Shaker Lap Desk
A challenging exercise in hand dovetailing
Synopsis:The Shaker lap desk may be considered the predecessor of today’s briefcase, writes Brian Considine. Lap desks are fine examples of the thought, care, and skill the Shaker woodcrafters put into the smallest piece, and the variety and detail of the joints make it a challenging project. Considine explains in this succinct article how to make and assemble the four sides and shelf, then the bottom and top, and finally the drawer.
The Shaker lap desk may be considered the predecessor of today’s briefcase. Like modern briefcases, lap desks were convenient for carrying papers. In addition, one can write on either the slanted top or on a special surface inside the desk.
These desks are fine examples of the thought, care and skill the Shaker woodcrafters put into even the smallest piece. The variety and detail of the joints in this piece make it a challenging project…
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