Modern Desk: Router Templates for Curved Parts
Tim Rousseau reveals his secrets for making perfect patterns for routing.
Jul 16, 2019
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Tim Rousseau’s modern desk might look simple, but a lot goes into making such an elegant piece. While Tim tackles this project with a pro’s perspective using tools found in professional shops, he also draws parallels to tools found in most hobbyist woodshops.
Tim Rousseau’s desk has a lot of curves in it, and just about all of them are routed off of a pattern. In this episode of his video workshop on making the desk, Tim demonstrates how he makes his perfect patterns.
The router bit Tim is using is a Whiteside 1480. We’re told that a version with a bearing can be ordered directly from Whiteside.
Tim’s supplier for double-sided tape is from Echo Supply. Right now, you can’t order it on their website, they make it as it’s ordered. You can call them at 888-324-6365 and order it for under $5 a roll, but…
Videos in the Series
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How to Make a Danish Modern DeskJuly 9, 2019 -
Modern Desk: How to Veneer the Writing SurfaceJuly 9, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Router Templates for Curved PartsJuly 16, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Pattern-Routing Curved PartsJuly 16, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Joinery for the Desk TopJuly 16, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Angled Leg MortisesJuly 23, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Angled Tenons on the Table SawJuly 30, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Curved LegsAugust 6, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Making the StretchersAugust 13, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Making the Desk TopAugust 20, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Backsplash and Bottom ApronAugust 27, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Gluing Up the Side AssembliesSeptember 3, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Jig-Free Dowel JointSeptember 10, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Final Glue-UpSeptember 17, 2019
Comments
What I take from this series so far is that preparation and test pieces are essential, even for a professional. As an amateur, I wished I'd learnt that lesson a long time ago, instead of getting bitten because I wasn't willing to invest extra material for test pieces. Tim's approach shows where true economy lies. Great job, as usual, on the video production side. Thanks!
Anyone else having major issues with the videos freezing and buffering?
Hi! Just curious to know if there is a plan of this table for purchase? Beautiful piece!
There will be a full-size PDF download available soon.
Hey Ben, the pdf calls out 5/8 stock for the backsplash (in the cut list) and also indicates 3/8” in the drawing for the backsplash. In the video Tim I think Tim says sides and back are all 22mm or 7/8”… plus visually the backsplash doesn’t seem to be dramatically thinner then the sides. Can you double check this?
This is why we always recommend not following materials lists. The 5/8 is likely the measurement of that bottom edge. I don't have anything other than the plans to confirm it with. It's a fairly complex part that I'm sure started off as much thicker than 5/8.
I have completed this build. I noted the plans discrepancy as well. IMO, 5/8” is the appropriate thickness. As I stand here looking at the desk, the backsplash would seem too heavy if it were thicker than 5/8”. Build it the way you see fit, but my choice was 5/8”.
Love the aesthetic of Tim Rousseau’s design.
Enjoy the build! I did.
Lovely desk. Joinery sequence? What are you guys smoking up in Maine? :)
Elegant desk, thank you for this video series. Any word from Whiteside on the part number for the longer shank edge bit? Many Thanks, Todd
I recently contacted Whiteside. They have no immediate plans to produce the 1480 with a longer shank to accept bearings. Unfortunate, but we’ll need to cautiously execute similarly to what is shown here.
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