Slant Top Desk Building Process

We are making two custom slant lid ( slant top) desk on frames, one in cherry which is a commission and one in mahogany which will be an available piece for purchase. The design for these desks is based on a few examples from the Shaker, Queen Anne, Hepplewhite and Sheraton styles. The desks will have tapered legs, two exterior drawers and a custom interior that has modern uses with a traditional look. Follow the building process here and on our facebook page.

A scaled drawing is done to work out the proper proportions of the piece along with the joinery before construction begins. A scaled drawing is also great for going over details with the customer.

First, the rough parts are cut to size and milled to the proper thickness for all the exterior parts.

Next, hand cut dovetail and mortise and tenon joinery is cut and hand fit.

After the joinery is all complete, the pieces are smoothed with hand tools then the bottom desk frame and legs are glued up.

After the lower section is glued the top section is cut to size. Dovetail joinery is used throughout the top desk section.

After all the dovetails are fit on both desks, the pieces are smoothed before glue up. The top of the desks have exposed half blind dovetails, a great looking detail when finished.

Next, the upper desk section is glued on both desks.

After the top section is glued up the waist molding is made. A custom profile is shaped with multiple bits and a shaped scraper we made to the exact profile we wanted. The waist molding will tie the lower case and the upper case together.

The molding is cut to fit, a shop made shooting board cuts precise miters to ensure a flawless miter on the corners. This molding will be attached later in the building process.

Next, the writing surface is milled and cut to size. The writing surface is the inside of the desk were the slant front will open flush with. The writing surface is attached with sliding dovetails, below the dovetails are cut and laid out on the case.

Then the drawer dividers are laid out and hand cut with sliding dovetails. The drawer dividers separate the top drawer and the pull out lid supports.

With all the joinery fit the upper desk case interior is glued.

Next up the desk interiors. Both desks will have slightly different interiors, with drawers, pigeon holes etc.

The joints are cut by hand on the small interior parts.

Dodos are cut in the top of the desk to accept the various dividers. The cherry desk interior is all fit, this interior was designed for exactly what the customer was using the desk for, Laptop computer, various sizes of paper and envelopes etc. and drawer for pencils, pens etc.

After the interior is fit, the interior pieces are removed to be hand planed and sanded, Then the interior is glued.

Next, the mahogany interior is finished in the same manner followed by the 11 interior and 4 exterior drawers of both desks combined. The drawers have completely hand cut and hand fit dovetails, For the drawer building process watch the video at the bottom of the page.

After the drawers are all made they are meticulously fit to each opening for smooth sliding operation.

Next, the drawer bottoms are made of solid poplar and fit to each drawer. The lid supports are then made and fit with hand tools to ensure a slide that is smooth and functional.

Next the lids will be made out of a beautiful, solid 15” wide piece of solid Cherry and Mahogany. Bread board ends help hide the end grain on the lid, help hold the lid flat through seasonal changes and allow the lid to grow and shrink with seasonal humidity changes. The hinges and lock are then installed.