| Arts and Crafts Library Desk -- Top and Finishing Touches |
From "Wood Works"
episode WWK-204 |
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The finishing steps in building the arts and crafts library table include completing and securing the top, and applying a rich wood finish. Materials: Oak stock for table top
Table saw
Yellow woodworker's glue
Glue roller
Clamps
Hand plane
Hand scraper
Polyurethane-based wood finish
Paint brushes
Rags
Figure-8 metal fasteners
Note: Cut sizes may vary. For exact measurements, please contact David Marks through his Web site -- information below under Resources. Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc. Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves when working with wood stains and solvents. Steps: - To create the top for the desk, four oak boards are edge-glued together. The boards are 1-inch-thick quarter-sawn white oak. They are selected and matched to create a pleasing grain pattern for the top. Once the positioning has been determined, the surface of the boards are marked in chalk with a triangle (figure A) to indicate the layout.
- Once the glue has dried, a hand-scraper is used to remove any excess glue and create a smooth top surface.
- The glued-up top piece is then cut to size on the table saw. To maintain a center-line, both edges are trimmed -- cutting first down one side (figure B), then adjusting the fence on the table-saw for the second cut.
- To finish off the top, a hand-plane with a thick cutting iron is used to create a slight bevel for the edges (figure C).
- Figure-8 fasteners are used to secure the completed top to the drawer-frame assembly (figure D). These fasteners allow the wood to move and adjust slightly as it expands and contracts with fluctuations in humidity.
- Before attaching the top, a wood finish is applied. The finish selected for this piece is a blend of tung oil, linseed oil and polyurethane. The finish is applied with a brush and rags to the exposed surfaces. A hand-rubbed oil finish gives the desk a rich, warm tone and highlights the classic quarter-sawn oak grain patterns (figure E).
- The finish is applied only to the fronts of the drawers (figure F). A high-quality wax is used for the interiors.
- Metal drawer-pulls provide the final touch for the piece (figure G).
Drawer Tip: Add a little wax to the drawers where they contact the frames to keep them gliding smoothly. Care Tip: To maintain the traditional look, and keep the desk in good shape, buff the wood occasionally with some wax or lemon oil.
Sponsored Resource
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RESOURCES :
Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619
Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456
Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985
David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com
Advanced Woodworking
Model: 0783539126
Author: Editors of Time Life Books
1998
Time-Life Books Inc.
Website: www.timelife.com
Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com
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