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Hi!

I wanted to build myself a new desk.
Didn't want it to be to big, but a nice size and make it so it could also function as a future dining table.
I had the idea to place the legs aside of the table, for a little extra space ,without a centerbeam or stiles.
I found out its really hard to get the same rigid feeling without those essential supports.
The table feels very sturdy now, but i'm still thinking about adding the extra metal braces on the sides.
The table measures;
66.1 inch length
33.1 inch width
29.5 inch Height
1.9 inch top thickness
4.3×3.9 inch legs
Sanded with 400 grid and 2 coats of Danish oil.
Thanks for watching!

Construction pictures :



























Latest modification metal braces to level the top more out, tigthen it closer to the beam the top rests on and allow movement;

Gallery

Comments

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Very cool desk Thomas
 

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Gorgeous desk. I just started planing some walnut for a desk…I'll be happy if it turns out half this nice.
 

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Very nice. I like it a lot.
That is a very large project, lots of work. Well done.

Steve
 

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Beautiful desk! I love walnut, such an awesome appearance. What is the purpose of the dados under the table top? I would guess they serve as a stress relief point for crack control. I really like your choice to put the legs outside of the top, very unique.
 

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I have same question as Jordan, purpose of dados under the top? Great selection of wood, nice design, and excellent execution.

Nothing like building to suit your own needs.
 

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Love it. Beautiful work.
 

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Beautiful peace. Beautiful wood. I,m curious how you made the construction between legs and table top.

Also nice to have a look in your? shop?
 

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Thanks everyone!
I routed the dados as a tension relief, the top was a bit wharped after the glue-up and it's still. mainly front and back piece. I wanted to keep that thick look so didn't plane to much of the outer boards. I hope it helps releasing a bit of tension :)
Dutchy it's a simple construction, i bolted 2 beams to the leg parts, and under those beams bolts to attach the top. I drilled bigger holes to allow for movement, and there are 3 washers for each bolt to distribute the pressure of the bolts. 2 extra mitered supports for more stability.
 

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Looks massively sturdy, plus the wood grain pops like crazy =)
 

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Thomas:

Great Work - Thanks for sharing - it's projects like these, especially as well documented as this, that allow all of us to learn and reconsider established approaches.

MJCD
 

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This is a really nice looking desk/table. I like the way you alternated the different pieces of walnut for the top. Walnut is pretty much the best looking wood around…
 

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Very nice desk, indeed! I love the look of walnut and have used it quite often in some of my projects. If the pictures of you working in your shop is in your attic, you must have a very large attic. Shop looks really nice. I'll bet that this desk will never be wobbly…..looks like you made it super strong. Nice job!
 

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That is a very nice build, Thomas! I'd be proud to have it in my home and show it off!
 

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Thomas, I like the design of your table. I attended a couple of schools for my job in Almere a few years ago (my company is based in Almere but I'm in the US) and I remember my hotel had tables with very similar design with the legs out to the side. I remember thinking that I'd like to see how they are made and make something of that style when I got home. It seems to be a style polular in Europe because I saw it also in Germany the year after that.

Question: I see you used lag bolts on the angle brace. Is there a threaded insert in the top that the bolts thread into?

Wayne
 

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Thanks again everyone!
I agree Manitario, there is something with walnut that almost makes you want to eat it :) i did lay them out in a lighter/darker order, but it's a suprise to see what the danish does to it the moment you apply the oil.
Dave i switched from the attic to a 200 sq feet shop together with a friend about 7 months ago. Im really happy with this space and could never have done such project on my attic :) (20 sq feet). It's empty now sometimes i do small adjustments to projects there.
Wayne nice to read your story, i do see this kind of tables often to here, also some where the top goes around the legs on 2 sides of the legs. The bolts go straight into the top, without inserts. I'm going to add metal corner braces, because i lost traction with one of them.
 

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Another beautiful piece! Love the wood grain on that walnut, so warm and rich. That's a table built to last.
 

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Thanks Vicki! always nice to hear from you :)
 

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Magnificent desk! Looks really sturdy, great wood and great build. Wonderful design and technique used.

-www.sawblade.com
 
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