NEEDS
Minimal Materials
Rebuildable
HOPES
Contemporary
Adaptable
No Hardware
The journey began with the listed distinct goals for the final product and brain-dump sketches. In attempt to meet the environmentally-adaptable wish, early iterations included a drop-leaf or butterfly design. Although it was determined that pursuing these styles would require hardware, too many materials, and longer construction time. So, the hope for adaptability was abandoned for a more direct, simpler design was chosen.
I proceeded with the X-legged design due to the minimal woodworking techniques required. For this concept to be successful, students beyond myself must feel confident in their ability to manufacture the desk themselves. Feeling satisfied with my sketch, I wanted a precise digital model of my idea. By creating a CAD version of my final sketch I could test the math behind my desk’s measurements and accurately validate the design.
To confirm my satisfaction with the design and ensure its functionality, I created a miniature 3D model. Utilizing a Northeastern maker-space, I uploaded the CAD design to an SD card, inserted it into a 3D printer, and two hours later I had my prototype. With (almost) all of my goals met and a calculated design I felt confident in, I was ready to begin building.
MATERIALS
2x4” Wood - 16 feet
1.5x8” Wood - 12 feet
Biscuits - 16
Dowels - 8
Corner Braces - 8
Screws - 16
Wood Glue
Cherry Stain
Wood Sealer
TOOLS
Measuring Tape
Table Saw
Circular Saw
Biscuit Joiner
Mouse Sander
Cordless Drill
Screwdriver
TIMEFRAME
11 Days
Construction began with the sizing of the legs; the ends were sawed off at a 27 degree angle to achieve the desired height of 28.5 inches. Next, the leg’s notches were created to make the X shape. This proved to be the most challenging step of the entire build due to the preciseness required in both the cut and the sanding. The final step with the legs was to drill dual 1/4” holes in the top faces of each leg then insert their respective dowels.
Transitioning to the tabletop, the 12 foot 1.5x8” slab was cut into equal 4ft pieces by the table saw. After ordering these pieces, the inside faces were marked for biscuit joinery. Using said tool to create the slits, wood glue and biscuits were then placed in the holes and clamped together overnight. Completing the tabletop, eight holes were drilled into the bottom face where the legs attach.
With two days left until my deadline, I began the finishing touches on the desk starting with sanding every inch of the structure. In effort to alleviate the current lumber mill aesthetic, a cherry stain was applied to all visible surfaces. Once the stain dried, the last touch was a sealant layer to protect the wood from any unforeseen damage.
It was finished, or so I thought. Just as the last leg was pushed into place and the strong feeling of relief began to bubble up, I pressed my hands on the desk and it wobbled. Harshly, from side to side. Immediately I acknowledged my shortsightedness and began brainstorming fixes. As every new idea crossed my mind, the goal to build without hardware slipped away. Each stabilizer I drew would require time I did not have. Reluctantly, I accepted defeat and made one final addition: corner braces to support each leg.
There I stood, staring at my completed desk after eleven days of humid, strenuous trial and error. Yet, I felt disappointed. Throughout the building process I was optimistic that I’d solve any problem in front of me. I wasn’t prepared for the arrival fallacy. The fulfillment didn’t come until I found myself doing exactly what I planned many weeks earlier: homework on a desk built by me.
