LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

This is my best and cleanest project to date (and my first posted here at Lumber Jocks!). It's a secretary desk made mostly of oak, with a fold-out front made of walnut (personally harvested by me and my dad) with a resin river. Since I only have a couple hours most days to work, it took me about two and a half months, but I'm very proud of it.

It was my first time working with hinges and clasps, and those were a lot easier to install than I thought they would be. In addition to the fold-out front, the top folds back as well, to open up the space and make it easy to operate a laptop.

It was also my first time working with through-mortises, which I made with my router and chisels. I doubt I could do them cleanly enough yet to look good without filler and stain, but I'm really happy with how they turned out here.

Finishing remains my bane. It takes FOREVER and never turns out as good as I think it should: There are always tiny little bumps that can be seen at the right angle (although they can't be felt, so that's good). I'm going to have to try something new next time, because I can't keep on taking weeks just to apply and polish the poly.

Like I said, I'm super happy with how it turned out. it's not perfect, but my wife assures me that nobody but me will even notice the imperfections. What do you guys think?

Gallery

Comments

· Banned
Joined
·
18,919 Posts
i think your wifes right we always judge our selves harder than others.looks good i think you did a great job.as far as finishes im kinda like you,its the part i hate the most,except maybe sanding of course.i use oil finishes on just about everything i make,wipe it on and wipe it off,i usually put on 3-4 coats.welcome to lumber jocks.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
0 Posts
Oh, and there are lots more pictures and a build walkthrough here:
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,434 Posts
I really enjoyed going through your build. I like what you did with this desk. It has a great look to it.

Are there supports to assist with the weight of the fold down desk, or is it all up to the hinges to support it?
 

· Registered
Joined
·
2,507 Posts
Great job all around. I know how you feel about the finish. Regarding bumps, if you stained, use steel wood after it drys. Stain raised the grain. I learned that the hard way!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
0 Posts
I really enjoyed going through your build. I like what you did with this desk. It has a great look to it.

Are there supports to assist with the weight of the fold down desk, or is it all up to the hinges to support it?

- swirt
Thanks! The fold-down bit is only 9.25 inches wide, so the hinges are more than sufficient to support it. If it was bigger, I probably would have needed something extra.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
215 Posts
beautiful desk. I like the resin front.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
47 Posts
very charming piece! welcome to LJ's !
 
Top