Finally Done! Computer Table

[radhak]

I think this must rate as my longest elapsed-time project. I started this 4 years ago, and discussed it a bit with my dad, who was bed-ridden then, just to cheer him up. He had gotten mighty interested and kept giving me free inputs for weeks. Then he passed away, and I lost interest in this particular project, so much so that the LOML had to get on my case to complete it. I think my dad would have liked it.

Most of the features are from inputs from y'all here. I kept asking here, and designing based on feedback. The wood is Brazilian Cherry and White Maple, with Mahogany ply for the top (two layers of 3/4). The inlay bands from Woodcraft and the inlay circle from online. The CPU cart was to be on drawers, but based on suggestions here, I put it on castors : wooden legs I cut, on tiny ball-bearing wheels from HF.

The table is 36" tall, 40" wide and 26" deep, as ordered by SWMBO. She likes the keyboard on the surface (not in the drawer), and I'll be getting wireless keyboard/mouse for her.

There are platform(s) below the top : on the left above the CPU, and on the right, to keep all the modems and external hard-drives, and stuff. I have left a gap in the middle of the back slats for any over-sized plugs to pass thru. I hope to corral all cables neatly at the back and avoid a rats-nest.

There are drawers behind the apron; I forgot to take pictures.












(The pics were taken while it waited for it's allotted spot to be cleared up. )

[BadeMillsap]

Oh my! That is beautiful... Clearly a ton of well done work! Great job!

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[cwsmith]

Wonderful project.

I very much like the overall look; the color, finish, and design all go together to be very appealing, and the inlay really sets it off nicely. I especially liked the way you placed the inlay in the same pattern on the top and on the front panel, it really ties everything together nicely.

Great work that is well designed and also very special as you have a family story of you and your father that brought this piece to life. This will be a cherished piece for generations.

Thanks for post,

CWS

[Bill in Buena Park]

Beautiful - love the color combination of the two woods, and the workmanship is outstanding. Well done!

[JimD]

Looks Great!

[Black walnut]

Well done, looks great!

[radhak]

Thanks guys!

While I like it when friends and family appreciate a work product, it's the appreciation here that I get the most pleasure from.
When I was making and then attaching those innumerable slats, or when trying to ensure the inlaid bands were in the same pattern on the door as on the top, there was a time I just wanted to give up and leave it plain, but I thought you all would like it, and that kept me going!

[leehljp]

Absolutely beautiful! And 4 years in the making!

Most of my big projects were 3 to 6 years in the making too, and those were overseas. Gathering the wood on one project took 2 years - looking for the right boards, flat, straight, no knots, the right size.

For me, it was the amount of time that I didn't have to complete but one part at a time. In space limited Japan, it would take me 30 minutes or so to get my tools set up and 45 minutes to put it up and clean up. Couldn't do it when it was too hot, or too cold or raining, or when LOML wanted me to go somewhere with her.

The long build time for my two router - router center, hutch, and book cases, allowed me a good time to think through the next cuts, designs, colors, or changes in hardware or construction going forward. I enjoyed the problem solving time thinking and discovering "uh-oh" parts or design problems in advance .

It looks like this was well planned, thought through and it shows. Beautiful!

[capncarl]

Very nice. Beautiful. I can appreciate the hours you spent on this project. The wood is complemented by the inlays.
capncarl

[radhak]

Thanks, gentlemen!
I agree, there's a certain pleasure in taking your time in woodworking, and you get to change your design choices at leisure.

When I found one of my cherry planks severely warped, I was certain it could not be used. But I kept it away. When it was time to resaw for the slats, I realized I could use that plank - it was difficult resawing and planing, but since a little bit of warp would not matter in slats that were only decorative, I could justify the extra effort for saving me the heartache of throwing away beautiful wood. And now you can hardly tell, even on close inspection.

Similarly, I completely messed up finishing the first piece of ply I had cut for the top. I knew I could not use it, but when I revisited it some months later, I rethought my top - and laminated another piece to it for a thicker top - which I feel gives it a better look. And I wasted not!

[Ken Massingale]

Beautiful, great craftsmanship.

[joedad]

Very nice looking. Great job

[Pappy]

Great piece! Really like the contrasting edge and the inlays.

[radhak]

Thanks, guys!

[tfischer]

That's a lovely desk. Sorry to hear about your dad's passing, I'm sure he would have loved it.