New member-my latest project-maple desk (pic warning)

[Thomas MacDonald]

hey guys..ok, so the bombe secretary was a major undertaking but this is a maple desk i made in the last 3 weeks. It is made from some killer tiger maple that is about 50 years old. I bought it from a friend whose grandfather was a woodworker. The desk is
19"deep 36"wide 42"tall. I am waiting for the hardware now but otherwise its built. If you're interested in seeing how I built this project, I documented it in my podcast which can be viewed at The Rough Cut Show on iTunes or also on my forum at Tchisel.com. Thanks for looking.


http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9397/screenshot014wa9.jpg

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[Russ Sears]

That's beautiful. What kind of finish will you use on it? Lacquer?

[Jim Becker]

Beautiful work, Thomas!

[Ray Schafer]

That is the kind of work that I aspire to.

[Barry Bruner]

I am very interested, you do great work. I am about half done with a slant top and it has been setting for over a year, therefore I need a little insperation. BARRY BRUNER

[Floyd Cox]

I hope one day I can create a piece even close to yours.

[Dewey Torres]

Boy from Canton!

All right well, WELCOME to the 'Creek:D

Nice work!

[Thomas MacDonald]

hey guys...there is no reason you cant do this work....i mean it its all about getting the right info....and time....barry i am glad i could help push you to finish the desk.....if you go into my site hit the video icon ,scroll down to episodes 88-89-90-91-92-93 its over 100 minutes dedicated to just making and setting a lid ....plus the lock....and believe me ..if i didnt learn how to do it at nbss i never would have done it...so its there waiting for you to watch...good luck...and if you get hung up ..p.m .me through my site or call me 781 828 1121...thats my shop #...good luck!

[Thomas MacDonald]

HEY DEWEY.....THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!! my uncle was a rear admiral and brother in law a sr.chief....my brother a sea-bee....dont forget the boys in the water at pearl.....

[John Keeton]

Thomas, just spent a few minutes on your website - phenomenal work! And, great website design, as well. I don't have a great internet connection, so I will need to watch the videos at the office.

You need to think about doing some 3-5 day intensive classes. Iwould love to consider that situation. You probably stay too busy during the day with commissioned pieces, but only locals can justify the nighttime classes.

Thanks again for your contribution to SMC.

[Thomas MacDonald]

I received the hardware. i got the hinges and locks from Whitechapel (approx 300) and the escutcheons and pulls from Optimum Brasses in the U.K. (approx $400). The finish will be oil and shellac with color blending.

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/3981/mapledeskopenau1.png (http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/3981/mapledeskopenau1.png)

People have been pm’ing me asking detailed questions about how to learn the skills to build furniture like this and I decided that I will put together a series of short video tutorials covering the basics like how to cut dovetails and other joinery for furniture and other topics that I think of and that are suggested by the viewers. I was fortunate to have the time to attend North Bennet Street School and know most people have jobs and family life that would prevent them from being able to devote the time to something like that so I want to give some help to people who want it through my podcasts.

ps If you’re interested in building a desk like this, I have more details on tchisel.com

[Thomas MacDonald]

Whats up every body. I just wanted to give you an update on the progress of the desk. I oiled it up yesterday and plan on the 1st application of shellac tomorrow so I should be done by next week. So
much for depending dyes to "pop the grain!"

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[Don Bullock]

Thomas, the desk is coming out great! Thanks for the update.

[Howie French]

Looks great Thomas, what type of shellac will you be using ? Also curious how you will be finishing the drawers.

btw, you have a great site, I have spent alot time over there going thru your vids.

thanks for taking the time to post this stuff !!

Howie

[Larry Browning]

but this is a maple desk i made in the last 3 weeks.




You made that in 3 weeks! I wouldn't even have 2 legs done in 3 weeks.
If I was that fast I would be broke by now. I try to make the wood last. I was reflecting on the past year today and realized I completed a grand total of 2 projects. A new workbench for me and a grandfather clock for my grand daughter. I think I getting faster.

BTW: I AM the slowest woodworker on the planet... And darn proud of it too.

[Thomas MacDonald]

hey guys i posted a video of the finish on 2 spots ..i hope you check it out...

http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/TChisel/blog/6750

http://blip.tv/file/1588307


let me know what you think...

thanks!

[Joe Chritz]

A piece well worth the wood. I can't wait to see it finished.

Joe

[Jon Grider]

Wow, you gave that beautiful figured maple the justice it deserves. Thanks for sharing your work with us, you are truly gifted.

[Paul Girouard]

Nice work , nice vid's as well:cool:

[Brad Hammond]

beautiful beautiful work!

[Jerry Olexa]

Very nice work....Thanks for sharing the "how to's".

[Paul Girouard]

Nice article in FWW Tommy . Is that your first article or have you been published before? Congrats either way.