
Materials: The product is made from wood, as indicated by the FSC® C004820 certification, which signifies that the wood comes from responsible sources. The manual also mentions "wood furniture," "wood veneers," and "solid wood," suggesting a combination of materials for different components.
Assembly Time: Approximately 60 minutes.
People to Assemble: 2 people are recommended for assembly.
Tools Required: A hammer and a screwdriver (Phillips head) are needed for assembly. An Allen key M4 is also included in the fittings.

Usage Features:

Customizable Storage: The inclusion of six adjustable shelves allows users to tailor the height of the shelf compartments, accommodating items of different sizes, from small paperbacks to taller decorative pieces.
Stability and Safety: The bookcase is designed to be used on firm, level ground. Crucially, it must be permanently fixed to a wall to prevent tipping over, which is highlighted as a serious safety concern. Wall fixing screws are not included, as the appropriate type depends on the wall material, emphasizing the need for users to select suitable fixings.
Ease of Assembly: The manual provides a step-by-step guide with clear illustrations, making the assembly process straightforward for two people. The estimated assembly time of 60 minutes suggests a relatively quick setup.
Mobility: When moving the bookcase, it is essential to lift it from the base with two people, rather than dragging it, to prevent damage to the legs and overall structure. This feature emphasizes the importance of proper handling to maintain the product's integrity.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Inspection: Users are advised to periodically check all screws, bolts, and wall fixings to ensure they remain tight and secure. This proactive maintenance helps prevent loosening and potential structural instability over time.
Cleaning Wood Furniture:
- Lacquered, Wax Polished, or Painted Surfaces: Should be dusted with a dry cloth.
- Waxed Furniture: Requires a coat of beeswax a couple of times a year to maintain its luster.
- Avoid Spray Polishes: These often contain silicones that can build up and spoil the furniture's surface over time.
Protection from Heat and Liquids: All surfaces should be protected from heat and liquids using mats and coasters. Spills should be wiped up immediately. If writing, a mat or pad should be placed under the paper.
Environmental Considerations: While the furniture is designed to endure most home temperatures, it's best to avoid placing it next to heat sources like radiators or fires. Solid wood, in particular, can be susceptible to warping due to a lack of humidity caused by home heating.
Handling: Always lift the furniture when moving it; never drag it. Careless handling can cause damage or injury.
Wall Fixings: Periodically check wall fixings to ensure they have not come loose and retighten as necessary.

The ABACUS 7 SHELF Bookcase is a well-designed product from John Lewis, offering practical storage with an emphasis on safety and durability through proper assembly and maintenance. Its FSC certification also highlights a commitment to responsible sourcing.