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How to Make a Danish Modern Desk

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.

Author Headshot By Tim Rousseau Jul 09, 2019

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Fine Woodworking

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.

In this workshop, you’ll learn Tim’s techniques for:

  • Creating accurate templates for pattern routing
  • Working with curved parts
  • Accurately creating angled mortise and tenon joinery

Video shot and edited by Jeff Roos and Ben Strano
Produced by Ben Strano

Download the plans for this table from the Digital Plans Library. Plus, browse 100+ other plans available for members only.

Tim’s original article that he references:

Mining Danish Modern

DECEMBER 3, 2014

Inspiration behind a successful desk design

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About This Video Workshop

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. In this workshop, you'll learn Tim's techniques for: Creating accurate templates for pattern routing Working with curved parts Accurately creating angled mortise and tenon joinery You can now download a full-size PDF… More about this Video Workshop

Comments

  1. Propsman | | #1

    Very excited to watch this series. I've been wanting to build "this" desk ever since I saw the Designer's Notebook article. Thanks folks.

  2. RAL3Wood | | #2

    When will you be posting the rest of the series?

    1. User avater FWW Editor
      BenStrano | | #3

      We post one episode a week. Sometimes a set of episodes (91, 9b, 9c)

  3. dwdeis | | #4

    Are the plans for this desk available?

    1. User avater FWW Editor
      BenStrano | | #5

      They will be soon.

  4. Guy_Boucher | | #6

    Love this! Great series. Can’t wait for the next episode! Great work Ben!

  5. user-7318628 | | #7

    Could you, please, post a link to the original designer article?

    1. User avater FWW Editor
      BenStrano | | #8

      Done

  6. Mike_Roberts | | #9

    Great series! I always look forward to these video workshops by Tim. There are so many nuggets of wisdom within.

  7. User avater
    shavemaker | | #10

    Hey Ben, buddy, on July 22 you did say these plans would be available soon - and it's been 5 months now ... so are they coming soon? Please? Pete

    1. User avater FWW Editor
      BenStrano | | #11

      You're right, totally my fault too. That has been on my list for too long. We are messing with a new download format and it kept getting back burnered. I'll get back on that.

  8. User avater
    shavemaker | | #12

    Thanks Ben, I would really appreciate that. Pete

  9. user-7728680 | | #13

    The link to the plans not working

    1. User avater FWW Editor
      BenStrano | | #14

      Fixed

  10. davidshop | | #15

    type of wood ? oil and water finish ?? please talk about .

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