As I’ve indicated in past posts, the Standing Laptop Desk is an experiment of sorts. I am planning on doing the entire project using hand tools (no power other than muscle).
I decided to start with prepping the legs. The legs will be 40″ long and as close to 2″ x 2″ as I can make them (in making them square and such), hopefully no less that 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″.
I’ve used my hand saws to cut dovetails and even a few 2×4′s. This was the first time I’m ripping and crosscutting to rough out a piece for a project. I’ve currently gotten 2 legs roughed and can attest that this is a great workout, especially with this maple. I’ve watched several videos from Chistopher Schwarz and also Logan’s Cabinet Shop which have given some great suggestions on how to approach sawing. It doesn’t make it any easier but I think it’s helping me avoid mistakes.
Here is a quick shot of the two legs in rough form (2 faces square and straight – I’m waiting till I have all 4 ready to prep them the rest of the way). To this point, I’ve used a crosscut saw to get them to length and a rip saw to get them to the right rough shape. Then I’ve used a Jack (set to rough planing), Jointer (set to medium) and a Smoother plane to get 2 faces square. It took me about 3 or 3 1/2 hours. I’m pretty satisfied with my progress. I should have a few more hours tomorrow to devote to another leg.
