iPad stand from 18th century French bookstand

The iPad stand I used to carve for clients as part of the Custom Desk business from African sapele wood is based on an 18th century French design described by André Roubo.

Sewing machine table hinge upgrade

When I adapted a sewing machine table for a customer to fit her machine I noticed it had hinges with barrels that stuck up off the table.

Sewing table with original hinges

These might be a problem when moving cloth across the table under the machine.  I didn't have an answer at the time, but later I came across a sewing machine or card table hinge that would do the job.

Butler's tray hinge repair

Butler's tray hinges are made to hold a flap (originally the flap handles of a butler's tray) either horizontal or vertical.  A spring is riveted to the underside of the hinge.  This spring holds the barrel of the shorter side of the hinge in position, but over time the spring can lose its springiness and bends away from the barrel.  The result is the flap becomes sloppy and won't stay upright.

Breadboard Ends

Desk with breadboard ends fitted

When using wood boards for a desktop, particularly oak, I usually tongue and groove the edges for strength before gluing them together.  To make the ends of the desktop attractive, and help keep the top flat, I add a board to each end and these are called "breadboard" ends.

Sewing table modification

Modified sewing table

A client acquired a sewing table with an existing swing-up sewing machine and needed it customized to fit her machine.

Why use hand tools?

Match planes for tongue and groove joints

I use hand tools from a combination of circumstance and choice.

Making a model for a new design

Model project desk

I usually provide drawings of a desk design to a client.  Some clients find drawings don't quite work for them and prefer to see a model, so I build one.