Here is my version of a Federal style writing desk. I built most of this as a student in the NBSS three month intensive woodworking program. The primary woods are walnut and birds eye maple. The secondary wood is poplar. I'm embarassed to say the knobs are from Lowes, but they are fairly authentic in that they are big and ugly - a common trait of a Federal style knob. The bottom of the gallery is fixed to the top of the gallery with stopped sliding dovetail joints done with a router. All of the drawers are hand dovetailed. All of the parts were milled from rough 4/4 or 8/4 stock. The finish is a sealer coat of dewaxed shellac, followed by natural Watkins Oil, then three coats of shellac and a couple coats of paste wax. Not sure how many hours - lots.IMG_0635.jpgIMG_0636.jpgIMG_0629.jpg