Shaker Lap Desk

Build a classic Shaker lap desk with this digital plan. Designed by veteran woodworker Christian Becksvoort, this charming traveling desk recreates the era when pen and ink reigned. To craft your own version, one that can house your laptop, start with a copy of the Shaker Lap Desk digital plan.

A rewarding project that that's easy to build and fun to have. This classic Shaker lap desk is made of white pine and features exposed dovetails, breadboard ends with cherry pegs, and a small inside drawer. The case is traditional dovetail construction, with dividers set into dadoes inside to form handy compartments, including a tiny inkwell drawer. The bottom extends beyond the case and has a quarter-round profile routed into all four edges.

This 200-year-old traveling office is still useful today. Lap desks were designed two centuries ago to function as miniature traveling offices with room for paper, envelopes, pens, and ink. Today, their precise joinery and elegant design still proves popular, whether they are used for writing the old-fashioned way or, when the inside divider is removed, turn into storage space for a laptop or tablet.

A charming Shaker piece you'll enjoy for years to come. This versatile lap desk provides handy storage in a classic piece that will serve you well. It is just one example of Christian Becksvoort's craftsmanship and solitary work style. "After all these years," he says, "I still work alone. Each piece is designed, laid out, constructed, glued up, sanded, and finished by me." In this plan, he lays out a construction plan that makes it easily accessible to beginners and interesting enough to appeal to more advanced craftsmen.

SKILL LEVEL:
Easy

FINISHED SIZE:
12-3/4 in. deep. by 19-3/4 in. wide

DIGITAL PLAN INCLUDES:

• Extensive full-size and scale drawings
• Detailed cutlist
• SketchUp drawing

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