LEARNING CURVES

Softly Rounded Edges Make This Diy Desk A Visual Delight

EXPERT TIP

PRE-DRILL SCREW HOLES BY PLACING PAINTER’S TAPE

20MM FROM THE END OF A 3MM DRILL BIT, AS A DEPTH GUIDE

Project, styling and photography GENEVA VANDERZEIL/COLLECTIVE GEN

Two standard finger-jointed timber panels are the perfect size for this home office project. You’ll need a jigsaw to navigate the curved corner cuts, but the laminate finish is so lovely it just needs a light sand and wipe-on wax.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, ear and eye protection) n Tape measure and pencil n Claw hammer and nail n String n Jigsaw n Circular saw with straightedge n Random orbital sander with 60-, 120- and 180-grit discs n Cloths n Drop sheet n Drill with 3mm and driver bits n Two 2100mm x 600mm x 26mm okoume timber panels• n 12 20mm x 20mm x 15mm round angle brackets n 8G x 25mm button head screws n Four 50mm x 50mm x 20mm round angle brackets n 1200m length 64mm x 19mm DAR pine• n Timber adhesive n 8G x 50mm timber screws n Hard wax oil

Keep in mind…

n Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask when using cutting tools and sanding.

n Enlist a second pair of hands to move the desk, avoiding sideways pressure on the legs.

n For stability, position against a wall. Note: this desk is not designed for climbing or sitting on.

1 For the top, on the back of a timber panel, mark 300mm in from the sides and the ends and tap in a nail. Attach string to a pencil then wrap the string around the nail and mark curves from edge to edge. Cut curves with a jigsaw.

2 On the other panel, cut two 750mm legs using a circular saw with straightedge. Mark 250mm down from the tops and 300mm in from the sides to tap in the nail with pencil and string. Mark curves from edge to edge (top section is flat). Cut with a jigsaw.

3 Round over all edges, except the top and base of the legs, using a sander with 60-grit disc. Change to 120-grit to smooth again, then 180-grit. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Position the top face down on a drop sheet.

4 On the outside of the legs, secure two 20mm brackets against the flat section with 25mm screws. On the inside, secure 50mm brackets slightly offset. Centre a 1200mm pine rail, with the legs against it, checking overhang is even, then mark around them.

5 Apply timber adhesive along the top of a leg, reposition and secure through brackets. Apply adhesive along a 19mm side of the centre rail, position it against the leg and secure from the outside with two 50mm screws. Secure the remaining leg to top and rail.

DIY TOOLKIT

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6 Evenly space four 20mm brackets along each side of the centre rail, slightly offset, and secure through the holes with 25mm screws. Apply two coats of hard wax oil to the entire desk with a clean cloth, leaving to dry after each coat. Place desk in position.

1 Ozito ‘JSW-6800’ 680W pendulum jigsaw with 3 blades, $42.98, I/N: 6290651. 2 SpecRite 2100mm x 600mm x 26mm okoume FJ laminated timber panel, $85, I/N: 0291372• 3 Carinya 20mm x 20mm x 15mm x 1.4mm round angle bracket in White, $3.51/pack of 12, I/N: 3962549. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.