Keeping SWIMBO happy

[mailee]

Well I am in the workshop again and this time making something for myself. A desk for the computers to go into our spare bedroom. I started this afternoon by cutting out the sections for the drawer unit:

It is mainly made out of MDF with a wood trim and will have modern drawer runners:

I got as far as glueing up the carcass and will make a start on the drawers tomorrow:

The top will be a kidney shaped affair which will sit into a corner with a set of shelves at the opposite end. Will post more tomorrow.

[paulchapman]

Is that "keeping SWMBO happy" as in, "I've got a new table saw coming and don't want to get slaughtered" ? ;D ;D

Cheers

Paul

[mailee]

Ha ha yes thats right Paul got it in one.

[dom]

Well there's confidence for you, putting the drawer runners on before making the drawers

[mailee]

I wouldn't quite say confident Dom I am just praying that my measurements are good enough. I do hate using those runners but needs must I suppose.

[mailee]

Had a good day today and managed to get the drawers joined:

After Dom's comment I thought I had better try fitting the drawers first:

Phew, thank goodness.
Once I knew they were OK I started to clean up the drawers:

Will get a little more done tomorrow but will be out of town most of the day picking up my new toy. ;D Will keep you all posted as usual.

[dom]

I had a feeling they'd fit ;D

[wrongnail]

Hi All,

I keep SWIMBO happy by showing her pictures of good woodwork online, then pointing out the faults in my woodwork. Then she is HAPPY to let me go out and buy decent furniture! That way we are often both quite happy!

[wrongnail]

dom said:

Well there's confidence for you, putting the drawer runners on before making the drawers

Well Dom,
That's the way I always do it, using wooden frame runners. Although I do assemble the carcass first! (I am talking utility, workshop cabinets, of course, and not 'fine' woodworking.)
Sometimes the top drawer has to be made a different size, but if it's just for a shed I am happy!

Cheers
John

[wrongnail]

I thought I should modify the above post.

For utility drawer-cabinets, after assembling the carcass, with a frame at the bottom, I make the drawers first. (Except the top one).
I put the bottom drawer in place, then assemble the frame that acts as the runners for the next drawer up, and secure it in place, testing the drawer for 'slide-ability'. And so on until I am working with the top drawer. (This usually has to be made slightly shallower.) That's my quick way with workshop furniture. It's also useful if you are using reclaimed drawers from old furniture. It's a short cut, I know, but it works and it keeps me happy!

John

[dom]

It's different if you're using wooden runners, more room for maneuvering

[mailee]

I agree Dom hence the reason I like using wood runners. I have just started back on the desk porject after having the workshop power uprated for my new 'toy' oops saw. I will now get the desk finished before installing the saw in the workshop. I shall post some more pics over the next day or two.
Oh, yes and I almost forgot I did paint some of the unit but having problems with my compressor I had to resort to the roller instead. I used some water based brilliant white from Wickes which stated it was quick drying and so far it took three and a half days to dry!! Well it is finally dry I am glad to say and I can now continue with the build.

[mailee]

Well I got back in the workshop and continued work on the computer desk. I got the plinth fitted to the drawer unit

I also completed the building of the shelf unit although the plinth has to be added yet:

Both tops are almost complete now and just need finishing:


I also made up some blanks for the cable holes and stained the shelf plinths at the same time:

Trim is made of pine stained with a dark oak and this was quite troublesome to bend as you can imagine:

This corner gave me the biggest headache with such a tight curve and I did get a little breakout:

Both of the tops are made out of 18mm MDF laminated for thickness and will be joined with worktop bolts. An addition of a hardwood bearer below the top will give it strength and the rear of the desktop will sit on battens fixed to the wall.
In one of the pictures you will see the drawer units which although not finished yet have the same pine trim around the edges, these were finished last week. All that remains now is to finish the stain and varnish on the trim and paint the desktop in white to match the shelf and drawer unit. Will post more pics when it is completed. Should keep SWMBO happy for a while. ;D

[dom]

Getting there Mailee.
Thought that I was the only mean b******* who used plastic milks for painting. I also use the bottoms of water bottles for mixing stains ;D

[engineerone]

so how do you recycle those bottles dom

nice work mailee, how did you get the curves done, show us please


paul

[dom]

4th. picture down Paul

[engineerone]

dom he talks about bending the wood.



paul

[dom]

Bleeding hell Paul ;D



See on the table, middle right next to the white rag ;D

[engineerone]

gawd dom, i can see the b milk carton, but the question is how do you dispose of it responsibily now it carrys stain residue??

you can't put in the plastics bin, so then what??

as for the bending, could we have a lesson on that technique that niki used on t'other place, to put arrows in??

then i might well see it

paul

[mailee]

Well I am on the final stages now and have painted the desk and will wait until tomorrow to polish the finish. Here are a few pics of the outcome:



I will be happy to get rid of this project then I can get my new table saw moved into the workshop at long last. ;D

[dom]

Very nice Mailee, what did you do, tape all the edges ?

[mailee]

Yes that's right Dom. I taped over all the woodwork but still managed to get a little white on the wood Mind you it should remove pretty easily with a bit of polish. Showed SWMBO it tonmight and she is happy, thank goodness. ;D

[dom]

[mel]

whilst the missus is coooing and goooing over the desk you can slip past her with the SIP saw ;D ;D
timing is of the essence

[mailee]

Ha ha, You read my mind Mel. She is away this weekend in Blackpool so tomorrow is the big day.