Small Lap Desk Build
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- This topic has 46 replies, 20 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 4 months ago by Greg Merritt.
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1 April 2013 at 11:52 pm #10377
Lap Desk #2…AKA “The great milk paint experiment”
Completed lap desk #2. This one is 2″ deeper per the wife’s specification. Also, I decided to try a different finish on this one. The things that I build will be either for my personal use or presented as gifts for friends and family. This of course means that I bare the full cost of materials. So most of my projects will be made from pine. I’m fine with this, however, a house filled with clear finished pine can be a little much. I’ve tried several different stains and they all look artificial. I’ve also made the decision to use safe finishes as much as possible…kids, pets and the environment. So I found my way to milk paint. I mixed and applied it per the included instructions. It dries quick and hard! It was a rough when dried. I buffed it with steel wool, did I say it dries hard? Then applied three coats of shellac, buffed again with steel wool and then waxed the whole thing. I have to say that I am now a fan of milk paint and will be using it again and again. It comes in several standard colors and can be mixed to obtain infinite array of colors.
I used “Old Fashioned Milk Paint“.
Color: Barn Red
Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.Very nice. Your illustration is exceptionally clear. I always wondered why breadboard construction doesn’t rip itself apart and you explained why: Slots and glue on just one end. Now I see breadboard table tops as really big frame and panel with the rails missing. Or the stiles. Not sure which. Stiles, I suppose.
Did you get your final proportions and curves via experimenting with drawing alone similar to what is in your sketchbook or did you make trial cutouts to see in 3d to get your design and then sketched them?
2 April 2013 at 4:41 am #10387Thanks Ken!
Dave…do you have a photo on here?
Thanks Ed…I arrived at the final proportions and curves thru drawings. Sometimes I find it useful to use a tape measure and bend it into the basic dimensions to get a firm idea of the actual size.
I might have to give this milk paint a try Greg. I was pleased to find it in the UK.
http://www.blueberrystoreonline.co.uk/old-fashioned-milk-paint-6oz-or-12oz-bags-382-p.asp
Gregory, latest photo is here
https://woodworkingmasterclasses.com/discussions/topic/tool-chest-build/
Its milk paint.
Gregory,
I’ve enjoyed this thread – and following your build(s).
My daughter has requested some bookcases – so I’ve taken up with Sketchup again (for the umpteenth time). I’m very impressed with your drawings. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you develop such great sketching skills? Are you an Engineer or Architect by trade?
They tried to teach us some sketching at the Fine Woodworking Program at RRCC, but I could never get the hang of it. There are many ideas I’d like to work through on paper, but that part of my brain is broken!
Just wonderin’
3 April 2013 at 2:58 am #10417Thanks everyone!…
John…I’m a mechanical designer by trade. I learned technical drawing and drafting on a drawing board. I use AutoCAD everyday in my job but the computer drawings have no soul…I prefer pencil and paper. I also think everyone can learn to draw….take a look at Paul’s blog on sketching and keep developing your drawing skills. The computer drafting programs can be limiting for this kind of work. Pencil and paper will allow you to explore your ideas more freely.
hi Greg! These look great! I especially like the look of the milk painted lap.desk. I planned on painting my wall clock once I finish, but I am a bit nervous.
I would like to offer a suggestion, you may want to consider looking on craig’s list for hardwood lumber. It may not be as cheap as pine, but you may be able to.find someone locally who processes lumber and is willing to.sell below retail prices..
cheers, Dan
Greg, I’m building one of these myself and was wondering about the necessity of using breadboard ends for the lid. I managed to buy a bunch of quarter sawn 1/2 inch cherry I will be using for this project. I have read that quarter sawn wood is more stable but I have no idea if this is true in practice.
30 April 2013 at 10:40 pm #11449Greg, You have a talent for drawing as well as woodworker very impressed . 😉
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