Keiro
join:2005-10-25
Bakersfield, CA
kudos:1 | Hand tools to build a desk? Considering that this is an home improvement forum and that what I plan on doing is technically an "improvement"... I think I'm posting in the appropriate forum... but feel free to move as needed.
I've been itching to build a desk, for some time. I was reminded today by my friend online in IRC that there are hand tools available to do what I want.
I immediately facepalmed because I SHOULD've remembered this and not been so hung-up on getting power-tools and the like to build my own workshop and build stuff.
... Though it's kinda problematic in an apartment... but I'll deal with that. Not intending to modify anything in my apartment.
What I want to know is: What're the hand tools needed to build an L-shaped desk?
I know a handsaw would be needed. Manual sander, too... but anything else I would need to have?
I also plan on building it with solid wood. If I recall correctly, it's typically very thick, very dense wood, isn't it? If so, what type of wood would be best for this?
Keep in mind I have bupkis a clue about all of this... but I do know how to build a desk. Just didn't have the power/hand tools and the materials to do so... and I want to remedy that.
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 OZZYBorn Again AtheistPremium
join:2011-06-11 | A decent set of wood chisels, for starters. I'll let the others add some more. 
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Keiro
join:2005-10-25
Bakersfield, CA
kudos:1 | said by OZZY:A decent set of wood chisels, for starters. I'll let the others add some more.
I'll make a note of that. I googled for their purpose.
I like 'em. Should help me add designs to the top of the desk.
I also considered adding glass to the top of the desk, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea.
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raster44
join:2003-09-07
Niagara Falls, NY | reply to Keiro
If you just need a computer L-shaped desk, Bush Industries has kits that are solid and nice looking for less than you'd pay for the lumber to build your own. I have two of these in my computer room that are basically set up for video editing and production. Paid like $100 for each about 20 years when a local store closed. They are very heavy and are 30" deep with hutches on two sides that are just filled with every thing needed. |
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robbinPremium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
kudos:1 | reply to Keiro
It would really be helpful to post plans or pics of the desk you want to build. A desk be very simple or very complex. What you want to build will help determine what tools are necessary. |
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Keiro
join:2005-10-25
Bakersfield, CA
kudos:1 | reply to raster44
said by raster44:If you just need a computer L-shaped desk, Bush Industries has kits that are solid and nice looking for less than you'd pay for the lumber to build your own. I have two of these in my computer room that are basically set up for video editing and production. Paid like $100 for each about 20 years when a local store closed. They are very heavy and are 30" deep with hutches on two sides that are just filled with every thing needed.
Yeah, I intend to build this for use as a computer desk.
However, looking at Bush Industries's products that you recommended, I'd have to discount them, as I'd like to have a sort of space for the desktop to be hidden. Or at least somewhat more protected and off the floor. Thusly... custom desk it is.
Besides, if I build one myself, I can build it exactly as I want, and need.
Edit: robbin: Yeah, it would, wouldn't it?  Hold on and I'll whip one up. Or see if I can't find one that has close to what I want.
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I have a feeling unless you already have at least most of the tools, it would be cheaper to just buy a desk.
But if I were to do it, I'd use:
a) drill/driver
b) circular saw
c) router with several bits
d) sanders
Optional:
e) planer
f) table saw
OK, none of these are hand tools, but it could be a real PITA to build one without power tools.
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Keiro
join:2005-10-25
Bakersfield, CA
kudos:1 | said by aurgathor:I have a feeling unless you already have at least most of the tools, it would be cheaper to just buy a desk.
But if I were to do it, I'd use:
a) drill/driver
b) circular saw
c) router with several bits
d) sanders
Optional:
e) planer
f) table saw
OK, none of these are hand tools, but it could be a real PITA to build one without power tools.
Nope, I don't have the power tools... but I planned on acquiring them. Slowly. Over a long period of time.
... Which kinda makes it difficult, really. But that's okay... hence why I thought, "Why not try with hand tools?" because I've worked with hand tools... but I have not been given them by my family, as they use the one they have... lots of tools. Sure wish I'd been given 'em to use.
The drill/driver and circular saw was a no-brainer. (... well, it WAS obvious the two would be needed.)
Out of curiosity, what does the planer do? I know the rest, but not the planer.
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Keiro
join:2005-10-25
Bakersfield, CA
kudos:1 | reply to Keiro
I'm having trouble finding a plan that closely resembles what I want.
I'm still working on sketching it out. My intention is to build a L-shaped desk that is six feet on either side, with a stand of sorts for the monitors. Yes, monitors. As in 3 monitors in a tri-monitor config.
I also plan on ensuring that the desk has a hole and wiring management integrated right into it.
I may also install a USB hub thing like I'd seen some desks come with. Those're nifty as hell... and it'd mean I wouln't have to futz with the desktop's back.
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OZZYBorn Again AtheistPremium
join:2011-06-11 | reply to Keiro
said by Keiro:Out of curiosity, what does the planer do? I know the rest, but not the planer.
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plane_(tool) A plane or planer is used to smooth, square, true and shape wood.
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 stev32kPremium
join:2000-04-27
Mobile, AL
kudos:1
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You are going to need something to support the wood while you cut, sand, and finish. Rockwell makes something called a jaw horse which is very handy for that sort of thing. Then you will need a regular saw horse for the other end. You will also need different types of clamps. When you cut wood with a circular saw and want the cuts to be straight you need to clamp a straight edge (usually a straight 2X4) to the work to act as a guide.
A joiner is a tool for making the surfaces of wood flat and smooth without dips and ridges. If you are joining two boards together to make one wider board the two mating surfaces must be perfectly straight, flat, and smooth else there will be gaps where the two come together. That is function of a joiner also called a plane or block plane.
It takes a lot of skill and practice to make a decent piece of furniture with hand tools. It can be a very rewarding experience, but don't expect your first attempt to be very good and do expect it take 10X as long as you thought it should and cost 3X as much. |
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Keiro
join:2005-10-25
Bakersfield, CA
kudos:1 | Ah, thanks!
said by stev32k:You are going to need something to support the wood while you cut, sand, and finish. Rockwell makes something called a jaw horse which is very handy for that sort of thing. Then you will need a regular saw horse for the other end. You will also need different types of clamps. When you cut wood with a circular saw and want the cuts to be straight you need to clamp a straight edge (usually a straight 2X4) to the work to act as a guide.
A joiner is a tool for making the surfaces of wood flat and smooth without dips and ridges. If you are joining two boards together to make one wider board the two mating surfaces must be perfectly straight, flat, and smooth else there will be gaps where the two come together. That is function of a joiner also called a plane or block plane.
It takes a lot of skill and practice to make a decent piece of furniture with hand tools. It can be a very rewarding experience, but don't expect your first attempt to be very good and do expect it take 10X as long as you thought it should and cost 3X as much.
I'd planned on getting a few saw horses for that very purposes. I've done some wood-working in the past, but usually with power tools and clamps, saw horses and various other things that needed to be done.
Built my own entertainment center once... man, I miss it. It looked great, as I had gone through the process slowly and carefully, and occasionally, with help.
As for lots of skill and practice - naturally. Anything that's worth good stuff usually is.
I admit, I'd love to try doing this with hand tools, rather than power tools at the moment, simply for the experience. I suspect that with great care and attention, this project will come out great as well.
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| reply to Keiro
»thewoodwhisperer.com
The Wood Whisperer has some excellent instructional videos. |
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Keiro
join:2005-10-25
Bakersfield, CA
kudos:1 | said by Got Wood :http://thewoodwhisperer.com
The Wood Whisperer has some excellent instructional videos.
That's an awesome site for showing how to build stuff you'd like to build!
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 The PigI know you want to be mePremium
join:2009-09-11 | reply to Keiro
Handtools?
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Keiro
join:2005-10-25
Bakersfield, CA
kudos:1 | ... Yes. Problem? :P
I mean... if you don't have the money to even buy power tools, hand tools're probably the next best thing, and buying materials to use alongside that.
Besides, I've been researching the L-shaped desks available today and I'd prefer to not need to pay some company for a desk that doesn't quite fit my needs. If I can't find anything though... I'll suck it up and buy the desk... though I'd rather not, again.
I'd like to build a nice heavy wooden desk and if I have to do it with hand tools, then I'll do it.
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 KenPremium,MVM
join:2003-06-16
Markle, IN | reply to Keiro
Desks usually have some pretty long cuts to make. Preferred way is to use a table saw, or a circular saw with a guide. If you try to use a handsaw to make a 24" cut in plywood, it's not going to come out very straight. You would have to over cut and then slowly plane down to the line. I'm thinking an hour of work per cut, versus about 10 seconds with a power saw. At the very least I would save up and get a cheap circular saw and guide (4' level with a couple clamps works) before I tried to make any type of furniture. Otherwise it's just going to be way to labor intensive to make. |
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JTY
join:2004-05-29
Ellensburg, WA | reply to Keiro
Something to consider, for the desk surface, or large panels you may be able to get the lumber yard to cut them on a panel saw for you. That is, if they have one. That would save you a lot of cutting work. |
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| reply to Keiro
Unless you plan on using the tools a lot it will be much better if you buy a desk kit from a store or have one built for you.
To build it right and be happy with the outcome you will need a nice work area with lights, tables, plenty of outlets for the tools.
You need to figure out what type of wood you want to use too. |
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| reply to Ken
said by Ken:Otherwise it's just going to be way to labor intensive to make.
Not even that. 
Doing this without power tools (or some assistance like making the big cuts at the time of purchase) is practically impossible, or would result in some uneven and fugly creation.
Harbor Freight has a 7.25" circular saw for under $30 plus a cordless drill/driver for under $20 -- they are the absolute minimum tools needed for this.
As for wood, as mentioned by WillCar -- solid hardwood is not cheap, to say the least. I'd probably use ACX ply with oak, and oak molding to cover up the edges.
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