Thread: WIP - pedestal desk

Originally Posted by Wongo

I think woodwork is most enjoyable when you are totally relaxed and do things probably.

Scott,

Is probably really good enough? Admittedly, it seems to have worked pretty well so far. But don't mind me - I am just a bit jealous of someone who has eight 600 mm Bessey K-body clamps

Rocker

Originally Posted by Rocker

But don't mind me - I am just a bit jealous of someone who has eight 600 mm Bessey K-body clamps

David, sadly I only have 4 because the other 4 are much longer .

Originally Posted by Wongo

David, sadly I only have 4 because the other 4 are much longer .

Scott,

You know how to make a man suffer But, in fact, I have managed perfectly well with just two 600 mm and two 1200 mm Besseys for years. Once you have those, you can supplement them with lesser breeds quite satisfactorily. And, by abstaining from the great Bessey clamp buy of 2005, I was able to afford a Domino

Rocker

This desk will be used in my in-laws’ little computer room. It will be standing against 3 walls. Such a shame that the back and sides will never be seen.

Scotty i havnt seen the dust extraction above the blade on your Jet before. Looks interesting. Sometime when you get a chance could you post a pic of it

Scotty, this is a great looking piece. Love the box structure of the centre unit. Dont forget the holes for all those computer cables! Lot easier at this stage than later. The G Robusta (aka Silky Oak) is really coming up a treat. Did you have much trouble sourcing without great streaks of sap wood? I take it that those long tennons were cut on the table saw? Do you believe that there is a structural advantage in having them so long? They sure look like they all fit very well. Love the pile of frames showing just how consistantly you have worked on this one. A credit to you.
fyi, I came across a very interesting way to fix two desk drawer units to a top in a way that allows for easy assembly and dismantling. It involved using two tapered front to back pieces in the top of each unit. These fitted into a matching taper on the back of the desk top. A simple screw arrangement pulled them together. Worked a treat and went through many (dis)assemblies without a hitch. Made moving a lot easier.
Congratulations on a great looking desk and looking forward to the end result.
Jacko

Lignum, I will take pictures of my DC and tablesaw for you. Just for you buddy. BTW you have the JET supersaw euro version right?

Jacko, thanks for the comments mate.
The tennons were cut on a tablesaw. They are only 1.5cm long. I don’t think long tennon makes much difference to the structure.

I don’t think the desk will ever be moved. I am pretty sure.

Originally Posted by Wongo

Lignum, I will take pictures of my DC and tablesaw for you. Just for you buddy.

BTW you have the JET supersaw euro version right?

Yep, the GOOD one The other one is a shocker

Scott,

Great to see the desk coming together. Looking really good. It is a shame the back and sides will be hidden, but I suspect that at some point in that desk's life, it will be in a different spot where it can be admired. Perhaps one of your girl's children will live somewhere else and proudly display granpa's beautiful desk.

Tex

To Lignum.

I knew making the drawers would be a challenge and it was. They are made of kauri pine. Kauri pine is a pain to chisel but very easy to plane. The drawers are made slightly oversized and fitted one by one. And yes it did take ages.

The top is next and then a few coats of min-wax wipe-on poly. Whoohaa.

Originally Posted by Wongo

The drawers are made slightly oversized and fitted one by one. And yes it did take ages.

The correct way.

Alex,

How big a gap should I make it? 1 mm all around??

I want to have them perfectly fitted but not too tight though. If the drawer front expands them it will be hard to open.

Just caught up on this thread Scott, and the desk looks like another of your masterpieces coming together.

Now, just think how much easier it would have all been with a ....Oops! Mustn't go there...

Great stuff mate!