I am in need of a design for a desk using a sawhorse base. My idea is to have the full sawhorse design modified so that the top of the sawhorse is not pointed but spread a little. Hard to describe, I think, but the top would be about 10 inches wide, and the base about 15. One set of legs would be open, containing only a low shelf for the cpu, and the other leg would contain a couple of drawers.
Question is; Have you ever seen plans for this type of arrangement. I need plans and building plans because of the angles involved in the M&T joinery. My skill level is moderate, but I haven’t done much except for my home remodeling for a few years. Tools at my disposal are, table saw, miter saw, router, hand sanders etc. I will be able to purchase additional tools, but am waiting for a need to develope first.
I appreciate you and your fine publication.
Best regards,
Lou Radecki
Replies
Hi Lou,
I can't say that I've ever seen plans for a desk base like you describe, and I'm positive we have never published one in the magazine. But I can offer some advice to get you started.
First, don't be afraid of designing a project on your own especially for such a unique project like this. And don't limit yourself by the joinery that you think should be used. For example, I don't think you have to cut angled mortise and tenon joints. Come up with a design that incorporates joinery you can accomplish, like biscuit joinery for the drawers and half-lap joints for the legs and aprons.
Second, it will be much easier to offer advice if we could see a rough sketch of your idea (as simple as a pencil sketch on a notepad). That would allow us to comment on particular aspects. If you have a digital camera, take a photo of your sketch and upload it as an attachment. If you have a scanner use that.
Third, borrow ideas from different but related plans. For example, here is an article with plans for a series of high-end sawhorses by Christian Becksvoort, a furniture maker and a long-time contributing editor. Take what he's done and modify it.
This sounds like a fun design challenge so do continue this discussion. I'm confident we can get you through the design process.
Matt Berger
Fine Woodworking
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