DIY Network

Walnut Computer-Desk, Part 8: Finishing Touches From "Wood Works" episode WWK-711

	This computer desk is intended as a functional piece of furniture, but its most striking attribute is the figure of the claro-walnut veneer. The now-scarce curly claro-walnut was harvested from a tree that had fallen in Northern California during a storm.
	The dark ebony drawer-pulls highlight the design and create a visual contrast against the rich, chocolate color of the claro walnut.

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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, he creates hand-sculpted ebony drawer-pulls and adds a wood finish that brings out the striking figure of the claro-walnut grain.

Tools and materials used in this segment:

Ebony stock for handles
Table saw
Band saw
Drill press
Ball-mill grinder
Gooseneck scraper
Brass pins
Fine-grade sandpaper
Cyanoacrilate glue
Tung-oil
Linseed oil
Urethane wood finish
0000-gauge steel wool
Paint brushes
Rags
Protective gloves

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

Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation, when working with wood stains, solvents and other toxic solutions. When working with some sprays and chemicals, a respirator mask may be required.

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Ebony Drawer-Pulls

• To create the drawer pulls, rip a 14-degree angled strip from a block of solid ebony (figure A).

• Using the cross-cut sled, cut the strip into segments at 3-1/2" L x 7/8" W x 1/2" Thick (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  Figure C

  
  
  

• At the band saw, cut a half-elipse shape from each segment.
  
  
• Drill two small holes at the back of each pull for attaching brass pins

• Use a small ball-mill grinder to carve out the undersides to create a finger grip (figure C).

• Smooth the cut-outs using a gooseneck scraper.

• Drill small holes in the drawer faces and install the handles using brass pins and cyanoacrilate glue.
  

  
  
  

David did some final sanding of the drawer faces (figure D) to remove any excess cyanoacrilate glue. He then applied a blend of tung oil, linseed oil and urethane for a rich finish.

Apply this oil finish with a soft brush, and wipe away the excess with a clean rag (figure E). Several coats of this blend, with a rub using 0000 steel-wool between coats, provides a lustrous finish that brings out the three-dimensional appearance of the claro-walnut grain.

Figure D

Figure E

If you have stock left over, you could use it to make a simple monitor-stand. Three small panels, veneered in claro walnut, can be used to make stand that is both useful and attractive.

Other tools and materials used in this project:

Claro-walnut stock for veneers
Maple stock
Baltic birch plywood stock
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

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