How to Make a Lap Desk

How to make a lap desk using proxxon tools

Before I start with the instructions I want to say thank you for the time we have been blogging. We started as a team and we wish to close out the year as a team. So this project was a combined

team project. Carol worked on the desk and I selected the project and did the painting.


This is a photo of the finished product.

Tools used 

Proxxon Mini Table Saw

Proxxon OZI/ E detail sander 

Proxxon Rotary Tool and small drill bit
Screwdriver

Supplies 

Wood of your choice we used 1/4" Poplar ( sides, back and front)

and 1/4" Birch plywood for Top and Bottom. 
2. Small Hinges
Plaid Folk Art paint
Krylon Crystal clear
Latch (optional)

See the cutting design below and cut your wood accordingly.

The Proxxon table saw worked beautifully for  this, it cuts fairly smoothly, even with the birch plywood which is notorious for splintering . This cut was for the sides and is cut at a 100 degree angle. 

After cutting the sides  back and front you will need to cut some dados in them for the bottom piece to slide into.  This is to ensure sturdiness.

To do this you need to take the splitter off the proxxon table saw.  Set the blade height to about 1/8" and set the fence about 1/4" from the blade.  Run the bottom of the sides, back and front across the blade to make a thin slot. Then move the blade slightly farther away from the fence and run them across again to widen the slot so that the bottom will slide in place. When sides bottom and front are put together they should all line up perfectly making a nice support for the bottom.  

Sand all the edges using the Proxxon OZI/E detail sander.

When you get the wood cut and are building the box remember that the sides will lay outside of the front and back. 

These were glued with wood glue, clamped with a corner clamp, and allowed to dry.   

Cut across the top (lid) piece three inches down from the top. this is glued to the back and the sides on the tall side of the frame. Clamp and let dry. After the desk is painted  you will attach it to bottom part of the lid with small hinges.

The box is now  partially assembled and will be painted in two sections.  After everything dries well we will put the hinges on and attach  the lower part of the lid to the top.

Painting

I started the painting with the sides of the box.  I chose

a dark blue to base coat the entire lap desk.  I left the inside unfinished. 

Since this is being made as a Christmas gift for a young girl,

Emma, who is a grandchild of our neighbor, I chose the design of a large sunflower for the top of the desk.

Line up the top and bottom, attach the hinges and the lap desk is finished.  

finished lap desk

Some of the colors I used are as follows.

Burnt Sienna 943

Burnt Umber 462

Daffodil Yellow 2912

White

Classic Green 2554

Old Ivy 927E

Hauser light green 459

Some combining of color mixed were used

to gain changing values.

I would like to thank Proxxon Mini Tools and Plaid Paints

for their continued support for this blog. I would also like to thank Terri Sproul our point of contact and gracious guide and helper.  

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and

Prosperous New Year.