Watkins Woodworking

12/29/2022

12/29/2022

I finished this Sewing Desk project recently. It had to go up a tight staircase to the third floor, so it had to break down flat and use KD hardware (Knock-Down, think IKEA). Getting the melamine and top up those stairs was a real workout--good thing I had help!

What you can't see are the back folding shelf, six casters, and the four toggle-clamp hold-downs. A 16'-inch-wide shelf runs along the entire back length of the desk and folds up and locks into position for more surface for quilting and layout. The casters allow the desk to be rolled away from the wall so the shelf can be folded up. The hold-downs toggle down to keep the desk from moving.

For stability and heft, I made the top from a solid-core interior door slab, and painted it with white appliance (epoxy) paint for durability and sheen.

The sewing machine is raised and lowered using a hydraulic lift, adjusted for three positions: all the way up, to interface with the attachment you see in the Cubby Closeup below; with the top surface of the swingarm flush with the top of the desk; and all the way down. In the mid-position, a plastic insert mates with the machine; it had to be cut down to fit the contours of the machine, and a 1/4'-deep "cup" was routed out to make the plastic insert flush with the desktop. This cup was extended to accommodate a lid that fills in the hole in the desktop when the machine is all the way down; when not in use, the lid fits under the desk and rests on the top-most center-shelf. The pedal control can rest on the lower center-shelf when not in use or when the desk is being rolled back and forth.

11/15/2019

This was the final design rendering. The doorknobs were a late addition, so they don’t appear here.

11/14/2019

This entertainment center replaced a much older one. Completely built-in, it consists of five bays, numerous shelves, gigantic doors, and a sealed on all four edge with molding (matched and some of which was fabricated). There is now much more shelf space, it accommodates a larger (55”) TV, and features a cleaner look all around.

02/25/2018

This client wanted a rustic update to the mantle that would complement the rustic decor of their house and furnishings.

Working with softwoods like this Douglas Fir presents its own set of challenges: drying the wet wood, and dealing with sap and the propensity of fir to move after machining among them. The simple stain-and-polyurethane finish was scarified to remove the shine.

08/23/2016

Just finished this for Roma.

This 20-degree "wedge" is used to stretch calf muscles. It features a non-slip top and rubber feet for a non-slip bottom.

08/23/2016

This 20-degree "wedge" is used to stretch calf muscles. It features a non-slip top and rubber feet for a non-slip bottom.

02/12/2016

This red oak sideboard constructed to match the Arts & Crafts Dining Table (elsewhere on this site), which was colored to match the other furniture in my client's home. It measures 72"L x 18"D x 32"H and weighs about 200 pounds.

01/28/2016

You can now find us on Instagram! Follow Watkins_Woodworking

10/18/2015

This solid red oak table was colored to match the other furniture in my client's home. It measures 84"L x 42"W x 29 3/4"H and weighs about 232 pounds.

08/09/2015

This solid walnut footrest adjusts to close the gap between your feet and the floor, comfortably.

07/15/2015

The old office was covered in kraft paper. It was cool in its way, but darkish. After a number of years, the glue started letting loose and large portions of the paper began to sag--it was time for a redo.