Desk Build #01

This is my first computer desk build, the material is all reclaimed wood from old pallets and crates.

I ripped the edges of the wood on the table saw to give a smooth, straight edge which I could use to glue the boards together. I used dowels to help with alignment and add a little extra strength to the joint. I let it sit overnight with clamps.

With all the wood cut to length and edges straightened I assembled everything dry on top of the table top. I used this as a reference to cut the table top down to its finished size.

I attached the apron to the table legs to create a frame. I think this was a mistake looking back as it made a very large and hard to move table frame. It also doesn’t take into consideration any movement of the wood over time.

The table top is just resting on the frame at this point, to give a little glimpse of how the final table will look.

I planed the table top with an electric hand planer to remove some of the high spots. I then sanded with an orbital sander, starting at 60 grit and working up to 220 grit.

After sanding I applied the first coat of varnish, it doesn’t show well in the photo but the varnish really brought out the colour of the wood. The darker boards are a lovely pink colour. Unfortunately I am not sure what wood this is.

I cut a small section of the apron out from the front side, this is to allow a chair with arms to fit under the table without rubbing.

After the last coat of varnish, this close up shows that there is still quite a lot of cupping to the boards. As the table will have a glass top and I don’t have a thickness planer this will be okay.

This is how the finished table looks, an IKEA glass table top is held with clear rubber pads to prevent it sliding around. This provides a totally smooth writing and working surface, it also protects the relatively soft wood from damage.