DIY Network

Walnut-Veneer Computer-Desk: Assembling the Case From "Wood Works" episode WWK-710

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In this special two-episode installment of Wood Works, David Marks constructs a contemporary styled computer-desk. In this final segment of episode 1, the case is assembled, completing the first phase of this project.

Tools and materials used in this project:

Claro-walnut stock for veneers
Maple stock
Baltic birch plywood stock
Ebony stock for handles
Maple plywood stock
MDF for templates and mockup
Table saw; cross-cut sled; dado blade
Miter jig
Circular saw
Jointer
Power planer
Band saw
Table router
Biscuit jointer
Drill press
Clamps
Yellow woodworker's glue
Slow-setting resin glue
Glue roller
Hand scraper
Hand plane
File
Razor hand-saw
Cordless drill; Phillips screwdriver attachment
Threaded inserts
Sandpaper, various grits
Straight-edge
Tape measure
Carpenter's pencil
Chalk
Carpenter's tape
Safety glasses or goggles

Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with wood, power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc.

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Figure A

Assembling the Case

At this point, all the parts and dados have cut for the desk's drawer-cabinet. Since this is a fairly complex assembly, it's a good idea to lay out all the parts in an orderly fashion before you begin glue-up (figure A) and plan your assembly strategy. David opted to lay one of the side-panels flat on the work surface, and build the assembly up from there -- adding the dividers, back and capping the assembly with the other side. Using slow-setting resin-glue will allow adequate time for assembly and adjustment of the parts during glue-up.

Steps:

• Apply glue to all the dados and carefully set in their corresponding frames and top-dividers (figure B).

• Set the back in position (figure C).

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

  	Figure D
  	Figure F
  	Figure E

  
  

• Once the back and side-panels are in place, pull the joints together with cork-lined cauls and glue in the toe-plate (figure D).
  
  
• Stand the drawer-carcass right-side-up, and apply more pressure with cork-lined cauls.

• Set the final frame in position at the top (figure E) and apply more pressure using cork-lined cauls (figure F).

RESOURCES :

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

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

Woodworker's Guide to Wood: Softwoods, Hardwoods, Plywoods, Composite, Veneers
Model: 080836878
Author: Rick Peters
(2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com