Reece Watson, River Redgum Study Desk (Student Awards 2019)

• Title: River Redgum Study Desk; • Completion: October 2018 - August 2019; • Materials: River redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis): solid and veneer, Tasmanian oak (Eucalyptus obliqua): Solid and Veneer; • Dimensions: 1650 (L) x 800 (W) x 780 (H) My intent was to create an aesthetic furniture piece which would provide an ergonomic study-space. I blended mid-century modern and contemporary furniture styles to create a timeless piece and also contrasted the rich-tone and attractive-fiddleback of the river redgum with the lighter Tasmanian oak. Moreover, to maximise storage-versatility whilst maintaining aesthetic balance, different heights and widths were used for the push-to-open drawers. A significant feature of the design was to incorporate various concave and convex curves, establishing a streamlined design. Each drawer has a curved front, with the side drawer fronts solid curved whereas the middle drawer front was shaped using bent lamination. The drawer fronts were the most complicated component, with many hours dedicated to scribing consistent arcs and sanding a uniform curve. My project consists of many techniques, with various tools and machinery used to cut and shape specific components. In order to develop a consistent curve for the drawer fronts and construction rails, hand sanding and various planes were used. I also machined halfblind dovetails for the drawers using an industrial dovetailing machine and cut tapers on the legs using a custom tablesaw jig to counter the bulky feel of traditional desks. Domino joints have also been used for framing and widening whereas housing joints have been machined on the router table for the insertion of veneered drawer bases. Finally, lacquer has been professionally sprayed for a satin finish, enhancing and protecting the natural grain, with black pigmented epoxy resin also used to fill and highlight the natural-defects in the desktop. The combination of the aesthetic design and a range of intricate joinery processes have contributed to the successful construction of a highly ergonomic furniture piece. Year 12, Marist College Kogarah. Teacher: Simon Combe. Photos: Reece Watson

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