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    Fine Woodworking Project Guides

    Tables and Desks

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    • Design and Techniques
    • Dining Tables
    • Side Tables
    • Coffee Tables and Hall Tables
    • Desks
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    Modern Desk: Pattern-Routing Curved Parts

    Learn to use patterns to rout curved parts efficiently and cleanly, with no tearout.

    Author Headshot By Tim Rousseau Jul 16, 2019

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    Tim Rousseau’s modern desk might look simple, but a lot goes into making such an elegant piece. While Tim tackles this project with a pro’s perspective using tools found in professional shops, he also draws parallels to tools found in most hobbyist woodshops.

    Tim Rousseau’s desk has a lot of curves in it, and just about all of them are routed off of a pattern. In this episode of his video workshop on making the desk, Tim demonstrates how he uses patterns to cut parts cleanly and efficiently.

    The router bit Tim is using is a Whiteside 1480. We’re told that a version with a bearing can be ordered directly from Whiteside.

    Tim’s supplier for double-sided tape is from Echo Supply. Right now, you can’t order it on their website, they make it as it’s ordered. You can call them at 888-324-6365 and order it for under $5…

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    Videos in the Series

    • Danish Modern Desk

      How to Make a Danish Modern Desk

      July 9, 2019

      Tim Rousseau’s modern desk looks simple, but a lot goes into making it. In this introductory video Tim gives an overview of the build.

    • Modern Desk: How to Veneer the Writing Surface

      July 9, 2019

      Use thick, shopsawn veneer to create an attractive and durable writing surface.

    • Making the Routing Templates

      Modern Desk: Router Templates for Curved Parts

      July 16, 2019

      Tim Rousseau reveals his secrets for making perfect patterns for routing.

    • Modern Desk: Pattern-Routing Curved Parts

      July 16, 2019

      Learn to use patterns to rout curved parts efficiently and cleanly, with no tearout.

    • Routing Straight Grooves

      Modern Desk: Joinery for the Desk Top

      July 16, 2019

      How to cut straight grooves in curved parts using a router with an edge guide.

    • Modern Desk: Angled Leg Mortises

      July 23, 2019

      Time-tested techniques for cutting angled mortises with a horizontal mortiser.

    • angled tenons

      Modern Desk: Angled Tenons on the Tablesaw

      July 30, 2019

      How to cut angled leg tenons on the tablesaw using a fence-mounted jig and a wedge.

    • Modern Desk: Curved Legs

      August 6, 2019

      Use the tablesaw to taper the legs, and a router and pattern to shape the curves.

    • mortising legs

      Modern Desk: Making the Stretchers

      August 13, 2019

      How to make the stretchers and cut the joinery in the legs for them.

    • Modern Desk: Making the Desk Top

      August 20, 2019

      Once the desk top is trimmed to size, create the edge profiles and cut the joinery.

    • shaping

      Modern Desk: Backsplash and Bottom Apron

      August 27, 2019

      Tim Rousseau discusses his joinery choices and demonstrates how to use a shaper and tablesaw to shape and contour the last of the desk components.

    • Modern Desk: Gluing Up the Side Assemblies

      September 3, 2019

      Curved parts can make a glue-up more stressful, but custom cauls ensure that things go smoothly.

    • Modern Desk: Jig-Free Dowel Joint

      September 10, 2019

      Complete the desk joinery and then dry-fit the entire desk to make sure everything goes together smoothly.

    • final glue-up

      Modern Desk: Final Glue-Up

      September 17, 2019

      Breaking down the assembly into manageable sections will reduce the stress of this multipart glue-up.

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    Previous: Modern Desk: Router Templates for Curved Parts Next: Modern Desk: Joinery for the Desk Top

    Guide

    Tables and Desks

    Chapter

    Desks

    Comments

    1. Guy_Boucher | Aug 16, 2019 10:27am | #1

      This is another great series! Love to watch Tim Rousseau doing these great projects.
      Is Tim running the router at full speed with this router bit? Just wondering, since the router bit appears to be large enough to warrant a potential reduction in router speed

    2. ShaneNT | Oct 12, 2019 06:30pm | #2

      Wonder how your lungs are doing Tim breathing in all of that fine MDF dust? Love your videos and teaching; very clear and understandable.

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    Tables and Desks

    Tables and Desks

    Expert design and construction advice to help you build tables and desks that are comfortable, useful, and attractive.

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    Design and Techniques
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