Church Podium/Lectern

[Todd Cepica]

I have been asked to build a lectern for my church. It is a small church and the space is used for several purposes and so the lectern needs to be light enough to be moved around (50# or less). They also want some space under the work surface for storage (if possible). Are there any ideas people might be willing to share? I want this to be a piece that will be around for a while. Thank you in advance for sharing!

[Dave Richards]

What sort of style does the church and its current furniture have? Do you have any photos of the inside of the sanctuary?

[Todd Cepica]

I don't have a picture right now but most of the wood is a honey stained Oak. I would like to stay in the same theme but I would also like to add some contrasting colors for appeal.

[Dave Richards]

A furniture style would be a big help.

[Todd Cepica]

It is a traditional/quaker style. Originally a Baptist church built in the 60s. However, it is now a small Bible Church. I am hoping for the design to be simple but unique. More than just a "reading surface on a stick". :) I don't feel the need to match the style other than the basic wood being used.

[Dave Richards]

Alright. Here's the first one off the top of my head. You could do a frame and panel sort of thing. Do you want it more decorative/fancified? If you want me to continue, I might be able to come up with some other ideas.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8172150488_ebfda9a89d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8294157@N08/8172150488/)

[Todd Cepica]

Dave - I really appreciate your ideas and yes, I would like to continue to think through this with you. I do like the design and curves you have incorporated. Let's keep that in mind but I also wanted to get your thoughts on design options if the upright support was more of a single but sturdy pedestal. I'm sorry that I can't draw this out as you have so skillfully done. My thought here is the possibility of being able to move it around easier. What do you think?

[Dave Richards]

Well, I don't think what I've drawn would be difficult to move around but let me see what else I can come up with. Would you do a turned pedestal or something not turned?

[Todd Cepica]

I don't have have the ability to do a turned pedestal. Maybe some joinery that would create a box shape or perhaps a "v" shape might work as well. I look forward to seeing your ideas. You are light years ahead of what I could come up with. Thank you again!

[Todd Cepica]

I need to step away to take care of some things but I will check back in when I return. Thank you again for your assistance. This is so helpful and I look forward to building something that is attractive and will be a round for a good while.

[Dave Richards]

Todd, it will probably be a little while, now. I have some ideas but I need to arrange them so they can be built. I'll post something as soon as I can.

[Dave Richards]

Todd, here's another quick sketch. This one keys off your sturdy pedestal comment.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8172388532_d6daf407b7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8294157@N08/8172388532/)

I've got a couple of other ideas brewing. They need to steep a little while.

[Todd Cepica]

I really like this Dave. I think this is along the lines of what we are looking for as long as you feel that it can be constructed with good stability. I am open to other thoughts you have as well. Also, any suggestions on construction techniques, wood types, etc.

[Dave Richards]

Great! Todd, I realize it looks like the thing might tip over but the base is directly under the top. I think the base needs a little revising but it's close. Do you want me to quite with the design options?

[Dave Richards]

Since I almost had another version roughed out I decided to post it.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8172896107_d0f18ab2fd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8294157@N08/8172896107/)

[Todd Cepica]

I really like this Dave. Any suggestions on construction, wood types, etc?

[Dave Richards]

Well, since you have oak in the church, I would use that as the primary wood. I was thinking about some sort of accent wood and wondering about purpleheart.

Do you like the newest version with the sort of I-beam pedestal?

[Todd Cepica]

Yes I do. That might help with weight as well, dont you think? How would you use the purple heart accents? That's a good thought. Also, I might have missed a private message from you. I saw the notice but I didn't receive the content.

[Dave Richards]

Todd, here is the latest sketch. I've made the top wider as per our conversation and opened up the base

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8174902623_13f26f6a41_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8294157@N08/8174902623/)

As you can see, I've hinged the lid. Although I doubt it'll get opened very often with the pulpit bible on top, I had two reasons for doing so. First was to make it easier to assemble the the top onto the pedestal. The other reason is so that it'll be easier to clean in there.

And here is a view with the accents added.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8175185269_b9bac8d9e5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8294157@N08/8175185269/)

Most of the joinery and other detailing is complete but I'll wait for your go ahead to finish it up.

[Todd Cepica]

I just never imagined I would be able to get such valuable input from my initial request. I can't tell you how grateful I am. I really do like what you have done. I just can't say thank you enough!

[Dave Richards]

Todd, I'm glad you like it. I don't know how valuable it really is. It may only be worth what you're paying for it. ;)

I have the plans finished but I need an e-mail address so I can send you the PDF file. If you could call me or send me a PM, I'll get your e-mail address that way.

[Dave Richards]

E-mail sent. I hope it gets through.

[Tom Jones III]

FYI, I asked a very similar question a few years ago. This thread has a lot of great advice (and the pics of my finished project)


http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?28420-Lectern-project-completed-with-pics