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July 25, 2005
Fold-Down Desk (2)
Sabrina, our Alaskan Malamute, is old. Her weak back keeps her from getting around on our hardwood floors. She has even more trouble on the slippery kitchen floor. To extend her life, we moved her water and food bowls out of the kitchen and into the dining room. We added a series of long rugs that allow her to move from room to room. She even has a pair of doggie hiking booties on her back legs to give her more traction.
With her bowl out of the kitchen, we ended up with a little extra space. Last weekend, Karen got the idea to make a little work station that we could fold into the wall when we needed the space. I had run out of things to do around the house, so I was glad to have a new project. (please re-read the previous sentence with the appropriate amount of sarcasm.)
The Space
I started last weekend by designing the desk, getting the top cut and sanded, and buying the needed hardware. This weekend I got the top painted Saturday. Sunday I attached the base to the wall and built and painted the enclosure for the base.
The Base
By mid-afternoon I was attaching the hinges with the satisfaction that everything was coming together according to plan. I looked great, and then I tried to fold it down. The word "fuck" has never escaped my mouth in front of one of my children in such a clear manner. (I am very good to keeping my use of foul language in check around the kids...I'm even better at it than Karen!) To distract Sophia who was coloring a few feet away, I went into some Yosemite Sam-like garble which did not change the fact that the desk I had made did not fold down all the way because it was too wide.
I had to take it down, pull all of the hinges, figure out how to solve the problem, cut it, apply new edging, prime, paint, and re-attach it. If it weren't for Karen's "diagonal folding leg solution" I'd probably still be scratching my head. Although it went pretty smoothly for something I designed entirely in my head.
The Finished Deck
Folded Up
Karen and Francesca Washing Dishes
Posted by Rich at July 25, 2005 2:31 PM
Comments
Why don't you try to do a few more projects you lazy bum!!!
Looks great. Can't wait to see you guys next month. We had a great time camping at Lost Lake (we went there with you guys and Tom & Margie one time) this last weekend. I burnt the shit out of my legs and shoulders sitting in the canoe.
Posted by: jeremy at July 26, 2005 10:23 AM
Lost Lake was great. I remember being winded on the hike we did there, but I was still smoking like a fiend back then.
Can't wait for the trip next month!
Posted by: Rich at July 26, 2005 10:53 AM
