School Desk for Daughter

This desk is built from poplar and painted MDF based on a design I created from two or three other plans.

Top can be separated from base as they are joined using pocket screws.

Shelves are made using dados, reinforced with drywall screws (bite better in MDF). Face frames attached via biscuits.

Base cabinets are made using rabbets and dado joints as well, using screws for reinforcements.

Drawers are MDF, using blind dovetail joints made with sears template jig. Poplar fronts are screwed on.

Lessons learned:

- MDF is horrible to work with. The super fine dust gets everywhere. It dulls router bits very quickly. It is heavy and it sags unless supported. And screws do not hold well. It does take paint nicely though.
- Use a jig to create dado joints. I used a 3/4” bit and expected it to match 3/4” MDF exactly. No luck, the router bit did not match the nominal size of the MDF and the gaps are unsightly.
- I would redesign to better accomodate for wood movement. There is not enough separation between my drawer fronts and I had to remove and refinish to prevent binding.
- Use a jig to position drawer fronts. I used measurements only to place pilot holes for screws and the drawer knobs vary by 1/16” of an inch from the true center line … which is visible to the naked eye.

-- Shawn, I ask in order to learn