Build my desk

plywood you stain?

>>1127985
Use stair tread boards you will be Way happier with the results

File: Crespi_2500_brass_Z_desk51_detail1_hires_l.jpg (35KB, 1280x983px) Image search: [Google]

35KB, 1280x983px

>>1127985

Legs would have looked better as a cantilever

>>1127985

Could start with using a veneer NOT made from such an expensive hardwood.

Melamine works if you want it to look Ikea-tier. The last time I made a cheap desk for someone, I covered it with lauan and a couple coats of polyurethane. Looked better than I thought it would, DESU. Think it was like $12 for a 4x8 sheet.

>>1128061
This is such a good idea, I'm angry I didn't think of it. They even have a rounded edge already milled.

>>1128188
They also take stain nicely generally won't warp and you get to have choices of sizes and wood.

>>1128080
not what I'm making, just an in progress I found on google.

>>1128061
just on wood level im looking at

I am looking at 24sq feet for the desk surface estimated 36 feet for the legs that would need to be covered, then another 12 sq feet for the top shelf thing, and that's if I do nothing about adding shelving space or cabinets in the back of one of the areas, the cheapest I can find the floor boards for is 9$ for a bit less then 4 sq feet. and hate the color, and the cheapest one with a color I like is 24$ for less then 3 square feet

The biggest reason I want to do this is because I want to do this, but the second is desks comparable to what I want to make would cost me 600-800$ to buy, and all are particleboard anyway. so my thought is if its just going to be particle board regardless of what I do why not build it myself and get something that I really want apposed to something that is just good enough for the price?

not to mention the reason im looking at particleboard is it will be easier on my shitty hands then real wood or plywood.

>>1128107
got any links to that? I honestly cant find shit, and the closest I can get is 'look at the distributer'
If it can make it cheaper i'm more then willing to order out of china.

>>1127985
Simple and cheap desk. Two short filing cabinets (two drawer). One door blank, bonus if it has a pre-drilled door knob hole for cables. Put the door on the cabinets and you have a dirt cheap and large deal. I have had one for ten years now.

>>1128243
Lazy, yet pleasing.

>>1128239
>got any links to that?

The melamine or lauan?

Both of them are sold in 4x8 sheets at big-box hardware stores and construction suppliers.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Underlayment-Common-7-32-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Actual-0-196-in-x-48-in-x-96-in-431178/203183010

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Melamine-White-Panel-Common-3-4-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-Actual-750-in-x-49-in-x-97-in-461877/100070209

You'll either need to do some really slick miter joints at the corners, or finish the edges with strips of veneer/melamine. Both are available with ready-to-go or iron-on adhesive backing, if you want.

>>1128080
This. Rotate those members 90 degrees.

You're more worried about down force as opposed to side to side. It's a fucking desk, not a rally car.

>>1127985
How are your hands fucked?

>>1128243
can't lie that that would work, but I would just keep the desks that I have in that case.

>>1128339
I'm sorry I thought melamine was something I put on top of the wood, not white coated particleboard. rather live with what I have then make something that looks like that a staple of my computer desk.

>>1128412
Had no insurance for years, last time I had some was 5 years ago at that point they said tendonitis, checked for carpel tunnel but came up with nothing.

apparently if I use my fingers to grip shit, my hand hurts to the point wiping my ass is nearly off the table for days, but because its not constantly at that level of pain, no real help can be given besides 'stop doing what makes it hurt' but doing almost any necessity to living tasks can push it over the edge, then another fun bit of my hands hurt like hell comes in the form of I wanted to play drums, started getting good, and unbearable pain in my wrist popped up, no idea what this was, as its again, another thing the specialist i went to told me to just stop doing it.

so I need something that is easy to work with, and particleboard at least in my past experience fits that bill.

rather than start another wood thread. I'll ask my question here.

I want to make an add a leaf table. I've already got one, but it's rough, and doesn't suit my needs quit right. the big decision I need to make is what wood to replace the table top with. I intend to paint it, so it doesn't need to be fancy. I would like for it to hold up well and not dent easily. it's going to be used for a pretty varied number of things. but the big concern is durability and longevity.

>>1128414

Cheap, fairly good looking, and easy to work with: birch veneer plywood. Use water-based stains if you want it darker.

>>1128847
>I intend to paint it, so it doesn't need to be fancy. I would like for it to hold up well and not dent easily. it's going to be used for a pretty varied number of things. but the big concern is durability and longevity.

For dent resistance, oak is easy to get (red oak OK, white oak better). Pecan or hickory better still if you can get it. Ultimate dent resistance is in some of the exotic and pricey tropical woods.

http://tinytimbers.com/pdf/chart_janka.pdf

I would use white oak and think about selecting a good poly finish (Minwax) rather than paint. Paint is as likely to chip as the poly is, and any damage is harder to ignore. Minor scratches in a clear finish on wood grain are harder to spot than scratches in paint.

If you are going to use paint, and it's going to undergo some rough use, then at least use an oil-base enamel or something like that. (For *really* rough abuse, 2-part epoxy paint, but that's more $ and more trouble.) Or use a top-coat of clear poly on top of the paint.

But skipping the paint and just using a poly directly on the wood is less trouble and money.

>>1129049
Any idea how I would get close to
http://www.avconcept.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/veneer_rosewood.jpg
color?

Right now all my desks are darker then pale but lighter then dark color...

http://www.staples.com/Staples-Gillespie-Printer-File-Stand/product_1929200

the second image on that is what my desks look like. going to worry about everything else later on, but for now, just knowing what all my options are is helpful.

>>1127985
> falling for the pocket hole jew

>>1129062
it's going to be painted with chalkboard paint. I feel the need to state that it's not because of some cringy pinterest tier shit. I play a lot of board games/card games and I could use a large writable multipurpose surface since I do electronic repair, technical design, automotive design, and just about anything else.. I intend to do a few layers of primer and paint for the sake of doing it right.