Replies

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 26, 2003 01:51am | #1

   MR. Micro

      I built my first big cabinet recently after 30 years of WW. I would use 3 separate sheets of laminate. One each for the wings of the T, and one for the stem or base. Same way you've got the aprons joined at the peninsula. That way you've only got two seams and they are both 90* degrees from the git go. In my mind this would be the most simplitic approach.

      Note: I will wait for the cabinet guys and girls, as this is a good question. I would like to know if there is a better approach and why?

   Good Luck...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Mar 26, 2003 02:11am | #2

   I'd break the thing up in the same way.

   I'd also not build the thing in place.  I'd build it in the shop as three separate table tops, bring them on-site, and bolt them together.   There are several reasons for the modular approach.  First, it gives you some flexibility in the future; reconfiguring the modules may be possible, wheras the one-big-countertop approach can never be anything else.  Second, you get to do your finishing work in the shop, not in the house.   Along with this modular approach, I wouldn't attempt to hide the seams.  On a desk, seams between the modules will be okay.  (Seams are bad on a kitchen counter, but this isn't a kitchen.)

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 26, 2003 04:28am | #5

   Jamie

      Agree with not building in place. I did the 40' parts counter I just finished in just under 8' sections. Then I shimmed for floor unlevelness and bolted them together from the inside. The widths, heights were exact on each. Looks like two big units now as a swinging door is between. The very end fit in like an L and was semi-round. It tied in perfect also. Surprised me for a first timer on a carcass this large. ( Got some good tips from the forum )..

      They could be modular with a seam for laminate top, separate as you stated just butted up or one unit in veneer. Looks like decision time or somebody may come up with a better solution.

   Take care...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   Boxduh | Mar 26, 2003 11:58pm | #6

   Thanks for all the input.  It will be a 3 piece arrangement, with the center peninsula part going through to the wall, and two equal mirror image wings.  I have cooked up a detail for a maple accent piece at the joints that matches the edging.  We'll true up the parts, all prefinished, and bolt them together tight.  The panels will be maple plywood, flat-cut veneer.

1. 
   johnhardy | Mar 27, 2003 12:36am | #7

   Please post pics when done. This should be quite a lovely desk arrangement.

   John

2. 
   ian | Mar 27, 2003 11:33am | #8

   Tounge firmly in cheek.  use solid wood or veneer and check with Splinte about how she does her "Navajo blanket" table tops

2. 
   johnhardy | Mar 26, 2003 02:16am | #3

   When I read the first part and saw the name of the .gif I thought I'd be seeing a classic partner's desk ... very deep, with the two folks facing each other.

   Would that work in this case? The wall is 14 feet wide, and if the desk is 6 feet deep (could be less) each person could turn around and be facing either more drawer storage or bookcases.

   For the design in question, and this is personal choice here, I'd use veneer. I absolutely hate the dated look of formica. Plastic. Ugh.

   John

3. 
   UncleDunc | Mar 26, 2003 02:25am | #4

   You could get a one piece granite top for that, but it would be a special order from the quarry, and the price would make you squeal like a pig.