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#1 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
 

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#2 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
Looks like you have a good run at it, Mark. Should be done in time!!
 

Attachments

#3 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
Looking REALLY GOOD n COOL!!

That's going to be one very NICE desk!!

Thanks for showing it!
 

Attachments

#4 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
Looking good. The top looks awesome.
 

Attachments

#5 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
Lookin' good, Mark.

Work Safely and have Fun. - Len
 

Attachments

#6 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
Thank you my friends. I tend to delay the parts I'm not sure about. Planing the top and cutting the rabbits took a leap of faith. Whew! Onward I go.
 

Attachments

#7 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
looks great Mark, ill have to try some day!
 

Attachments

#8 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
James, I took a peek at you projects. I don't think you'll have any problems. However, I will be expecting some of your fine carving skills to be featured. ;)
 

Attachments

#9 ·
Frame and top.

Howdy,

I've been working on my son's desktop for a while now. I have a Christmas due date so I had to get a move on. The desk frame took me all weekend. That really surprised me. I imagine I could go a lot faster If I didn't fly by the seat of my pants all the time. A plan might be helpful.

Any how, I'm using rabbit joint joints for the first time and they came with a whole bundle of lessons. They didn't come out perfect but I believe I can do better next time with a router and a few quick jigs.

I also used a router planning sled for the first time. It really helped me flatten out the Baltic birch desk top.

I'm about done stretching the envelope on my abilities. In other words, I won't be using box joints on the drawers. ;)

Here is what I have.
Blue Composite material Gas Auto part Electric blue

Road surface Asphalt Public space Gas Triangle


Those are the sides and middle desk sections. I Pre-sanded the PITA parts then used painters tape to protect against squeeze out.

Here it is with the front drawer and full length stretchers.
Automotive tire Gas Auto part Machine Wood


After took off the clamps I noticed the drawer stretchers were misaligned. I had to put some clamps back on. Fortunately my glue was still open.

Wood Tints and shades Landscape Hardwood Chair


I just had to have a preview of the desk so I put the bazillion pound top on it.

Table Furniture Hood Light Wheel

Brown Amber Rectangle Orange Wood


The drawer fronts are also ready to go as well.
Rectangle Wood Orange Flooring Floor


Thanks for looking!
Mark,

It looks like you're making good progress. That's a nice Christmas present.

L/W
 

Attachments

#10 ·
The devil is in the details..

Howdy,

I was supposed to visit a small saw mill about 80 miles north of me but I don't have a truck. I was going to use our family van but Martha took my daughter to a Christmas parade and made an entire day of it. I got stuck at home so I worked on the desk. It needed a good sanding so I got on with it. About the time I was planning to go, I still didnt have the van so I said "Sanding sucks but I can do another hour." 2 hours later, I was close to getting all the rough sanding done so I finished.

What a drag! I still have to do all the 'finish sanding'. At least that part will go fast.

I did get to add dowels and I trim routed the desk top. Little details and a good sanding just seem to make projects jump to the next level.

Wood Shelf Shelving Wood stain Rectangle


Wood Hardwood Gas Ladder Lumber


Wood Beam Wood stain Wall Building


Table Wood Rectangle Wood stain Plank


Table Furniture Wood Desk Rectangle


I have also been thinking about how I want to skin the drawer cabinet. I have some terrible utility oak flooring. It will never be used on a floor.

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Floor Flooring


I got the warped junk oak down to 1/2 inch thickness and removed the warps while I was at it. I think it's going to look great. I just need to decide if I should fill the knotholes or not.

Table Light Wood Rectangle Desk


Brown Amber Wood Rectangle Wood stain


Thanks for reading!
 

Attachments

#11 ·
The devil is in the details..

Howdy,

I was supposed to visit a small saw mill about 80 miles north of me but I don't have a truck. I was going to use our family van but Martha took my daughter to a Christmas parade and made an entire day of it. I got stuck at home so I worked on the desk. It needed a good sanding so I got on with it. About the time I was planning to go, I still didnt have the van so I said "Sanding sucks but I can do another hour." 2 hours later, I was close to getting all the rough sanding done so I finished.

What a drag! I still have to do all the 'finish sanding'. At least that part will go fast.

I did get to add dowels and I trim routed the desk top. Little details and a good sanding just seem to make projects jump to the next level.

Wood Shelf Shelving Wood stain Rectangle


Wood Hardwood Gas Ladder Lumber


Wood Beam Wood stain Wall Building


Table Wood Rectangle Wood stain Plank


Table Furniture Wood Desk Rectangle


I have also been thinking about how I want to skin the drawer cabinet. I have some terrible utility oak flooring. It will never be used on a floor.

Wood Rectangle Wood stain Floor Flooring


I got the warped junk oak down to 1/2 inch thickness and removed the warps while I was at it. I think it's going to look great. I just need to decide if I should fill the knotholes or not.

Table Light Wood Rectangle Desk


Brown Amber Wood Rectangle Wood stain


Thanks for reading!
Hi Mark. You might want to leave the knot holes for character if is just for skinning the sides. but if you fill them, a contrasting color like the dowels would look nice!..........Jim
 

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#25 ·
Please give me time!

Howdy,

I tried to post part 3 of this blog yesterday and ran into trouble. The wi-fi card finally gave up the ship. It had been aching to be replaced for a few months. Last night, it stopped complaining altogether. It's HISTORY. That the second fix to this PC in 3 days. Grrr….

Oh yeah - part 3.

Not a lot to share. I got the desk top sanded down to 320 yesterday. Then I rubbed in the first coat of tongue oil.
Len had already warned me about the way the plywood was going to suck in the finish. Boy Howdy!!!!!

Brown Rectangle Wood Composite material Wood stain


Table Furniture Wood Desk Wood stain


Yep, at first I applied an even coat. The oil absorbed so fast that what I applied got sucked into the place I started applying it without much left to spread around. By the time I got finished rubbing that in, the Baltic birch was dry and the oak felt right. The plywood was blotchy because some spots had absorbed the lions share of the oil. I started to rub in another helping of oil and it wasn't really helping. I poured oil onto a half section and quickly spread it around. That birch glistened with all the oil I put on it. I started rubbing it in and in a few minutes it was right. I did the other side the same way.

I checked the first half. It was much less blotchy and still Bone dry!!! One more pour to both sides and I finally got some good results after rubbing it in. This morning, the plywood was bone dry again. The oak got another rubbing.

I'm hoping the tongue oil will even out the absorbing properties of the plywood before I start applying the expensive stuff.

Len - thank for the heads up!

I also had time to get the drawer cabinet surround slats filled and sanded to 150 grit.
Wood Rectangle Flooring Floor Wood stain


I'm surprised how much cool character that cheap utility oak flooring has. It's rejected lumber for lack of a better word. Rejected or not, It looks really awesome after I planed, filled and sanded it. I think I said this but I have always been unhappy about buying that oak, even at $1 a foot. Today, I'm thrilled I had it.

Look at this crazy wave.
Wood Beige Flooring Tints and shades Wood stain

Wood Sleeve Flooring Hardwood Waist

Brown Wood Flooring Wood stain Beige


Here's something that would probably only amuse me. ;) Four inch wide X 25 long, x .5 thick oak makes a D note ringing sound when you hit it with sprayed water. Yup. That's my trick to raising the grain. I wipe off the excess. There was a lot of excess on one because I was making sure I heard the D. They all gave me the same sound.

Are you amused? No? Heh heh heh. It must be me then.

Thanks for the tips my friends. They are helping out a lot!
 

Attachments

#26 ·
Please give me time!

Howdy,

I tried to post part 3 of this blog yesterday and ran into trouble. The wi-fi card finally gave up the ship. It had been aching to be replaced for a few months. Last night, it stopped complaining altogether. It's HISTORY. That the second fix to this PC in 3 days. Grrr….

Oh yeah - part 3.

Not a lot to share. I got the desk top sanded down to 320 yesterday. Then I rubbed in the first coat of tongue oil.
Len had already warned me about the way the plywood was going to suck in the finish. Boy Howdy!!!!!

Brown Rectangle Wood Composite material Wood stain


Table Furniture Wood Desk Wood stain


Yep, at first I applied an even coat. The oil absorbed so fast that what I applied got sucked into the place I started applying it without much left to spread around. By the time I got finished rubbing that in, the Baltic birch was dry and the oak felt right. The plywood was blotchy because some spots had absorbed the lions share of the oil. I started to rub in another helping of oil and it wasn't really helping. I poured oil onto a half section and quickly spread it around. That birch glistened with all the oil I put on it. I started rubbing it in and in a few minutes it was right. I did the other side the same way.

I checked the first half. It was much less blotchy and still Bone dry!!! One more pour to both sides and I finally got some good results after rubbing it in. This morning, the plywood was bone dry again. The oak got another rubbing.

I'm hoping the tongue oil will even out the absorbing properties of the plywood before I start applying the expensive stuff.

Len - thank for the heads up!

I also had time to get the drawer cabinet surround slats filled and sanded to 150 grit.
Wood Rectangle Flooring Floor Wood stain


I'm surprised how much cool character that cheap utility oak flooring has. It's rejected lumber for lack of a better word. Rejected or not, It looks really awesome after I planed, filled and sanded it. I think I said this but I have always been unhappy about buying that oak, even at $1 a foot. Today, I'm thrilled I had it.

Look at this crazy wave.
Wood Beige Flooring Tints and shades Wood stain

Wood Sleeve Flooring Hardwood Waist

Brown Wood Flooring Wood stain Beige


Here's something that would probably only amuse me. ;) Four inch wide X 25 long, x .5 thick oak makes a D note ringing sound when you hit it with sprayed water. Yup. That's my trick to raising the grain. I wipe off the excess. There was a lot of excess on one because I was making sure I heard the D. They all gave me the same sound.

Are you amused? No? Heh heh heh. It must be me then.

Thanks for the tips my friends. They are helping out a lot!
Mark,
I didn't mention the other day that when you use a lot of oil on unfinished wood as you have here, it's best to wait till the odor is gone, that's an indication that the oil has cured well and you can then apply your shellac/film finish.

I hope this omission/correction isn't coming too late.

That warm color is looking great.

Work Safely and have Fun. - Len
 

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