Reclaimed wood laptop table.

Here is my latest creation! Laptop users across the globe have long suffered from what is known as 'hot leg syndrome' (i just made that up) but no more shall they slowly cook whilst using their computers!
I have always liked the idea of a bed tray for food but as I spend more time in bed on my computer than eating I thought I'd have a bash at making a laptop table. Maybe the next one will have a cup holder.
When it comes to the computer:comfort in bed ratio then its all about angles so I tried to make my table as adjustable as possible. So the front legs slide up and down and are articulated so you can create the height and angle your heart desires.







Here it is being beautifully modeled by my brother, he seems to like it quite high but i prefer it to be lower and with a bit more pitch on it.
The top is 21"x15" so will easily accommodate most laptops with space for you wrists to rest and a cheeky mouse on the side.
I got the wood from a local renovation where someone was having their floor replaced, although I did have to buy the dowel that holds the legs together as I'd run out of old broom handle! Have to go hunting for another one.





Gratuitous detail shot.
For nothing more than personal satisfaction!













There isn't always space in the bedroom for another table or piece of furniture so this nifty little table folds flat for easy storage under the bed or, top of the wardrobe or wherever you care to keep it.










So I leave the judgement to you Goddess Internet and all who follow you.
I'd love to hear from you about your thoughts, suggestions, improvements that could be made, how much you'd pay and any other banter you may have concerning this table and or anything else that you'd like to share.
I'd love to hear from you so don't hesitate to get in touch.












Sustainably onwards,

The Woodfashioner

The transformation continues!

So, where were we? My last post finished with me gluing up the poor old bed slats into a wider board. Which, after a bit of sand looks like this! Now I have a board which is approx 36" long and 6" wide, a lot more useful than the narrow dirty planks that I started with.









Next step is to get creative with the jigsaw and router! First I made a template for the shape I wanted out of a piece of scrap, then used the router with a template cutter to copy the shape onto the bits I'd chopped out of my glued up board. As you can see I managed to get six pieces out of the glued up board so this will be enough to make 3 small bookshelves. The shape I've come up with means that the shelves will be stackable should you wish to use them for other purposes other than books ie. spices, herbs etc..





Another grimey old slat, which will form the back and base, and we're on our way to nearly finishing the bookshelf. A sand up and quick chop in half and we suddenly have a back and a bottom for the shelf!












So here we have all the pieces that will make up this wonder of wood work! The ends have had mortices cut into them that match the profile of the bed slats.











...and with a swing of the mallet and a prayer offered up to the gods of tight joints we have a mini bookshelf! Cutting the mortices at the correct angle along a curved edge was somewhat of a challenge but, thankfully, it all lines up and fits snugly.
Look out for the final installment of this epic journey for these tired old bed slats where I will glue it together, put on a suitable finish and laden with books!





Sustainably onwards,

The Woodfashioner

Making something from.....something else!

Hello World,

Just found a pile of old bed slats that look like they've been lying in someones garden for a good long while. I reckon they've still got some life in them yet so I'm going to turn them into something brand new!
I've had an idea for a supremely useful, no home could be without, absolutely life changing......mini bookshelf. This pine should be perfect for the job. It may not be that old, probably 20-30yrs, but it was on its way to the wood pile in the sky (the council incinerator) so I'm going to give it a second chance.
I'm going to use this post and a couple of subsequent ones to make a photo diary of the progress of my mini bookshelf. First job was to brush off the cob webs and months/years of dirt!




The rounded edges need to be cut off ready for the boards to be glued together. With the edges are all trimmed and square they are ready to be glued up and continue on their journey from scrap to uber desirable household commodity!












Ta Da! A bit of glue and some cramping action and the boards are glued together. These boards are going to form the sides of the bookshelf and i'll use some of the other slats for the shelves.
I leave the boards to dry overnight, especially during the winter when everything takes longer. So tomorrow they'll be ready for turning into their new found glory.
Keep checking the blog for the next post and the next leg on the journey of the forgotten bed slats.


Sustainably onwards,

The Woodfashioner.

The Wood Fashioner makes his online debut!

Happy New Year and here's to a healthy 2011!

In January I am going to be moving into the online sphere, admittedly with some trepidation! I will be adding some original designs to online shops Coriandr.com and Dawanda.com, these are both forums for crafts people where you can buy, sell and learn, and there is some outstanding talent on them! You will be able to check out my designs and purchase them if they tickle your fancy.

Along with twitter, facebook and my website (ready at the end of Feb) I'll literally be all over the place. I am always up for some feedback or interaction so don't be afraid to get in touch. When the website launches in February along with it will come the Bespoke design section where you will be able to see one off commissions that i have undertaken and get inspired to get something made to your specifcations.

So from the Wood Fashioner to all of you out there, have an Originality Reclaimed 2011.