Arts and Crafts Desk

[Peter Widders]

Greetings from Sydney, Australia.
A recent project has been an Arts and Crafts Desk designed by Nancy Hiller (FW Project Plans). Timber is Australian Red Cedar left over from a Kayak build. Drawer front is Bird's Eye Maple; a departure from the A&C style but I think it works well. Finish is Livos oil followed by several coats of Tung Oil. One area I would be interested in hearing about is what others do to help the drawers slide a bit easier: this one has a bit of weight and needs some 'assistance'. Thoughts and advice appreciated.

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Peter Widders

[Mike Null]

I like the design and finish but the maple drawer front doesn't add anything in my opinion.

[glenn bradley]

High gloss is also not a typical A&C feature but, I really enjoy your take on the table. As to the drawer, what is the mechanism? Wooden runners in dados in the drawer sides? NK style? Center guide? I can say that I tried a product called Slip-it and it was very unsatisfactory. The drawer moved worse after the application than before.

For wood on wood mechanisms I have the most success with a precision fit lubed with a bit of canning paraffin. A loose fit will allow binding and a too-snug fit is well, too snug :). If the fit is loose, I would glue additional material onto the runner and re-shape. I had to do this on a drawer that I mistakenly thought was too snug that I kept 'easing' until I discovered my error. Adjustment or additions to the kickers can also assure a good glide path by preventing the drawer from tilting down as it is pulled out. I use paraffin on these surfaces too.

[Brian Henderson]

Very nice piece, you can make any modifications to any style you want and make it your own, there's no law saying you have to make A&C exactly the same way anyone else does.

It might just be me, but I saw the thread name as "Arts and Crafts Deck" and was wondering exactly how you'd do that. :)

[Jim Matthews]

Love it. I would be proud to say I had made something so well.

More detail photos about the legs, please.
kudos

[Peter Widders]

Thanks for the feedback and positive comments.
Glenn- the drawer slides on wooden runners with an upper kicker each side to stop the thing dropping. I had been thinking about resin coating both surfaces; may try your tip with the paraffin.
Jim - a couple of pics of the leg detail. The lower shape was done with a 1/2" forstner bit and finished with a small spokeshave. Taper was from 10" from floor.
The finish - I had not used this product before (Feast Watson Floor Seal) but saw it on some pieces at an exhibition here recently and was very impressed with the finish.
Peter

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[Mike Wilkins]

Gorgeous table and bold design.
As for the drawers; if they are wood sliding on wood, try using parafin wax on the runners. Or the old-timers trick of using a bar of soap. Simple but effective.

[lowell holmes]

I prefer the finish you put on it.

Spectacular!

[Jerry Olexa]

Very nice work and results!!!

[Jim Matthews]

Few items photograph as well in daylight as with a flash.
Yours is exceptional - it's a fine piece, regardless of the light.

I think the legs are sharp.
They're yours and that's noteworthy.

[Floyd Cox]

The finish and contrasting colors are great in my opinion.

[Chris Hachet]

Impressive, keep on building stuff!

[Peter Widders]

Thanks to all for the compliments. I have another small hall table close to done and will post pics soon. I am thinking of selling the Arts and Crafts desk and would be interested in thoughts on what $$ I should put on the piece. Again, comments appreciated.
Peter