Today I am going to start working on my design for my project in progress. I know that your probably wondering, so what is this project in progress, well have you ever wanted to go back in time and experience building something that a person, who will be famous in time, will use. Even make something that is used to write a document that gives each and every human being in the United States freedom. Well that is exactly what I am going to make, a replica of the lab top desk that our one and only Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on. In this design there just so happens to be dove tails through out the whole project, which I have never done before. Today I will also spend some time watching videos on how to do dove tails so I can get a feel for what I am going to be doing. —- woodchick
-- How much wood could a wood chick chuck if a wood chick could chuck wood?
6 comments so far
stanley2
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278 posts in 694 days
posted 238 days ago
Good luck with your project – keep us informed as it progresses.
-- Phil in British Columbia
Don Newton
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532 posts in 517 days
posted 238 days ago
I am also building the Thomas Jefferson desk but without the dovetails. I had trouble locating the hardware. I couldn’t find the 3/4” hinge that was wider than 5/16” (per leaf) and the lock I bought has a throw that is 1/4”. This is too long because the material is only 5/16” thick. Are you using the FWW plans? Let’s compare notes!
-- Don, Pittsburgh
woodchick
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29 posts in 322 days
posted 237 days ago
Thanks Don for responding to my blog. I’m doing the dove tails because I’m not using any plans, I’m kind of making my own design, but looking at the original lab top desk that Ben Randall made. I tried to find the original plans that were were designed by Ben Randal, but water damaged them. Do to that problem I am designing my own version by looking at all of the photos of the piece that way I can draw it out with the measurements that I found (14.25×10 x 3.5”).
P.S. Are you making the desk that is located on your page? I am making the lab top desk that Thomas Jefferson used to write the Declaration of Independence on, while traveling.
-- How much wood could a wood chick chuck if a wood chick could chuck wood?
oldskoolmodder
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707 posts in 578 days
posted 237 days ago
That’s quite an ambitious adventure you are taking on, can’t wait to see the end result.
-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric
Beginningwoodworker
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4229 posts in 571 days
posted 237 days ago
This going to be a adventure.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
Tom Goodman
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127 posts in 1030 days
posted 236 days ago
I made one in high school, don’t remember the dimensions ( size of a briefcase) And It wasn’t the style that Thomas Jefferson had but it served it’s purpose. Wish I had pictures.
Well I cant wait to see how it comes out. I’ll be watching.
-- - " If you want square work, You don't cut corners. " - -- Tom Goodman, Santa Maria, CA. woodworkertom@gmail.com