rrich--The cutting board looks great.
I am still working on the desk. The trim pieces are out of the finishing department. Here is a trial fit.
I think the color match is right on. The trim is lighter than the desk but will darken up in the sunlight over time.
Before I attach it, I need to turn the carcass upside down for dowels. I plan to insert rounded dowels in the base that will fit into holes in the bottom of the desk. That should keep the desk from sliding off the base.
That calls for custom dowels. Not a problem around here. I found a scrap of maple and cut a blank for the dowel machine. These dowels will be 1/2".
But it cut and stopped.
Those astute dowel makers in the group here already know the problem--cutter needs advancing. When the cutter is not aggressive enough, it will cut the end but will not reduce the diameter sufficiently for it to exit the die. The solution is simple--just loosen the screw and bump the cutter forward.
And then I was on my merry way, cranking and sweating in the 90 degree heat. Lucky for me I cranked out the necessary length in about two minutes.
Next I needed some finish nails.
And a tack hammer.
After insertion I filed the heads a bit. The scrap wood kept me from scarring the project.
I tacked a nail in each of four corners just where I wanted the dowels to go. Next I will turn the desk upside down, put the base in place, and pound each corner with my new basa wood faced hammer. That will transfer the dowel mark to the carcass. Then I can remove the nails and drill all eight holes. They should be in perfect alignment. I know I could use a dowel finder but that will take too long as I have to do one hole at a time. This finish nail technique is quicker.
I am getting excited about my progress. This project is in high gear now and I have a good chance of making my September deadline. More later. Stay tuned.
