Adding Custom desk

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Adding Custom desk

August 17, 2011, 05:54:43 pm

Just thought I'd share my doins'...I am a catastrophe insurance adjuster, and therefore travel the country for work. What better to live and work in than a FT?! I have added a custom desk to the girl. I removed the cabinet that housed the fold-down table between the pedestal seat and recliner. I have built (with lots of help from my carpenter friend) two pedestals that anchor the desktop. The front pedestal was built around the top of the wheel well, and houses a pull-out drawer with the printer, and an upper drawer that is big enough for the laptop. The right pedestal has a full sized file drawer on the bottom, and two good sized drawers on top. I spaced the pedestals apart with the plan to be able to reuse the old pull out table and slide it between the pedestals with a fold down leg to add table space for games, etc. when not working. I took the pedestal chair out, and added a rolling office chair mechanism to the base, so now I have a matching leather office chair. I was called out to work after the first coat of varnish, and so I was forced to put the desk in unfinished. When I get home, I will remove, complete the finish, and re-install. I have a plywood top screwed down now to serve as my desktop. My plan is to order the corian to match the rest of the coach to put down on top! The desk pedestals and drawer fronts are made from walnut (to match!) and the insides of the drawers are oak. Have included some photos and will upload final photos when I get home and complete the look. Don't mind the ugly plastic child-proof latches I put on for road travel...These will be removed when I put the traditional drawer stops in...

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #1 – August 17, 2011, 05:58:30 pm

Texman,

Excellent job. Sounds like an interesting occupation you have.

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #2 – August 17, 2011, 06:05:54 pm

That's a great remodel! You definitely have a better office than any of your colleagues

It might be tough to concentrate on work depending on the view out that window!

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #3 – August 17, 2011, 06:24:16 pm

Quote from: George Stoltz – August 17, 2011, 05:58:30 pm

Texman,

Excellent job. Sounds like an interesting occupation you have.

It's a great job! We go places and meet people that we would never normally get to.... Besides that, during the summer heat, we are usually far north of our Texas gulf coast home working in cooler temps!

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #4 – August 17, 2011, 06:26:05 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – August 17, 2011, 06:05:54 pm

That's a great remodel! You definitely have a better office than any of your colleagues

It might be tough to concentrate on work depending on the view out that window!

It's a great, relaxing office...but you are right about the office view...makes it hard when we are overlooking the mountains or a refreshing swimming pool on a hot day!

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #5 – August 17, 2011, 09:35:19 pm

Very, very nice.

And what a coincidence. I'm finishing up a desk myself to put in that very same spot. Mine will be used for music recording and production though - it doesn't fold up. Also trimmed it with walnut to match the coach.

Biggest issue is finishing the wood. New walnut is much darker than the 20 year old panels and cabinets in my coach, which show a lot of amber and orange color. In order to try to match it, the new walnut will have to be bleached. Two ways to do it - leave it in the sun for a month or so, or apply a wood bleaching product. Trying out the solar solution first.

FWIW - I called Foretravel and left a message with the remodelling department. Took a few days, but I heard back regarding what stain/finish is used. The answer - No stain, just a clear finish over the wood. It's time and sunlight which brings out those beautiful colors in the walnut.

Steve

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #6 – August 17, 2011, 09:40:29 pm

Quote from: Merle Hench – August 17, 2011, 09:35:19 pm

FWIW - I called Foretravel and left a message with the remodelling department. Took a few days, but I heard back regarding what stain/finish is used. The answer - No stain, just a clear finish over the wood. It's time and sunlight which brings out those beautiful colors in the walnut.

IIRC, the finish is sanding sealer, possibly the one sold by Sherwin Williams. Steve had asked about it back when he did our TV cabinet remodel.

Michelle

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #7 – August 17, 2011, 09:57:45 pm

Correct.

Sherwin Williams was mentioned, but I did not get a product name (the return call was a voicemail message).

Sanding sealer is a base for a finish, not a finish itself. It's applied to make final sanding come out very smooth. It fills the pores and hardens the tiny ends of the grain, so when sanded, you get a glassy surface. Then the finish is applied. Here's some info --> When to Use Sanding Sealer - Buzz Saw, The Rockler Blog . Walnut is one of those woods that would benefit if a glass smooth finish is desired.

I am glad you mentioned that. Knew there was something else to add to the shopping list.

Steve

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #8 – August 17, 2011, 10:05:32 pm

Quote from: Merle Hench – August 17, 2011, 09:57:45 pm

Correct. Sherwin Williams was mentioned, but I did not get a product name (the return call was a voicemail message).

Sanding sealer is a base for a finish, not a finish itself.

True in most cases, but both Steve and I recall that we were told that's the only coating FT put on their interior wood. We've used it on the black walnut we've used for coach remodeling and it's a perfect match to the original in our coach.

Michelle

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #9 – August 17, 2011, 10:11:17 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – August 17, 2011, 10:05:32 pm

both Steve and I recall that we were told that's the only coating FT put on their interior wood.

Here's some confirmation from a while back

wood staining choice

Early on, I contacted the factory and got the details on the stain and finish they use, but have never pursued it.

For the record, this is what I have in my notes from then (about 2001):

Per Duane Williams (Finishing Dept.) Foretravel, Nac. 936-564-8367

Finish using a conversion varnish or lacquer sanding sealer

-M

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #10 – August 17, 2011, 10:23:23 pm

Quote from: Merle Hench – August 17, 2011, 09:35:19 pm

Very, very nice.

And what a coincidence. I'm finishing up a desk myself to put in that very same spot. Mine will be used for music recording and production though - it doesn't fold up. Also trimmed it with walnut to match the coach.

Steve

Steve-

Thanks for the accolades. Mine doesn't fold up...I just left enough room in the chair hole to be able to slide the original fold out table under. It will come out at a right angle to the desk making a "T". I figure I can store it under the mattress when traveling.

On the wood color, I was told I could leave out in the sun as well, but they said to watch closely as it doesn't take long. I think a month may be too long, IMHO. I used 3/4" walnut plywood for the desk pedestals themselves, and solid walnut for the drawer fronts. I chose the lightest wood for the fronts, it is really the sap wood. The main wood really matches quite well. My fronts are a little light, and I was thinking that I would play with some stains on a scrap to try and get that reddish amber look. Maybe a quick mahogany or cherry... BTW, has anyone talked to FOT about making additional corian that matches?

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #11 – August 17, 2011, 10:25:41 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – August 17, 2011, 10:11:17 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – August 17, 2011, 10:05:32 pm
both Steve and I recall that we were told that's the only coating FT put on their interior wood.

Here's some confirmation from a while back

wood staining choice

Early on, I contacted the factory and got the details on the stain and finish they use, but have never pursued it.

For the record, this is what I have in my notes from then (about 2001):

Per Duane Williams (Finishing Dept.) Foretravel, Nac. 936-564-8367

Finish using a conversion varnish or lacquer sanding sealer

-M

I'll be darned. Never heard of that before.

I learn something new every single day. Thanks for straightening me out on this.

Steve

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #12 – August 17, 2011, 10:28:37 pm

Quote from: texman – August 17, 2011, 10:23:23 pm

BTW, has anyone talked to FOT about making additional corian that matches?

I don't believe they make solid surface themselves anymore. David Flanagan does save old pieces that are taken out during a remodel, though. You might give him a call and see if he has any pieces from your era coach.

Michelle

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #13 – August 17, 2011, 10:33:30 pm

Quote from: texman – August 17, 2011, 10:23:23 pm

Steve-

Thanks for the accolades. Mine doesn't fold up...I just left enough room in the chair hole to be able to slide the original fold out table under. It will come out at a right angle to the desk making a "T". I figure I can store it under the mattress when traveling.

On the wood color, I was told I could leave out in the sun as well, but they said to watch closely as it doesn't take long. I think a month may be too long, IMHO. I used 3/4" walnut plywood for the desk pedestals themselves, and solid walnut for the drawer fronts. I chose the lightest wood for the fronts, it is really the sap wood. The main wood really matches quite well. My fronts are a little light, and I was thinking that I would play with some stains on a scrap to try and get that reddish amber look. Maybe a quick mahogany or cherry... BTW, has anyone talked to FOT about making additional corian that matches?

I tried some cherry Watco danish oil - way too much red. Tried the natural - too dark. I think bleaching it some and then using a clear finish will bring out those red/amber tones.

My desk is almost finished, and is sitting in my foyer, where it gets some afternoon sun directly. I have noted it is lightening up little by little. The rest of the walnut I've machined for the ceiling center trim I'm now putting on sawhorses in the sun when the weather permits. I think you're right - a month may be too long. Will see what happens.

Looking forward to seeing some photos of the finished project.

Steve

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #14 – August 17, 2011, 10:46:14 pm

Quote from: Merle Hench – August 17, 2011, 10:33:30 pm

I tried some cherry Watco danish oil - way too much red. Tried the natural - too dark. I think bleaching it some and then using a clear finish will bring out those red/amber tones.

My desk is almost finished, and is sitting in my foyer, where it gets some afternoon sun directly. I have noted it is lightening up little by little. The rest of the walnut I've machined for the ceiling center trim I'm now putting on sawhorses in the sun when the weather permits. I think you're right - a month may be too long. Will see what happens.

Looking forward to seeing some photos of the finished project.

Steve

Would like to see your photos as well...it really did turn out great, I have a 6 foot desk with lots of storage, and it doesn't take up nearly as much room in the isle as the chair bolted to the floor!

Keep me updated on any stain tricks, and your finished project. Sounds sweet!

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #15 – August 17, 2011, 10:51:28 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – August 17, 2011, 10:28:37 pm

Quote from: texman – August 17, 2011, 10:23:23 pm
BTW, has anyone talked to FOT about making additional corian that matches?

I don't believe they make solid surface themselves anymore. David Flanagan does save old pieces that are taken out during a remodel, though. You might give him a call and see if he has any pieces from your era coach.

Michelle

Thanks for the info, I assume David is at FOT in TX? Sorry, kinda new to this...

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #16 – August 17, 2011, 10:52:20 pm

Quote from: Merle Hench – August 17, 2011, 10:25:41 pm

I'll be darned. Never heard of that before.

Us neither

BTW, I'm pretty sure somewhere around 2007 and up they occasionally used other finishes. We've seen some, particularly '07 and '08, that had a much glossier finish, especially on the stained (rather than natural) woods.

Michelle

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #17 – August 17, 2011, 10:56:16 pm

Quote from: texman – August 17, 2011, 10:51:28 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – August 17, 2011, 10:28:37 pm

I don't believe they make solid surface themselves anymore. David Flanagan does save old pieces that are taken out during a remodel, though. You might give him a call and see if he has any pieces from your era coach.

Thanks for the info, I assume David is at FOT in TX? Sorry, kinda new to this...

Oops - yes, David Flanagan heads up the remodeling department at FOT. I think it's extension 118 or just ask the operator for him.

Michelle

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #18 – August 17, 2011, 10:58:10 pm

For the new Corian top, check with a fabricator in the area you are in. You might just be surprised that it can be matched with some of the new products.

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #19 – August 18, 2011, 09:36:16 am

Quote from: texman – August 17, 2011, 10:46:14 pm

Would like to see your photos as well...it really did turn out great, I have a 6 foot desk with lots of storage, and it doesn't take up nearly as much room in the isle as the chair bolted to the floor!

Keep me updated on any stain tricks, and your finished project. Sounds sweet!

You bet.

I can give you a preview... two pics attached.

I didn't want to do it all in walnut - with so much already everywhere, (and it costs a lot of $$$) so did the bulk of it using black melamine sheet to provide some contrast and visual interest. The walnut I bought as rough lumber from Hearne Hardwoods in eastern PA and machined it to make the trim.

The bays on the bottom left and right have rack rails to install all my processing and recording gear. Above that, a tray slides out which will hold a Yamaha S90ES keyboard. On top will be a 27" LCD monitor, and a pair of monitor speakers. Bringing along three guitars, a bass, a small practice set of electronic drums, and a box of microphones as well. A mini recording studio in my RV.

Due to the delicate nature of the gear, I installed vibration isolation mounts on the bottom, and am also attaching the back of the desk to the wall of the coach with isolation mounts. This will keep everything where it should be and limit the impacts of bumps and vibrations when travelling. Hoping to have solar panels installed by springtime to power the studio directly via inverter on a sunny day.

I'll let you know what happens with getting the wood finished.

Steve

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #20 – August 18, 2011, 01:28:54 pm

Quote

I can give you a preview... two pics attached.

That looks great!!!

I really like the black and walnut contrast too. Can't wait to see the finished product. Keep us posted!

Thanks for your info,
Doug

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #21 – August 24, 2011, 05:22:46 pm

Nice! I am adding this to my "wish" list!

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #22 – August 24, 2011, 10:21:53 pm

I have used J E Moser's Light Golden Brown Walnut water soluble aniline dye to help match the older/lighter walnut in our coach. Here is an example:

Re: Adding Custom desk

Reply #23 – August 25, 2011, 05:58:27 am

Thanks Bob!

That looks very nice. Not familiar with JE Moser. Will check it out.

Am seeing a definite difference with the wood exposed to sunlight. It is bleaching very evenly. It's just a matter of time.

Steve

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