12/18/21, 2:35 PM DIY Folding Lap Desk Plans by Jen Woodhouse Free plans

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Home ❯ Plans Download ❯ Folding Lap Desk Plans

31
J U L

FOLDING LAP DESK PLANS

PLANS DOWNLOAD

Build this beautiful and functional DIY Folding Lap Desk out of a single board!

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*This post contains affiliate links.

MATERIALS:

(1) 1 x 8 x 8 Ft. Board

(4) Connecting Bolts

(4) Connecting Caps
1 1/4-inch Pocket Screws
Wood Glue

TOOLS:

Tape Measure
Carpenter’s Square
Cordless Drill/Driver with Spade or Forstner Bit

Table Saw
Circular Saw or Chop Saw
Jig Saw
Pocket Hole Jig
Biscuit Joiner (optional)

Parallel Bar Clamps

Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection

Dust Mask

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CUT LIST:          

(2) @ 7 1/4 inches x 21 inches (top)

(2) @ 1 1/2 inches x 21 inches (long aprons)

(2) @ 1 1/2 inches x 13 inches (short aprons)

(4) @ 1 1/2 inches x 8 1/4 inches (legs)

(2) @ 1 1/2 inches x 11 1/2 inches (stretchers)

*If you’d like to use standard dimensional lumber instead of cutting the parts out of a single board, the cut list is
as follows:

(2) 1 x 8 @ 21 inches (top)

(2) 1 x 2 @ 21 inches (long aprons)

(2) 1 x 2 @ 13 inches (short aprons)

(4) 1 x 2 @ 8 1/4 inches (legs)

(2) 1 x 2 @ 11 1/2 inches (stretchers)

STEP 1 – BUILD THE TOP

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Measure, mark, and cut the two top pieces

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two boards together using wood glue. Clamp and let dry. Use biscuits for alignment, if desired.
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STEP 2 – ADD THE APRONS

Measure, mark, and cut apron pieces according to the cut layout. Use a jigsaw to cut the curve for the

handles on the short aprons. Drill 3/4-inch pocket holes into the aprons and attach them to the top board
with 1 1/4-inch pocket screws and wood glue.

STEP 3 – CUT THE LEGS

Measure, mark, and cut the leg parts according to the cut layout. Notice that there is a slight 15º angle at

the bottoms of the legs and the tops are rounded over. Drill a hole at the top for the connecting bolts in

the next step. Drill 3/4-inch pocket holes into the stretchers and attach them to the legs with 1 1/4-inch
pocket screws and wood glue. Place the stretchers 2 inches from the bottom.

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STEP 4 – ATTACH THE LEGS

Using the spade or forstner bit, drill holes into the long aprons for the connecting caps. Attach the legs

with the connecting bolts and caps, ensuring that the legs will swing open and closed freely. Do not

overtighten so that the legs easily fold in.

Sand, stain and/or paint, and finish as desired.

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HI, I’M JEN WOODHOUSE!

I am a self-taught carpenter with a

fearless DIY spirit and a penchant for

problem-solving.

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