Computer table
A proper woodworking project for a change.
A very ambitious project testing my very limited skills, knowledge and patience.
Winter two years ago I relocated my computer from the study, South side of the house, to the one bedroom on the North side for some winter sun and heat.
I did not want to move the study table as it was a bit large for the room.
So next best thing was a fold down camping table. At 600mm high not ideal height so I used one of the plastic patio chairs as a seat. After 2 years I decided that a better permanent solution was needed. (my arm and wrist were getting painful)
The table in the study could then be used for other purposes (like the model train set ).
Firstly, get the ideas/thoughts on paper.
My friendly Excel-Cad is used ……………..
I could sketch the basics and get most of the dimensions.
When construction started I moved onto a scale drawing and scraps of scribbles.
The plan was to have some M&T’s ………………….
The stock could now be bought.
The decision was to use good ‘ol RSA rubbish pine, not expensive and if it was a FUP not a huge loss.
Frame - laminated 44x44x3000mm (3 off)
Top - laminated 20x305x2400 (1 off)
For the edging around the top the initial idea was to trim some white oak, but then I found some 18mm thick Oregon Pine 75mm wide. This could be cut 20mm wide to fit the pine.
The Oregon Pine was bought about 30 years ago from one of these second hand demolition shops. No specific projects in mind.
The Pine for the frame went through the EB - TP to ensure 44mm all round.
The finished top would be 1200mm long which included the 18mm edge. The top plank was cut in the middle of the 2400mm, more than enough allowance for waste.
The 305mm wide plank also had a slight twist, so each half was then cut into 3 lengths (total 6) with 2 of the planks being rejected. Fortunately I had some in stock the right length and could cut another 2 lengths.
These were all then edged on the router table using a straight fluting bit.
They would be joined with biscuits and Gorilla.
The table saw was used as an assembly table for the top. The boards were laid out getting the best and closest fit. Then a small sticky label with its number.
Next was to mark where the biscuits would go. I tend to use a lot of chalk to do my marking as it is easy to remove. It also easily wipes off as you handle the boards. (watch carefully!)
A #20 biscuit will be used.
The router table is set up with a biscuit bit, right height and depth.
First a piece of scrap is used, checked and any adjustment made.
All the boards are then routed.
Sorry, no pics
Back to the saw table, dry fitting with biscuits and extending a couple of holes.
Satisfied? Yes not too shabby a fit.
Next up the glue job.
The first 2 blanks - a near-FUP! The complete lengths need to be wiped with glue, used an old toothbrush ………………….
The biscuit slots need lots of glue ……………………
The glue on the board edges was already very tacky making alignment difficult (this is where a rubber mallet earns its keep. Remember this is crappy pine)
Below the joint, protection was needed for squeeze out, copious lengths of toilet paper (1 ply).
Clamp up and hope for the best.
Looked ok.
Added one more plank to this lot, but got lot smarter. Wiped the edge of both boards with a damp cloth before applying the glue.
MUCH BETTER!
The last two planks were glued and then the whole lot joined together. Fortunately I have some long sash clamps.
While this lot was curing, I moved on to the frame.
Just an aside job, a trivet for the table. (Guess what for!)
Another fun filled, thrilling, action packed instalment to follow …………….