Thread: WIP - pedestal desk

Watch out for the dust, it can be a killer. Many people are highly allergic to silky oak, and not just the dust, the timber itself . I know one bloke who only has to be in the same room as silky and he will break out in a rash and start coughing.

Cheers - Neil

Thanks Neil. I did not know that. How bad is it?

Originally Posted by ubeaut

Watch out for the dust, it can be a killer. Many people are highly allergic to silky oak, and not just the dust, the timber itself . I know one bloke who only has to be in the same room as silky and he will break out in a rash and start coughing.

Cheers - Neil

There's a guy out here that does exactly the same thing with Red Cedar !!!:eek: Even standing outside the doorway while it was being worked set him off!

Wongo - I've played with a bit of silky and actually found it too soft - have to be too damned careful - a bit like balsa :eek:

hmm no comments fellas??

I really took my time to build the frames and panels. I think woodwork is most enjoyable when you are totally relaxed and do things probably.

I cut and trim the components to perfect fit. Dry fit first to make the gluing process a lot easier and less stressful.

So far so good.

Panels are looking really good Wongo, as always I enjoy checking out and admiring your work. Can't wait to see the finished desk.

Originally Posted by Wongo

Thanks Neil. I did not know that. How bad is it?

Very bad if you're allergic to it. At Sturt one year they had to exclude silky from the workshop completely, as one person reacted so severely to the least amount of dust.

Looking forward to seeing the desk progress, silky is a nice timber to use and look at. It's worth working on the finish to get a 3D effect.

Have a look at Leon Sadubin's SO desk on display at the Powerhouse Museum at present, if you get a chance.

I have done quite a bit this weekend. Used some of the bargain hardwood to interior of the 2 cabinets. My FIL helped me to do the glue-up. Another pair of hands certainly made it a lot easier. It feels so great when everything just fits together like a dream.

Wong it looks as though you know what you are doing! So whatever you are doing keep it up. Looking great so far.

I bet you are satisfied with how it is going. It is going to look fantastic when it is complete

Pete

Looking good Wongo real good.

So what finish are you going to use?

So I guess those are mortise on the legs where panels come together?

BTW Pictures saved.

Well done Scott. Your meticulous work will create an heirloom piece.

Particularly impresses by the stepped tenons.

Looks like a happy shop. Dunno if anyone else does it, but i keep leaning fowards to sniff and see if i can catch the scent of the wood.

Very nice looking workmanship there. Funny how even though you are a total stranger i can feel proud of what you do.

Looking good, Scott, things don't fit together by accident.

Thanks guys.

I could not wait to see what it will look so I put a coat wipe on poly tonight. Wow, the grain is so attractive. It is so pretty.

Silky oak sands really well (silky smooth ). The dust gives you this waxy feel. I can imagine someone reacts to it very badly.

Now I have to get myself mentally really for the drawers. There are a lot of dovetails to cut you know.

Great work as usual from you, Scott! I LOVE silky oak - though never have had the chance to build anything with it. I have some heirloom furniture made by my Great grandfather, incl. a little stool that's been in use all that time. The original shellac finish is still quite fine, and no real decent dings in it - even though it's been knocked about a bit - obviously it's not soft at all, so maybe it was old-growth timber? Nice work on the panels! Fancy looking planes, and you sure know how to use them!

Btw - I spotted a nice looking slab in your workshop! From me, who was so highly bemused by people doing tool/timber/etc. spotting, in people's pics! Oh boy - does that mean I really fit in here?!

Keep up the good work - I'll check back to see all those dovetails!

Cheers,

Jill