Skip to content
Fine Woodworking
Main Menu
Subscribe
GET THE MAGAZINE & MORE
Magazine Cover
  • Save 69% off the cover price
  • Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive.
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • Projects & Plans
  • How-To
  • Shop Tips
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Magazine
  • Video Workshops
  • Members
  • Forum
  • Gallery
  • Blogs
  • More
    • Log In
    • Join
    Fine Woodworking Main Menu Subscribe
    Video Workshop

    Danish Modern Desk with Tim Rousseau

    Author Headshot By Tim Rousseau Jul 09, 2019
    Article Image

    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 plan for this project at the Taunton Store.

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

    We strive to make the best videos we can, but most importantly, we want to make videos that YOU want us to make. In order to help us do that, we would love to hear your feedback on this video workshop. Click here for a really quick survey.

    Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

    Sign Up

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up
    ×
    Start Watching

    Videos in the Series

    • Ep 1: Danish Modern Desk with Tim Rousseau – Intro

      July 9, 2019

      Tim Rousseau’s modern desk might look simple, but a lot goes into making such an elegant piece

    • Ep 2: Veneering the Writing Surface

      July 9, 2019

      Tim demonstrates how he uses thick, shopsawn veneer to create an attractive and durable writing surface

    • Ep 3a: Making the Routing Templates

      July 16, 2019

      Tim Rousseau's desk has a lot of curves in it, and just about all of them are routed off of a pattern. In this video, Tim demonstrates how he makes his perfect patterns.

    • Ep 3b: Pattern Routing the Sides

      July 16, 2019

      Using the three sleds made in the previous episode, Tim methodically pattern routes the sides in a way that guarantees perfect pieces with no tear out

    • Ep 3c: Routing Straight Grooves in Curved Parts

      July 16, 2019

      Tim tackles the groove that will accept the desk top using a router equipped with an edge guide. The difficulty is in finding a reference surface to use as a guide.

    • Ep 4: Mortises with a Horizontal Mortiser

      July 23, 2019

      Tim uses his horizontal mortiser to create the leg mortises at what could be a daunting 13º and 1.5º

    • Ep 5: Angled Tenons on the Tablesaw

      July 30, 2019

      Tim tackles the angled leg tenons using a fence-mounted tenoning jig and his new friend wedgie!

    • Ep 6: Tapering and Shaping the Legs

      August 6, 2019

      In this episode, Tim Rousseau heads over to the tablesaw to taper the legs. Then, it's back to more pattern routing

    • Ep 7: Mortising The Legs For Stetchers

      August 13, 2019

      In this episode, Tim creates the stretchers that connect the two side assemblies

    • Ep 8: Desktop Tongue and Edge Profile

      August 20, 2019

      In this episode, Tim adds a tenon to the desktop with a tool most often found in pro shops, the shaper

    • Ep 9: Shaping the Backsplash and Bottom Apron

      August 27, 2019

      In this episode, Tim Rousseau discusses why he chose the joinery used in his desk, and heads back to the shaper and tablesaw to shape and contour the last of the desk components

    • Ep 10: Gluing Up the Side Assemblies

      September 3, 2019

      Tim Rousseau takes on the first glue-up of the modern desk build, covering surface preparation and the custom cauls that make things go smoothly

    • Ep 11: A Jig-Free Dowel Joint

      September 10, 2019

      In this episode, Tim completes the desk joinery and dry-fits the entire desk together

    • Ep 11: Final Glue-Up

      September 17, 2019

      In the conclusion of the Modern Desk video workshop, things get a little stressful when the glue starts flowing, and the clamps come out

    X
    X

    New Feature

    Fine Woodworking Forums

    Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

    Get It All!

    UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.

    Start Your Free Trial

    Subscribe to Fine Woodworking

    Save up to 56%

    Subscribe

    About Video Workshops

    Watch our experts build a piece of furniture step-by-step on video and download a detailed project plan so you can build along.

    If you're looking for a new woodworking project, try one of our video workshops. These are complete, online courses taught by some of the best woodworkers in the country, and include companion articles, project plans, and step-by-step video instruction.

    View All Video Workshops

    Video Workshops

    View All
    • Restoring vintage handplanes with Roland Johnson

      Woodworking expert Roland Johnson teaches you how to tear down and rebuild three classic handplanes.

    • Shaker candle stand with Christian Beckvoort

      He’s built dozens of round Shaker stands over four decades, so there is no one more qualified than Christian Becksvoort to demonstrate making this classic. In this seven-part video series,…

    • Contemporary stool with a woven Danish cord seat

      From joinery to parts shaping, soap finish to seat weaving, David Johnson builds a Danish-inspired stool from start to finish in a five-part series.

    • Start Woodworking: Small step stool

      Built of walnut, this elegant step stool offers beginner woodworkers some great lessons in joinery that can be easily incorporated into larger projects as their skills progress. In this Video…

    • The fundamentals of using hide glue with Patrick Edwards

      The traditional glue pot disappeared from woodshops and trade schools soon after World War I when synthetic adhesives took over, leaving later generations of woodworkers to learn this secret of…

    • Hanging Wall Cabinet with Mike Pekovich

      I teach quite a bit and this wall cabinet is probably one of my favorite things to teach. It's not that big of a piece, but it packs in a…

    • A perfect French polish finish

      In this video series, professional finisher John Coffey demonstrates the French polishing method he’s perfected after 30 years of finishing new pieces and refinishing priceless antiques.

    • Bob Van Dyke's Sharpening Series

      Bob Van Dkye The founder and director of the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking answers questions from readers about keeping hand-tool blades sharp–with demonstrations and explanations of time-saving techniques.

    • Start Woodworking Season 2

      Welcome to the online series “Getting Started in Woodworking,” a multi-step program designed to guide you through the basics of woodworking and furniture making. No matter what drew you to…

    • Danish Modern Desk with Tim Rousseau

      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…

    • Start Woodworking Season 1

      Welcome to the online series “Getting Started in Woodworking,” a multi-step program designed to guide you through the basics of woodworking and furniture making. No matter what drew you to…

    • The Learning Curve: Turning For Furniture Makers

      If you're like Anissa and Ben, and have little to no experience turning, David Douyard will give you the knowledge and confidence to head out to the shop and give…

    • Enfield Cupboard with Hand Tools featuring Chris Gochnour

      Using only hand tools, Chris Gochnour builds a Shaker classic that is as solidly constructed as it is beautiful.

    • Router Table Fundamentals with Bob Van Dyke

      How to Use a Router Table A router in a table is often simpler and more stable to use than a handheld router. Whether you choose a basic MDF square…

    • Machine Setup with Matt Wajda and Ellen Kaspern

      A well-tuned machine makes woodworking safer and more accurate, and makes your shop time more enjoyable

    • Video Series: Veneering Basics

      Learn the basics of how to veneer wood in this three-part video series, including softening and rough-cutting veneer, laying out veneer patterns with mirrors, and sawing, steaming, and gluing up…

    View All

    Up Next

    Featured Workshop

    Shaker candle stand with Christian Beckvoort

    He’s built dozens of round Shaker stands over four decades, so there is no one more qualified than Christian Becksvoort to demonstrate making this classic. In this seven-part video series,…

    Featured Projects & Plans

    Build a Contemporary Sideboard

    Chris Gochnour's sideboard combines usefulness, strength, and beauty in a contemporary case piece

    Related Stories

    • Ep 1: Danish Modern Desk with Tim Rousseau – Intro

    • An Elegant, Contemporary Desk

    • Desks: Our Favorite Articles

    • Mid-Century Credenza

    Discussion Forum

    Recent Posts and Replies

    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    • |
    View More Create Post

    Member Exclusives

    More Member Exclusives
    • Add a gallery to a desk

      Chris Becksvoort shows you how to build a gallery that's full of functionality and eye-catching details

    • An Elegant, Contemporary Desk

      An elegant approach to design and joinery

    • tune up block plane

      How to tune up your block plane

      Whether your block plane is new or vintage, follow these steps to get it running at full capacity.

    • Simple dovetailed Box

      Milling Stock for a Dovetailed Box

      How to mill parts for a box that are straight, flat, and square.

    Highlights

    • Shape Your Skills

      when you sign up for our emails

      Plus tips, advice, and special offers from Fine Woodworking.

      Sign Up
    • Shop Talk Live Podcast

      Shop Talk Live Podcast

      Our biweekly podcast allows editors, authors, and special guests to answer your woodworking questions and connect with the online woodworking community.

    • Woodpecker Sweepstakes

      Woodpeckers Shop Upgrade Giveaway

      Enter now for your chance to win more than $2,000 worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers. Click for full details.

    • Staff Picks Blog

      Our favorite articles and videos

      We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter.

    Desks

    View All
    • Eain Tierney's Chatoyance writing desk

    • Ep 11: Final Glue-Up

    • Ep 1: Danish Modern Desk with Tim Rousseau – Intro

    • Desks: Our Favorite Articles

    View All

    From the Store

    View More
    • 52 Boxes in 52 Weeks

      Buy Now
    • 2020 Fine Woodworking Archive

      Buy Now
    • Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking USB

      Buy Now
    • The Why & How of Woodworking

      Buy Now
    View More

    Get the latest from Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • #289-May/June 2021

      • Arts and Crafts coffee table with story-book charm
      • Links from Fine Woodworking issue #289
      • Seven tasks for a block plane
    • #288-Mar/Apr 2021

      • Phil Lowe: A craftsman and gentleman
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #288
      • Phil Lowe: craftsman, teacher, friend
    • #287-Jan/Feb 2021

      • Simple, handsome 17th-century box
      • Online extras from FWW issue #287
      • Editor's letter: Finding sanctuary in the shop
    • #286-Tools & Shops 2021

      • Shoulder plane setup and use
      • Online extras from FWW issue #286
      • From the editor: A shop to call home
    • #285-Nov/Dec 2020

      • Make a dovetailed desktop organizer
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #285
      • Announcing FWW ambassadors

    UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

    Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership

    Fine WoodWorking

    Follow

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Membership & Magazine

    • Members
    • Digital Libraries
    • Join Unlimited
    • Magazine Subscription
    • Magazine Renewal
    • Gift a Subscription
    • Customer Support
    • Manage Preferences

    Taunton Network

    • Fine Homebuilding
    • Green Building Advisor
    • Fine Gardening
    • Threads
    • About
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Careers
    • Copyright
    • Terms of Use
    • Accessibility
    • California Privacy Rights

    © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Get instant access to over 100 digital plans available only to UNLIMITED members. Start your 14-day FREE trial - and get building!

      Main Menu

    • Projects and Plans
    • How-To
    • Shop Tips
    • Tools & Materials
    • Videos
    • Gallery
    • Magazine
    • Video Workshops
    • Members
    • Forum

      Popular Topics

    • Design
    • Small Projects
    • Beds
    • Chairs, Benches And Stools
    • Built-ins
    • Storage And Shelves
    • Cabinets
    • Carving
    • Casework
    • Desks
    • Tables
    • Shop Storage And Furniture
    • Woodturning Projects
    • Workbenches
    • Surface Prep

      More

    • TV
    • Forum
    • Blogs
    • Webinars
    • Podcasts
    • Customer Support

      Account

    • Log In
    • Join

      Magazine

    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Digital Libraries
    • Magazine Index
    • Subscribe

      Membership

    • Member Home
    • Start Free Trial
    • Gift Unlimited
    • Log In

      Shop the Store

    • Books
    • DVDs
    • Taunton Workshops

      Events

    • Fine Woodworking Live
    • Fine Woodworking HANDS ON

      Account

    • Log In
    • Sign Up

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Follow

    UNLIMITED

    Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.

    Start Your Free Trial

    Upgrade Membership