Laptop Desk: Episode 6
Posted 2 August 2017
This is an episode in a paid series. Want to watch it? You just need to sign up as a paid member, and you can enjoy this video and many other videos we think you will love.
Once the apron skirt is glued and screwed in place, the tabletop can be cut to shape and chamfered to give a sleeker appearance. Then, using a combination of screws and turn buttons, the anchor points can be established to fix the tabletop to the leg frame.
A beautiful desk. Well done!
Am I the only one that wanted to reach over and pluck out the sliver of wood at the bottom of the left dovetail on the apron? 😀
No, you’re not. 😋
Be sure to leave 1/8″ space between buttons and rail for top expansion
Thanks for answering the question that was in my mind.
I knew that the buttons shouldn’t be pushed up hard against the tail, as this would only allow for contraction and not expansion, but I did not know how much of a gap.
Cheers
Andy
Superb
thanks, was wondering the same !
If you notice, Paul pushes each turn button against the top rail. He must not be worried about it. I wonder why.
Looks like he built this in August. I’m assuming the weather is similar in that August is warmer and more humid than winter.
If that’s the case you are only worried about contraction in the drier winter months. Also the wood will,continue to dry over time.
That said, I’d still leave a 16th or so just as a hedge for further expansion over the rest of the summer.
Is there any reason to NOT use turn buttons all the way around? I think I would prefer that if I was building it for myself.
Hi Matt,
Pauls says turn buttons will work fine, go for it.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Why the glued on strip rather than morticing slots for the turnbuttons like we have on other aprons? Did I miss an explanation somewhere?
Hi,
It was just to offer an alternative to the other methods we’ve used.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Hello, I was wondering would you do the chamfering of a tabletop the same way If it was a round tabletop?
Hi Jarno,
Yes just the same, except you will have to work with the grain direction more.
Kind Regards,
Izzy