Build a Traditional Schoolhouse Desk from Pine and Nails

[@piccalillipit9211]

I'm an author on psychology - and I always recommend your channel as theropy for people. They can build a stool with 3 tools and get a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Part of rebuilding their life.

[@davidjohnston1971]

I'm 67 years old, lived in a reasonably large town in north Jersey with several elementary schools and sat at this style desk through 6th grade. Now you need to build the simple country style chair that went with the desk. Nice project, lots of memories TFS.

[@mrgolftennisviolin]

A chair to go with it is a fantastic idea. Would love to see that!

[@lyingsloman5593]

Rex Krueger says banana

[@Sky-._]

To the people wondering why the desk is at an angle: Slanted desks are far more ergonomic than flat top desks. They've been shown to improve a persons posture, handwriting, and reduce both hand strain and back pain. That's why artists and architects tend to work on slanted surfaces, and why school desks used to be at an angle. The people who made these desks a century ago understood the importance of proper ergonomics in the classroom, and schools only switched over to the modern flat top desk because they were more cost effective to mass produce.

[@turkkaholmqvist4640]

When I was a kid and in school, we did have similair desks but they did have one extra feature: In our desks, there was little baton hinged across front and inside of the desk. It was possible to fold it over to support top so it was angled when needed and flat when needed. It was very smart and simple design that improved usability greatly.

[@Christopher_Gibbons]

It also allows the maker to size it for the tallest students without making it inconvenient for the younger students to use.

[@syriuszb8611]

Plus, since in cities there is no chance to give every kid their own desk, there is little use to the storage space.

[@jurc51]

Rex is a Greek God of Woodworking. He is tall, handsome and he knows what he’s doing.

[@zachtbh]

That decorative piece on top is supposed to look like an opened book on a desk. Love it when you these kind of projects from history!

[@colinmartin9797]

I don't really like craftsman style very much, but I do really like the way you put together projects without the ubiquitous expensive tools like a domino joiner. What that's done for me is as I do develop my tool set is let me do some of your projects in my own way, taking advantage of things like my small table saw and band saw (and recently - thickness planer, which has helped me get really nice boards from construction lumber in short order) to speed up tasks and make changes to suit my own style. Your plans and videos have developed my skills far beyond any other that I've worked with. And I absolutely LOVE that you use inexpensive construction grade lumber. We have northwestern Hemlock out here for construction, and it's such a gorgeous wood when finished properly. I recently finished your English joiner's mallet using a piece of Arizona Ironwood my dad gave me, with a cherry handle. I had a check down the center (it was a 5-inch limb) but the thing was ironwood, so I just ran some superthin starbond CA glue down the check and it's been rock solid. And today I finished making that low, portable bench from two hemlock 2x6's. Instead of your through-leg design, I made my legs into a more mid-century tapered shape and recessed them fully into slots in the batons. the legs feel so narrow but the thing is wildly stable. My thickness planer and table saw/sled helped me get super square, flat, clean surfaces, so I wound up with a piece that flat out looks good as a piece of furniture, and is now pulling double duty as a hallway bench for putting shoes on.

[@PapaFlammy69]

Really like this sort of furniture. What a classic! My grandma had a similar one in her attic when I was younger =)

[@koshi6505]

A modern version with cellphone holder and non-obtrusive spots for running USB cables would be cool.

[@jackieeastom8758]

Maybe Walden‽ lol

[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

It always amazes me how in the past, British and especially American simple-folk consistently came up with basic but classic designs that have shaped the generations since, using the most basic of hand tools, the cheapest wood available (with very little waste) and hardly any mechanical fixings at all, yet they stand the test of time. The sheer simplicity and lasting quality puts just about all modern techniques and manufacturers to shame - at a fraction of the cost in terms of both finance and workload to produce it. For the most part, these people were farmers and cottage industry workers; they had no apprenticeships or college training in design or manufacture - many of them probably couldn't read nor write - yet they could build and furnish a house in no time with items that last a century and more. What have we come to in just a couple hundred years (at most) when home made furniture is no longer desired and we have to spend ridiculous amounts on stuff that has a fashion lifespan of maybe a few years at most...?

[@professor62]

I simply can’t believe an English professor is dissing Walden! lol I love Walden, though I admit many find it dry. But your desk is anything but dry and boring: in a word, it’s wonderful! I’m going to have to build one (or two) for my grandchildren. Excellent work, as always, Rex!

[@ragnkja]

He’s not a professor, but still someone who used to be an English teacher. I’m taking his comment to mean that as someone who’s not from the country where it’s a classic I shouldn’t bother reading it.

[@professor62]

@@ragnkja He did in fact used to be an English prof. He told me himself.

[@skouson]

My goodness, who are you? Where did you learn to write? Henry David Thoreau was the bane of my sophomore year. You knowledge and clarity are very welcome.

[@vincebonner7797]

For years I thought I was a philistine because I thought Walden was one of the most unreadable books ever! Thank you Rex for liberating me!

[@mattduffyw99]

Same. When he started padding pages early with his shopping list I knew I was in for a bad time. That's a hard sell when Mark Twain exists, ya know?

[@eduardsiger1860]

Walden is underrated, I hardly know anyone who’s read it, it’s amazing and life changing

[@Dseated]

Handing the wood off to your self was really creative.

[@RexKrueger]

You noticed!

[@mrgallbladder]

I liked the one with a lip on the end of the lid to prevent your papers from sliding off

[@twokool4skool129]

Kids these days are so spoiled. Back in my day we didn't even have floors. We did our homework on the ceiling, and we liked it that way!

[@Kevin.odonnell]

Oh man I totally agree about Walden. I always felt that catcher in the rye was a close second.

[@ErictheHalf_bee]

Second and third, respectively. The winner for Worst Assigned Reading has got to be Gatsby.

[@Kevin.odonnell]

@@ErictheHalf_bee YES!!!!!

[@elund408]

@@ErictheHalf_bee I kind of enjoyed Gatsby, for me Oedipus and Antigone would have to be at the top.

[@bencurmusicproductions9677]

Personally, I loved Thoreau's book. I even a point to go to Walden's Pond on a business trip to the East Coast from California. It was lovely and peaceful. That was thirty years ago.

[@hardcode57]

This kind of desk takes me back to my childhood: we still used a basically similar design, much carved on by generations of schoolboys, in my UK school in the 60's. One thing in our desks that I think you'll regret not having on yours is a trough along the length of the flat section behind the hinges, not extending to the edge. This gives the user somewhere to put pens and pencils so they don't roll off .

[@lynxg4641]

We still had these desks when I was in school in the early 80s here in the Caribbean and I honestly still think they're suing this style now. Great memories and have to agree, the little trough was useful to hold pencils and pens. Another great project to put on the "To Build" list.

[@steamr0ll]

it would be easy enough to add a pencil trough, and that's a good idea... If/when I make one I will include that!

[@stoneomountain2390]

Heck, I had one where there was a filled up hole for an inkwell, along with the pencil slot. Sadly our desks were screwed shut because they were used as garbage bins.

[@hardcode57]

@@stoneomountain2390Filled inkwell holes? Bah, you didn't know you were born. Ours were left gaping, I say, gaping!

[@stoneomountain2390]

@@hardcode57 our desks were screwed shut, and well, after the incident where a unknown person stuffed the desk full of paper and lit it.... Technical school, you know how it goes.

[@petewil1291]

Was happy to hear the Walden diss, haha

[@elund408]

I think my granddaughter might need one of these.

[@joe7272]

That looks way more comfortable than the current flat desks...

[@KevinOMalleyisonlysmallreally]

I watch your video for the woodworking, but I gave this one a like for the Literature critique.

[@suburiboy]

I always really like the « country furniture » style videos. It feels like the « classic forms » are great, but people who are not immersed in the furniture world don’t always know what pieces to even start looking at.

[@TheStevenWhiting]

Looks very similar to our old school desks here in the UK. Last seen in the 80s before slowly being replaced.

[@PeteLewisWoodwork]

I remember them well!

[@stoneomountain2390]

Some schools in RSA still have them, as a seated unit. For some reason, the repaired ones were never as comfortable as the old originals. I guess the shop teacher couldn't be bothered to do a decent job, even if he had his talking stick ready if you were a millimeter off.

[@TheStevenWhiting]

In the top edge, the older original ones had a hole. The hole was for an ink well.

[@markhosemann6916]

I subscribed only because of your EXTREMELY ACCURATE description of Walden.....

[@garydargan6]

Where I worked we had three geological specimen collections which were started in the mid 19th century. Catalog entries were made by hand in large leather bound registers. These sat in and on a large 19th century ledger desk. Much more refined than your desk. It was heavily built with massive turned legs along with the lift up top with storage underneath. The cataloguing is now done via computer for ease of searching. Some of us don't like putting Al our eggs in the one computer basket so the registers are still used to record basic information

[@Erik_The_Viking]

We used to have desks like that here in the US back in the 70's to early 80's, at least at the schools I attended.

[@michaelrogers4157]

Still had them at my elementary school in the early to mid 90's as well. They were well used and abused by then, but i was in south-fulton county so everything we had was old hand downs from Atlanta area schools.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

@@michaelrogers4157 I had one version that was made out of metal. Built to last!

[@cuthalion4281]

I read Walden for fun in high school, and I'll have you know I find it much more enjoyable than, say, The Last of the Mohicans, which was required reading.

[@danielbackley9301]

So you're a glutton for punishment? lol

[@cuthalion4281]

@@danielbackley9301 Nah, I just like Thoreau's poetic descriptions and philosophical meanderings. On the other hand, I find James Fenimore Cooper unbelievably dull.

[@johnfisk811]

My grammar school had such desks made in one with two extended feet to take a flap up wooden seat. Well carved with past pupil’s names etc. All in solid best pine. Would cost a fortune today to make. Might be still in use for all I know. They were bought with the opening of the school in Edwardian days. Some of them used in asbestos cement panelled ‘temporary’ classrooms too. The temporary classrooms to be replaced once we defeated the Kaiser. Still in use when I left in 1972. Comfortable and useful desks/seats. They had a groove for your dip pen and a porcelain inkwell for the ink. A step forward from my father’s village school with slate tablets and slate pencils I suppose.

[@tass8495]

Created another antique. Beautiful. Live this style and thought of our history. Thank you

[@jimbrophy5691]

Totally agree with your assessment of Walden. I’m still laughing about it!

[@onZampie]

This type of video is my favorite thing on this channel. The other stuff is great too, but this country style softwood furniture is very inspiring.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

It is not literature in the truest sense, but if you want to beat Walden try reading the Journals of Lewis and Clark. They can make you cry with pain. Great build Rex.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

I just completed this project and it was a lot of fun. Made it for my mom who really needed one. She loves it! I made mine from ash, with legs from alder. A nice combination and ended up getting some ash with interesting grain patterns in it that makes it look beautiful.

[@MichaelCampbell01]

Ok, so "Walden" was on my reading list and I'm doubly excited to read it now =D

[@JohnColgan.]

Nice design, don't forget a small rounded groove on the top edge to stop pencil from rolling off. Easy with a router, but a scraper piece of rounded tin/steel on a stick of pine would do it too. (Probably what they would have used 200 years ago!)

[@joeleonetti8976]

Loved your description of Walden. About three years ago I walked the lake. Then, bought the book. I think i'm 50 pages in. It is a slog to read it for sure.

[@SheyCrompton]

OMG shooting plane! Didn't even know one existed!

[@Mr-Enac]

I love that you got your daughter involved in the build! Great design! Great video!

[@Incandescentiron]

I personally have an issue when it comes to clutter. I've been thinking about making furniture with sloped tops to curb that tendency. This is perfect for eliminating stacks and piles. The sloped top will position laptops in a more ergonomic position.

[@dannyholzhauser6407]

I have got one my grandfather made in school in 1938. My grandfather, father,and I did his homework on it

[@jimpowell6102]

I was really looking forward to the finish, but we never got there. I think milk paint would look good on this, the light blue example was nice. Overall, great work as usual REX!!!

[@mrgolftennisviolin]

Was also gonna say milk paint would look great for this.

[@jamesanthony5874]

He's done milk paint before, and has a video about it if you're interested. I'm betting he won't be using milk paint though.

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Nice project, hope your daughter likes it.

[@christophermcclellan8730]

You get a like just for the accurate book review of Walden.

[@wisprngwind]

One the best reviews of Waldon I have heard.

[@Q269]

Good use of the hand-off for continuity between cuts

[@shookings]

Real talk, Rex. I don't know if your entire past year of projects has deliberately led up to this, but the way you present it has made it very intuitive. If it's accidental, you're a lucky cuss. If it was done on purpose, you're brilliant. Love your stuff, man. Stay safe.

[@davidellis1625]

With slightly taller legs to make it standing-height (maybe a cross-brace if needed for wobbling), this looks like it would be an awesome drafting desk for plans/planning in the workshop.

[@brbilheimer]

My thoughts exactly…. I see a new project in my future

[@steamr0ll]

I was thinking this too. Make it standing height, add cross braces on the legs at a height to rest a foot on, and maybe a shelf or drawer below the body but high enough not to hit the knees... This would be a really handy piece in the shop!

[@robjenkins494]

Rex, love the channel. I wouldn't say you make woodworking look but you demistify it for sure.

[@tomowens2720]

Hey Rex, very much enjoyed this project for your daughter. also super nice to see her in the shop with dad. watching the process of furniture being made solely with hand tools is a pleasure. You and Gillis Bjork.....birds of a feather!

[@1Barrel2u]

All these years I was afraid I was deficient in my mental abilities with my inability to appreciate Walden. I have always put it into the same category as that old Russian writer everyone always talks about. I did enjoy your desk build very much. I think I will make one using IPE or maybe Ironwood in order to give it a chance to survive my nephews use. Have a great day!

[@danielbackley9301]

There are very few things you need to know about Russian literature. They are 1. it's always cold .2 everyone is miserable .3 everyone either dies young or is old or becomes old and miserable .4 you will never ever want to read anything that is Russian literature and if assigned to do so you MUST buy the CLIFF NOTES as Russian literature is not meant to be read. No I am not joking and I am not being completely sarcastic either. If anyone tells you that they have read WAR and Peace in it's entirety or that they enjoyed it ---THEY ARE LYING.

[@VeretenoVids]

@@danielbackley9301 Lying or they are sick and wrong like me and got a grad degree in Russian lit. I've read War and Peace several times, both in Russian and in English. 🤣

[@danielbackley9301]

@@VeretenoVids Congrats on the degree I know I couldn't have done it but then again I'm half Polish by ancestry. The Jesuits made me read an excerpt from War and Peace in High School there is no way I could have read the entire book and I'm someone who likes to read. God bless and please don't take my remarks too seriously.

[@VeretenoVids]

@@danielbackley9301 No worries. I thought it was hilarious--I know I'm the weirdo in the crowd. 😁

[@josephchristensen4578]

I wish you had posted this last week! I just built a desk myself!

[@J.A.Smith2397]

You been killing it these last few videos

[@jonhaynie1987]

Really cool piece! I have a feeling my wife will commission a few of those when she starts homeschooling our kids in a couple years.

[@davidsmith8912]

Just like to say although I am not a woodpecker but you explain really well and enjoyable

[@jenniferbarnes5312]

You are so full of great ideas and knowledge- thanks for sharing! Sprung joints - super smart 👍

[@nobuckle40]

What can be said that hasn't already been said? Anyway, great project. I'm sure she thinks you're Superman. It's great when your kids say "Dad, can you make something for me?" It's even better when they ask "Dad, can we make something together?"

[@מעייןהמלבלבתחייםםםם]

I really love the direction your channel , I am about to build a chopping block, and a Mallet, from your book- Everyday Woodworking.

[@adrianharris7807]

Love the Thumbnail moulding

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Can confirm getting plans for free this morning.

[@ikust007]

WOW! Love the Soft Wood Bundle ! BRAVO!

[@wouterengels7769]

Love it, how you combine a bit of history and woodworking. Might build such desk a bit taller, so I can stand at it and it can hold my tools and plans. After I build my workbench, and possibly a saw bench, and that garden furniture I promised .... Nice work and another great video, Rex. I hope your daughter is pleased as well :)

[@ragnkja]

If you’re in the northern hemisphere, the need for garden furniture is diminishing for a while now, so it can wait until spring ;)

[@tysonunderwood4814]

Absolutly busted a gut on the Walden line.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome Schoolhouse Desk !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@contestwill1556]

Really nice project. Last weekend I bought a jar of cut/square nails at an antique store for a few dollars with no project in mind. Maybe I'll build my daughter a desk too

[@larrywave]

We had something similar 15 years ago when i was in school

[@TheDistur]

Cool stuff Rex. Hope the kiddo enjoys it.

[@edwarddavis507]

Thank you Rex! I’m currently reading “Country Furniture” by Al Watson. Thank you for recommending this book. It’s a fascinating read. Your narration of your desk build for your daughter ties in well with the images characterized by Watson’s book of early settlers he describes making their own furniture. I love it and I can’t wait to tackle some of these primitive furniture pieces myself.

[@dannyhale7645]

Have you considered doing a video where you make a nice wooden handle for that 4 in 1 HF screwdriver? I love those things. They had them for around 50¢, a while back. I bought a bunch. Gave some to my kids and several to my church for the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. I've been thinking about making a London Pattern handle for one, just to see how it goes. The desk turned out great, btw. Another great video. I love your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@erich4647]

1:24 totally agree. I love his message but it is dry as bleached four.

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@jerryjones7293]

I love your woodworking, literary criticism, not so much.

[@pirakoXX]

Remember: It's very, very important to sit and work in a chair at the correct height, for children as for adults! Luckily most kids like to stand up when working, and that is good for body and mind, if the table has the correct height! Damn, it's complicated! :D

[@Yakk36]

This channel is so refreshing

[@BluzBazz]

Really dig your videos. Didn't even realize that I wasn't subscribed... .that's remedied now. Nice job!

[@MikeTraher1]

The commentary about Walden made me laugh. Rex needs to do more book reviews.

[@nanettil]

Inspiring, fun, smiling, delicate. What a joy to watch! Thanks, Luca (from Italy)

[@johnarnold6623]

Wow. That desk is beautiful. I’ve done many of your projects, although most don’t come out even close to as nice as yours. That’s why I know if I were to try planing the little lip piece with the upside down plane, I’m leaving pieces of my knuckles in the shop

[@jaysonlima9271]

Been there done that, but I've found that a modeling plane works pretty good on really small stock like that maple, and with much less blood letting takes a little getting used to working with a plane that's only a bit bigger than your thumb

[@figrollin]

This is lovely. I think I'll make one for my daughter - but in a contemporary style with plywood and dowels. Thanks!

[@adamsomkowski4460]

Hi Rex, great video! I have a small request to you. Maybe you will make a video about card/cabinet scrapers for wood? That will be interesting. Cheer man!

[@Musicpins]

I really like that curved detail at the top it looks like something you would hold onto :) now really good job Rex I especially like this one, its a cute little desk.

[@ravebrave8866]

nice story chikodi... what a style...

[@X1092-d4t]

Thank you for your incredible research work. Awesome - all thumbs up! The knowledge you are mining from the past is what makes this channel outstanding and very interesting and very trendy. And, as sustainability is the key for the future, I can see, you are far ahead with your wood furniture. It can be used for ages, can easily be modified and at the end with a natural coating it can even be energized in the oven without any chemical pollution. It's a real deal. It is what I like to see.

[@dianemiller7019]

Thank you! Love that you made this for your daughter!

[@emiliusemilius4260]

what an impressive video ! this looks like a lot of work done very efficiently. this is just great.

[@robertlunsford1350]

Nice build. I love the details. I really need to utilize my patreon rewards but I am mostly glad to just be helping you make content.

[@Me58651]

Rex, once again a beautiful build. Thanks for the info

[@WoodWorkTherapy]

That is an awesome project! I might have to make one someday. Not sure the kids would use it, but I think it would be a good conversation piece if nothing else. :)

[@paulherron3930]

I've learned so much from watching your channel you've helped me in my woodworking journey. Very awesome desk.

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

You can still see these in junk shops now and then in Australia. Seems to be a pretty widespread design- suggests that it was very practical. Nice project!

[@RobertGarlinghouse]

I'd like to hear more about the new shooting plane.

[@jrk1666]

That into is the most Rex thing of all time

[@jenniferbarnes5312]

Your desk looks wonderful!

[@harindergill7221]

Loved it, a beautiful simple design. Thanks

[@davidcorneillie493]

It looks very nice. I would love to made it. I was thinking of using carriage bolts instead of nails.

[@MCsCreations]

Beautiful work, Rex! Really nicely done! 😃 I may build one like that for myself... For drawing! But in that case I would go to a hardwood. 😊 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@GCaF]

I've been getting ready to build a desk for my kids for months... thank you for this video Rex!!

[@pudster2237]

You are awesome! Love your content and how teach. Thank you.

[@lhtd]

That pun at the beginning