Modern Writing Desk (with cool hinge)

This weeks Video is sponsored by Lincoln Electric! Visit them at www.Lincolnelectriceurope.com and www.lincolnelectric.com
This design is a Prototype - please let me know how you like it or better yet - build your own version of this!
If you like what i do you can support me at:
/ laurakampf
For more Infos visit
www.laurakampf.com
/ laura_kampf

[@simonegiertz]

"it's just a prototype" IT'S SO GOOD LAURA

[@170makes]

**pez dispenser flashback**

[@laurakampf]

😘

[@bluechang08]

@@laurakampf I really like the idea, but is there a way to utilise the space in the curved upper bit? Maybe turn the mechanism to open the table inside out, so the circle part is accessible on the inside giving somewhere to attach a shelf to store pens, pencils and any other stationary items - maybe even design in a pen/pencil caddy into the shelf itself?

[@auralaura9908]

☺️💕

[@leandrobernardo8335]

I have done some woodworks in the past but this woodwork plan kzbin.infoUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG helps me do much in a far lesser time than i used to do i have already built several projects with this plan and i intend to do many more soon. Thank you so much!

[@sparkyprojects]

That could be a cool computer desk if you attach a monitor to the lid, a bit like a huge laptop :D

[@Manuel_E.]

Really cool idea!

[@alexjrassic1815]

Attach a Raspberry Pi too and it really would be a computer desk.

[@jacobroberts1434]

I was thinking the same thing. Mount an entire computer system inside it and put actuators inside to assist it.

[@GewoonNiX]

That is what i was thinking, screen in the top and a nice way to hide the big desktop and done.

[@Andrewmackinnonripp]

I was thinking the same thing

[@steelshade]

Whole world: tearing itself apart. Laura: creating, smiling, building.

[@gregfeneis609]

Laura helps hold us all together

[@ChrisdeHaan]

❤

[@kevinmackfurniture]

🤔....Not Really the Whole World....Just America.

[@auralaura9908]

💕😂

[@peteporpora1630]

I think I would flip it over so the curved portion was stationary. Then install cubbies or drawers in that area.

[@SuperDaveFowler]

Definitely flip it over. This will avoid the gap at the back where you will lose all your pencils.

[@evanherk]

Yes. Then you get a space with walls below the writing surface that you can put things in without them rolling off.

[@emilymartin5418]

@@SuperDaveFowler that gap would let power cables in and out for a laptop

[@auralaura9908]

😂💕

[@lockcitywoodworks]

You’re a mad scientist with this stuff. You got inspiration from a HINGE and made an amazing looking desk. Incredible.

[@21DesertRose]

Laura: it's just a prototype Also Laura: Welds an entire complicated little stand together just for the prototype to sit on

[@gregfeneis609]

Lincoln Electric: Thank you for fulfilling our contract

[@21DesertRose]

Greg Feneis Hahaha ohh now I get it :D

[@dejayrezme8617]

From what I understand, once you can weld well, it's more like using a hot glue gun to glue things together.

[@21DesertRose]

@@dejayrezme8617 oh dang, that's pretty cool

[@auralaura9908]

Mnataf☺️💕

[@sarasand7450]

Love this little desk! I had two ideas. First I think if there was a 5 cm or so lip on the inside of the circular portion, you could store things in the hinge part and they wouldn’t fall out when closed. Second, I think I would like the look of the sides having a rounded corner when it is open but that might mess up the look when it’s closed.

[@justg1226]

very creative. Best part is Laura's satisfied grin when she shows it at the end!

[@stevenschmelling5597]

Walnut does sound good, maybe with aluminum sides, or accents? Sort of a mid century aviation theme.

[@JustinAbrahms]

I agree. This looks a lot like a wing profile. I think it would look really cool w/ aluminum & rivets, but with a soft interior like felt or leather.

[@gailalbers1430]

Mein Gott; you are sooo prolific ! Es ist immer wieder erstaunlich wieviele verschiedene Projekte und Dinge Laura konzipiert und herstellt !!!Amazing , Laura , how many new Projects , you think up and produce - plus the videos then ... it would be a lot of fun to see all of the items you completed within the previous 12 months at the end of the year in one video !!

[@jokeal3613]

I think walnut with a light wood, to show off the two different pieces of the “hinge”.

[@eepjayerdnay]

Laura's creativity is so inspiring and discouraging. It's inspiring because, hey, I could do that. And it's discouraging because, hey, I would never come up with that.

[@reforzar]

Walnut for the top and copper for the base. Love that hinge. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@FigmentsMade]

I love the sleek design of this! It has such a smooth movement to open and close and that is a beautiful hinge design. This looks neat in plywood but I would love to see it in walnut with brass pins instead of screws.

[@kingrahl3d]

Great build. I love when an artist finds inspiration in everyday objects. With the slant down of the top, it reminds me a little of a drafting table. Some ideas I've been mulling over for a work table include; 1. backlit plexiglass top (center only) for copy and tracing. 2. paper roll storage on side (roll out paper onto top, draw, tear.) 3. Strip of wood along bottom of the top work space to prevent papers and stationary from sliding off. 4. Desk lamp inside. Turns on when desk is opened. (can double for back light) 5. How about a matching chair that the back folds down (optional) and matches the profile of the desk. The large curve seems like a smooth transition for a seat.

[@moti.g]

Ah you beat me to it with the drafting table idea.

[@zhookeeper]

I love the design! I would have the lid on the outside of the edges rather than inside, so that it doesn't matter if you leave paper or pens on the surface where the to closes. If just finish it with simple lacquer or even BLO. I just like the raw look ❤️🙂

[@iangrindey]

With lid on the outside, can't see how the top would rotate?

[@danieljarvis9117]

@@iangrindey Turn it upside down. :-)

[@iangrindey]

@@danieljarvis9117 I did think that but then realised you'd be left with an awful looking top face with an edge showing.

[@danieljarvis9117]

@@iangrindey Yes but it gives you an idea of how an outside lid would work.

[@auralaura9908]

☺️💕

[@clydedecker765]

As usual, I love your unique designs for both their functionality and beauty.

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Love the desk! I think you smile a little bigger when you glue plywood into a segmented curve. :-) One idea, in the rounded cavity of the curve, use a LED strip to provide inverse lighting. The inside surface of the lid could be painted white to pick up any color shift in the LEDs. Thank you for making beautiful videos.

[@catherinehughes3740]

Absolutely love yr style Laura. Needs Light/USB, fit out with pockets/ cubbies for pens/pencils/stationary/stamps. For me it would be a craft space Pockets/storage for gadgets drawing pens!cutting board etc Keep videos coming, it’s what’s keeping me sane . Thanks Laura 💓

[@pteddie6965]

Your gift for creative design is astounding. This desk is amazing just like it is. I love it.

[@washinthewind]

I caught some of the IG stories while you were finishing this up and agree that some shelving in the lid would be a cool addition. The wacky idea that came to mind was to set this up with a flat screen monitor and turn it into a folding computer station. You could mount a shelf on the base to hold the tower, position the keyboard and mouse on the table top and mount a monitor on the inside of the lid. If you encased the tower in a way that still allowed for cooling, this could make an awesome in-shop computer set up to keep dust off the mechanical parts, and the hinge area would be perfect for hidden cable management.

[@French.Liberty]

Wonderful smile when you finish a work. I like very much. Thanks for all.

[@sgsax]

Great project, stylish and fun! Also have to say the pacing in your videos is just perfect. You show just enough to demonstrate the process and don't dwell too much on any one point or step. Thanks for sharing!

[@MortenLeerhy]

Add some self-rotating shelves inside the lid - and yeah, walnut is always a good choice.

[@linneaneff1749]

The design is really cool. I like the idea of adding metal on the desktop to make the legs more cohesive. Or making the legs semi- teardrop shaped.

[@kerchuansoong]

I love these prototype videos where elements get adapted into future builds! I would totally turn one into a light table operated by a giant toggle switch :)

[@ochsblogger]

When you open the lid, you should have an unfolding cantilevered surface that pops out from against the top, to provide a level surface for computer or writing.When you close it, it folds back up against the top. Also in the top curve, you could have cylindrical storage for stuff like pencils and such that automagically closes and keeps the stuff in when the top is down, but folds open when the top is up.

[@woodvibecreation]

Well done as always, I feel like you love making wooden hinges lately :) It is ingenious and refreshing to see some ideas like these hinges, at least I never saw any other somewhere else before you made some of them

[@vinicoutinho]

Wow! Amazed by your soldering skills! And as always, what a super clever project!

[@Janggut40]

I just love the woodworks come out become an unique desk.

[@vk2aafhamradio]

Your TIG welds have improved so much! Great work Laura!

[@cptplanet6196]

Very cool design! I might look into making the pivot off center and turn the entire top into something like a cam lock so that it will only open so far and locks itself in place when opened. Loved the music too

[@Gitarzan66]

I've been a painter since 89 and I've also been doing woodwork for just as long. One of the easiest finishes I've found to use is water based poly. You can thin it with water and I've found that helps a bunch to reduce dragging. I'm also in planning stages to build my wife a 'letter desk'. You've got me brainstorming a metal support for it. I also have a wire welder. This is a very cool desk you built there.

[@adammono1839]

I think id like it wall mounted with another hinge that would allow it to fold up or down flush with the wall. Cool project!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Another interesting and inspiring project! Great way to start a Sunday here in the States. Thanks for posting!

[@QTofLBF]

Pivoting shelves inside the top. Also, I think it would look really cool with the body painted in a metallic black with details done with hammered copper (for the plywood build)

[@HonestLeigh]

I was thinking that too, little shelves on their own hinges so you can store supplies on the back wall without them spilling when it becomes the lid.

[@paulatapogna9093]

I was also thinking of a self pivoting shelf or tray housed within the rounded end for desk stuff since it has no drawer. Also - the circular pivot could be brushed aluminum plate. The whole case in walnut or other dark wood would be very mid century modern. Nice job.

[@auralaura9908]

Wah☺️😂

[@kevincostes1]

My wife has been asking for a makeup desk for ages and this looks PERFECT. Thanks for the inspiration you rock

[@LabworksVapes]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this design

[@ga5743]

Congrats on your Award, and great idea on the desk.

[@MrUltramove]

I would use this kind of desk for my crafting and prototyping (3D prints, carving, sketching, painting). So I would put electrical plugs into it, just power strip in the back. For the top cover I would divide it into 3 parts, left half as tool storage, with tool holders, magnetic or clipping, other half split into two parts in the middle. Upper part magnetic messege board, for hanging sketches, writing ideas, reminders, lower half with custom shelves for bigger things as sketchbooks, paint tools, carve tools, material scraps. The idea is that I can work on stuff and take a break from it, shut the desk, put the dinner and laptop on top, watch some more of Laura's videos. With some place to store laptop, it would be perfect desk.

[@lauravaldes9794]

You always have wonderful and bright ideas, I love all your work ♥

[@Chiselsplay]

What a great idea! Totally in your style!!

[@shaheenamrou]

That's so stunning idea Laura . Very well done , thank you for sharing .

[@moti.g]

I love seeing how you iterate over the same idea in multiple different projects - the wooden hinge from that initial folding table, the tambour-like strips to create rounded shapes, and so on. I also love seeing how different styles and ideas within the maker community create cross-influences, I can see a little sparks of Diresta and Michal Alm (and some Tom Sachs) embedded in how you work and even how you edit. This is an awesome design, once again, and I find myself keeping each new video for when I can sit down and watch it without being disturbed because there's so much to learn in every scene. Things I would suggest for this project: Since the top has a slight slant towards the user, it could be cool if the top had a little lip that would allow you to use it as a magazine/art display or even an angled sketch table when its closed. It could also have a plexiglass layer on top to keep said magazines/artwork from falling off when opened. Another idea is you could add a narrow floating shelf between the hinge axis points to hold pens and pencils which would stay oriented correctly as the top cover turns around it (a bit like how stoves on boats are gyro-stabilized) Also, lots of sparks in the metal band-saw motor, might need new brushes (assuming it's a brushed motor, not sure)

[@davetaylor2088]

Awesome idea, love that hinge idea.

[@ionacjohnj.59]

Very nice piece! Good beginning for a new, amazing finish. Planty ideas, planty ways to finish it.👍

[@Rauly4557]

LOVE THE DESK! AWESOME!

[@danyg4063]

Sometimes, I just binge Laura's videos to live vicariously. What I would give to have a workshop like hers. So many things I want to make, but I don't have tools or space.

[@timjrvine]

I love your work Laura.

[@michoszek]

Love how you improve your welding skills

[@grn9209]

You not only build AMAZING, you film AMAZING!!!👊🏼💪🏼

[@moweber]

Looks great. Want one, but since you asked, two suggestions: 1. Supply containers that sit where the hinge-pin would be hanging like Ferris wheel gondolas. 2. Push-button spring loaded opener.

[@michaelmadison883]

This is awesome. Holy crap. Love your work.

[@boanderson5057]

So fun to sit and watch your builds. Love walnut and oak in combination with steel. You can brush the steel and then varnish it. One thing I worry about and that is "where are your safety goggles?".

[@dirtymick01us]

I really like this as a prototype. It was inspiring to me to see you put in the leg-work to try out different things for the final piece. It was a satisfying end-result which means a finished product will be pretty dope.

[@cheddar2848]

Another awesome project love it!

[@fokanerantsieng4642]

I love the it and the thought of been inspired by a metal hinge then you created your own wooden incorporated hinges is awesome.

[@madzthedad]

this is SUUUUUUCH a good design! I love it

[@davebauerart]

Looks good, I like the exposed hardware, adds interesting detail.

[@Thegasman-hc3zz]

I love this. The design is a beautiful functional solution. I would cover the top in dimpled copper and make the wood dark and distressed as a throwback to old-school writing desks.

[@davidpettriess9286]

Cool desk. Keep those good ideas coming

[@nordyfamily]

Great job Laura, keep up the great work

[@artieshell9205]

Another great video !! Editing on point ! A nice dark stain to Finish. Ready for a museum of fine art !

[@tesshoefler1745]

Such a cool idea/prototype! Because of the storage available on the underside of the desk, you could drill a hole in the tabletop to drop a cup/mason jar into the hole to hold pencils/pens, drawing equipment. And have shelving underneath the desk for paper storage. Rotating half drum bins on the inside of the desk where the curve is to rotate when you open it. For finish, leave the raw plywood edges, but paint the sides one color; the lid on the top another complimentary cover, and leave the inside the plywood feel by finishing with danish oil.

[@scottlux2904]

I'd have to add a monitor mount to the inside of the lid, and some cable management/routing. But I think you've got a winner there!

[@GrahamDallas]

Love it, great design

[@stefanandrieux]

Brilliant (as usual :). Walnut will definitely make it pop. Maybe a brass (polished or brushed) circle for the side articulation. This could also be attached to a wall. You could attach a monitor to the vertical part: minimalist monitor, removing original bezel and mounted flush as an inlay and hiding (ugly) cables. So when you open it you have your computer ready to use. I find the round bottom part very interesting: a charging station on one side and maybe a box with a matching cylindrical shape that you can take out and store pens and more in. Plus some separators maybe. And an hidden touch switch for the lights on top or get the light to power on when opening (+ light sensor to match ambiant light). Lights in the top overhang will be nice, Routing a channel to insert a flush LED strip so it says out of the way, and the design remain pure. Thank you again, your channel is brilliant and inspiring.

[@natalietsang]

Reminds me of a drafting table but with storage abilities. Very cool design!

[@FamilyRoots]

*Just Brillant !* Love that !

[@mrfochs]

Actually looks a lot like the end pieces of a cable chain. I like it!

[@bpatriquin123]

This was WICKED cool! I think some sort of adjustable legs would be an awesome gimmick haha... maybe fold-in / fold out? Or telescopic legs would be rad!!!

[@theadventuresoflario]

That's stunning...you have some serious talent 👍🏼

[@Woodwille]

It remembers me to an old airplane wing - so my first thought was that I would love to see it in aluminum or stainless steel, because it is soooooo cool. Oh and I love the hinge!

[@GotMountains]

You need a weighted shelf centered on the inside of the hinge. If it was on bearings, the weight of the shelf would always keep it upright and would swivel to stay level when you opened the top. A skateboard bearing on each side of the hinge mounted in the center of the radius would do the trick, then just suspend a shelf in between that hangs below. You can put your pencils and other things on the shelf and they will stay put when opening and closing the desk.

[@frankorona1]

Wonderful project!!

[@finnickrinzler8907]

Hi Laura!! Another awesome build!

[@Ernzt8]

Great design!

[@BadYossa]

Cool idea. Like the inspiration from the hinge. A very pleasing form. Love the tunes you always have on your vids. It would be awesome if you shared a list of them. Always put a smile on this old pirates face!

[@RubenWoodcraft]

Definitely add some storage compartments to the back rounded part. Great project, I love the simplicity of the hinge

[@GRichardWrotten]

Adding a tube, maybe PVC or bandsaw box style inside mimicking the post of the hinge and offering some drawers for pens and such would be an interesting idea. I really like this design!

[@joacwoot]

My current desk is a pallet i found in the woods. I love my pallet desk, but would swap it out for this one in a heartbeat. Lovely work!

[@myRefuge3710]

Enjoying ur vids. Great work

[@alvarenga512]

Súper!!! I love the idea!

[@bumblebeehunter2185]

Deine Videos haben schon fast was meditatives. Ich könnte Dir stundenlang zuschauen.👍

[@kawee8622]

A coloured interior in contrast to a classic exterior surface would be fun. And Linoleum on the desk top would give it a soft and comfortable haptic.

[@sdjorritsma]

Cool concept!

[@jimmcnett]

Your videos are always so interesting and unique. I love your point of view on the world. Please keep it up.

[@acenixton]

Really cool concept! I would add a hinged shel to the rounded part so that it can be a space to put something on when open and the top for the cavity below so that you can store something in it when closed. Looking forward to seeing this in walnut ;) Stained maple would loog great, too. Or beech.

[@richardwills7768]

Proof of concept, cool Laura... Always amazed by what you can think of. I would stain it and then clear coat it, and maybe put retainers in the lid to hold paper and stuff.

[@jonathonleblanc6147]

That's really cool and different I like it

[@noremorsewoodworking2258]

Just from the thumbnail, I think this is just the idea I have been looking for. I have an old Singer sewing machine base that I want to use for some kind of table and this might be just the right thing for that.

[@DillonNichols]

I love the term "3D Sketch". There's those projects that you just need to make quick and dirty to see how they work. Adjust and make the second one even better.

[@jantepas7511]

Great, I would put in an lcd screen with a game computer. The outside paint like a panther would be awesome. Nice work Laura!

[@evanbarnes9984]

I think I might make the curve in the lid by using a kerf core technique to preserve a solid, continuous veneer on the outside face. It could also be really cool to have a shelf that gets lifted up by the opening of the lid! It could be where pens and other supplies are stored. I could also see this being nice with some splayed wooden legs. The desk has such interesting angles and flow, I think that splayed legs would match well. Excellent work, Laura! The hinge is gorgeous. Oh, and I think this would be fantastic made out of sapele

[@ahmedabbas3486]

You have great ideas, you are creative.

[@tomt9543]

Love the project, but equally impressed with your ability to operate a TIG foot pedal WITH YOUR KNEE!!! You are da bomb!

[@markwatts7634]

As always, cool project. Lots of potential for desk ideas and storage.Some ideas, Large Veg tan leather writing/mouse mat, inductive charging pad inlayed into the surface, LED screen mounted to lid, RGB LED lighting strip with micro switch. It could even make a really cool vanity unit with a large mirror lighting and storage for cosmetics. I would love one as a crafting/Leatherworking console. I think you could make it work as a wall mounted drop down desk as well, with a few tweaks.

[@Theinc0gnit0]

Walnut would be amazing with this. You can attach a display inside the lid and hide a raspberry pi somewhere. Inside, on the sides there can be small compartments for art and craft supplies and a cutting mat on the surface. This can be a great hobby desk.

[@MadebyJester]

Wow that's nice!