In this woodworking project, creator Wood Pack DIY guides viewers through the process of building a beautiful desk for his wife, featuring a waterfall edge and plenty of storage.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Solid white oak for the desktop
- Plywood for the cabinet box
- Wood glue
- Brad nails
- Drawer slides
- Rubio Monocoat finish
- Clamps
- Table Saw
- Router
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Track saw
- Router with a roundover bit
- Jigsaw
- Sandpaper
- Measuring tape
- Safety gear (glasses, ear protection)
Step 1: Building the Cabinet Box
The project begins with breaking down the wood to create the cabinet box. The creator emphasizes the importance of managing mistakes and adapting to changes during the build. He starts by keeping the bottom flush as a toe kick will be added later.
Step 2: Creating the Face Frame
Next, the face frame is constructed. The creator cuts the necessary pieces from poplar boards and assembles them using glue and screws. This frame is designed to hold two drawers, and the back will be against a wall, so only one side is made visible.
Step 3: Adding the Toe Kick
The toe kick is created by cutting 45-degree angles and gluing the pieces together. Using painter’s tape as clamps, the creator ensures the structure stays intact while the glue sets.
Step 4: Preparing the Desktop
For the desktop, solid white oak is selected. The goal is to achieve a waterfall edge with continuous grain. The creator emphasizes that all boards should be glued together in one piece to minimize gaps during the miter cut.
Step 5: Overcoming Challenges
While assembling the desktop, the creator encounters issues with wobble in the wood and unexpected gaps. He reflects on his options, considering cutting the wood shorter or altering the design but ultimately decides to seek help from a local woodworker with the necessary tools.
Step 6: Glue Up and Sanding
After resolving the issues, the creator performs the glue-up. He expresses urgency and panic during this process, ensuring to distribute clamps evenly to avoid warping. Following the glue-up, he sands both sides of the desktop to prepare for finishing.
Step 7: Final Touches and Finishing
Once the sanding is complete, the creator applies Rubio Monocoat finish, achieving a beautiful look on the waterfall edge. He admires the continuous grain and tight joints.
Step 8: Building the Drawers
Next, the creator constructs the drawers, ensuring one will serve as a file cabinet and the other for the printer. He faces minor mistakes, such as cutting grooves on the wrong side, but quickly resolves them by using scrap wood.
Step 9: Final Assembly
As the project nears completion, the creator performs the final assembly, attaching the drawer hardware and ensuring everything fits correctly. He uses spacers to adjust the drawer faces for a cohesive look.
Step 10: Enjoying the Finished Product
In the end, despite the challenges faced, the creator successfully builds a stunning desk that his wife loves. This project serves as a reminder that every woodworking journey is filled with learning opportunities, and adapting to mistakes can lead to beautiful results.
