So .. what happened to the other half of the box built for my plough plane?

[Derek Cohen]

I've been interested in military/campaign furniture for some years. Some will recall I built a set of chests about 18 months ago. The opportunity to build a lapdesk presented itself very recently as I was left with the smaller section of this box after using the larger section for my plough plane.




The dimensions are pretty close to what I needed. My plan is to be inspired by tradition, but it will have a contemporary interpretation as the wood used is not typical. Anyway, it is for my own use, and will house my favourite ink and fountain pens.

I've really only just begun ...







There are two drawers, space for two pens at the top and ink, and room for the iPad (which is why the console is floating).




There will be more built in, which I will leave for another time. One item I will show is a secret compartment, which was fun adding today ...

There will be a lid over the console, which is hinged from the rear. This is raised to access the ink and pens without disturbing the writing area. When this is raised, it is possible to remove the console by lifting it vertically (it is attached to the base on steel pins) ...




Onto the drawers. It is a while since I have made really small drawers, and I forgot to add the grooves beforehand. This left me with a few dinky pieces (each is only 1 1/2" wide). How do you plane a groove on work this small?




The base of the drawer requires a groove that is 1/8" wide ...




I realised that I could not put it off any longer - a sticking board was needed. However I chose to build one that has an adjustable fence. This would enable all boards to be placed against the side of the bench to use the fence on ploughs, rebate planes, etc.

The fence is also reversible, with low- and high sides. The low side is needed to avoid the arms of the LV Small Plow plane.



There are several stops. These need to be aligned and the screw tops ground to sharpen the edges.



Underside ...



(Now that I know this works well, I plan to build another one with T-Track. There is an issue with the above track in that it will dent and create a memory of positions used).

Using it is a simple matter ..






Work in progress ...



Regards from Perth

Derek

[Jim Koepke]

Looking good.

The difference between the professional and the amateur is how they handle their errors. My error is forgetting to whom that statement should be attributed.

jtk

[Chris Griggs]

Very cool Derek. I like the sticking board too and I need to make one. I'm often having to find weird ways to hold small pieces that I need to plow grooves in.

[Jim Matthews]

Very cool Derek. I like the sticking board too and I need to make one. I'm often having to find weird ways to hold small pieces that I need to plow grooves in.

I just make the stock overlength and screw it to the benchtop.

[Chris Griggs]

I just make the stock overlength and screw it to the benchtop.

Damn! Why didn't I think of that.!!!????? Good tip Jim. I'll do that next time. I don't really want to take up more space in my shop with a sticking board and really don't need one often enough a the moment to want to bother with making one.

Brilliant!

[Derek Cohen]

I just make the stock overlength and screw it to the benchtop.

Mmmm .. Jim .. I did not think that would work with these drawer parts ..

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Mike Cogswell]

Brilliant! In fact, I think I'll make one myself.

Instead of the screws, did you consider making the breadboard end 3/16th or so thicker and eliminating the screws. The fence could either stop short or be notched to clear.

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Mike

The advantage of the screws is that they are adjustable for height - they can go higher, which a fixed wooden batten cannot do. Plus the edges are sharp and hold the work securely.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Jim Koepke]

I just make the stock overlength and screw it to the benchtop.

Mmmm .. Jim .. I did not think that would work with these drawer parts ..

What, did you sprain your board stretcher?

jtk