Desktop Organiser Video Series

We filmed this short series a few weeks ago and it is a free project for you to watch and learn from. Here is the link for the brief introduction: woodworkingmasterclasses.com.

Smaller projects like this one really help to reinforce our skills and that is because of the close proximity of shoulder lines, joint sizing, tightness of components and so on. Good sharp tools are key to accuracy and that starts with the pencil and the knife to establish the exactness other tools need to follow on.

For my first version of this two or more decades ago I used Eastern white pine in the USA. That’s where I was living at the time. For the one above and the one in the video series I used a skip-wood find (skip-wood is not a species) of Meranti to recycle what was meant for the landfill. Meranti is a Southeast Asian hardwood of world-wide commercial value, mostly as a veneer for making the layers and facings in plywood and then door facings for hollow-core doors too. It’s also used for mouldings in solid wood and low-cost furniture and woodwork. 

The original desktop organiser

That said, I did find it really pleasing to work with using hand tools and the overall look was just as pleasing. I would encourage anyone to make this project if their aim is to keep developing their woodworking skills. It may not be as impressive as a four-poster bed or an entertainment centre, but it does look pretty nice on a desk or a workbench and it’s especially useful for stuff that is difficult to house elsewhere without getting lost.

4 Comments

  1. Looking forward to this project. Plan on making 4 for graduation gifts for my grandchildren. For the next 4 years I have one graduating. I made two similar ones from the picture you posted several weeks ago for Christmas presents and they turned out very well, but I had to work my way through from just a few pictures. When you are still learning hand tool woodworking, even at 71 years young, some things can be a challenge when you don’t have a mentor. Paul, you have been that mentor to me over the past 2 or 3 years, and I thank you for that. Looking forward to working under your teaching via the internet world for several more years. Many blessings in the 2020. Jim

  2. Paul, I’m about to turn 80 and you have taught me so much about hand tools and the joy of woodworking….thanks so much!

  3. Looks nice Paul, hopefully I’ll have my workshop up and running soon so I can have a go

  4. I’m definitely going to give this a go. Your tips and techniques have really helped me hone my woodworking. A project like this is a great way to focus on accuracy. Thank you for your inspiration Paul.

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