Posted on Custom desk required - my first woodworking project?
|
#1 posted 205 days ago |
You can build a suitable desk with either a biscuit joiner, dowels or Kreg Jig but you have to match tools and materials. For example, any of them will work with plywood or solid wood; but screws do not hold well in particleboard or mdf. I bring up particleboard because if it were me, I would consider using 1” particleboard for the top instead of 3/4” plywood. Why? Because particleboard is cheaper, lighter, easier to work and more rigid (it’s what preformed kitchen countertops are made from). In fact, I would consider using a preformed countertop as they are inexpensive, rigid, come in a variety of lengths, have a nice finished top and are sometimes used to build cubicle desks. Biscuit joiners are great tools but I feel they were oversold some years back. Many people bought them who didn’t really need them (me included). A good one will cost ~$200 and a cheap one will aggravate you to death or worse, be useless. You can build shelves with a biscuit joiner and it is a very good tool for working with particleboard but I wouldn’t buy one unless you have other projects on which to use it. Dowels are supposedly stronger and I can believe it but I’ve never used them. From other discussions I gather they can be difficult to align properly without a somewhat expensive jig. Kreg Jigs are simple, quick and have a multitude of uses. After buying one I rarely use my biscuit joiner. I don’t know that I would rely on them to hold a desk together though. I think you need a more specific plan/drawing before recommending one or the other of the above. Tools you’re sure to need: Maybe or Probably -- -- Rick M. |
