Henry Desk

diy workbench desk
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Workbench style desk plans - free from Ana-White.com

diy workbench desk
diy workbench desk
diy workbench desk
diy workbench desk
diy workbench desk

Hi everyone and Happy Friday!!!

You know that feeling of anticipation and excitement, after you finish a project, and you finally get to show it off?

Yep, that's me, right now!  In between working on a Momplex, raising a newborn and a first grader, blogging, and something else I can't quite divulge just yet, I made a new desk!!!

It's got that workbench feel, perfect for anyone out there who'd rather any day be in the shop or garage working, than at their desk.  

Special thanks of course to 2x6 lumber and 1x whitewood boards.  

This desk is of course inspired by the Pottery Barn Hendrix Desk and workbenches everywhere.  I spent about $50 on lumber, and then another $15 on the hardware.

Instead of a vise, I used pipe parts and a wooden dowel to give the desk even more workbench character.  I used 1/2" fittings - there's a floor plate, double threaded nipple and a T with two 1/2" dowels threaded into the T.

I went back and forth on adding the drawer, and since the drawer would have ended up about 1-1/2" deep, I scrapped it (but you could still put one in easily).  I'm more of a pens and pencils in an old coffee can kinda gal.

To add extra detail to the construction, I used my Ryobi AirStrike stapler - seriously, that tool is awesome!

I will never forget the first time I used the AirStrike nailer (same tool, just shoots a finish nail instead of a staple).  Instant love.  No more noisy air compressors or dragging a hose around the house.

The stapler shares the same battery as my Ryobi AirStrike nailer and drills and sander, so no need to invest in tons of batteries or chargers.  

So head on over to download these free plans here!

Instructions

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

carongirls

Fri, 03/07/2014 - 16:56

I am going to try to make this. Congrats on the ryobi deal but I like your old way of doing plans. I have to flip back and forth between pages to understand the plans.

rfpeterlin

Mon, 03/10/2014 - 12:29

The plans call out a Project Panel, but do not specify a thickness. Can you "share" what your recommended thickness would be; and would you recommend supports between the front and back aprons?

I am considering morphing this into a sewing table.

meliss greenwood

Tue, 04/22/2014 - 21:47

Hey I've been trying to look at the plans for the regular Henry Desk and it says the page has been moved :( I would really like to make the smaller version if you could help me out?

jtfmom123

Thu, 05/29/2014 - 07:55

Hey Ana,

I was looking to start this project today but the Ryobi webpage where the plans are, no longer exists. Are you able to post the plans on your site? Thanks so much!

marianne brouwer

Tue, 12/01/2015 - 12:04

Hello,

can you tell me what kind of nails you use for your AirStrike nailer? and where do you buy them

 I live in theNetherlands so I have to buy the nailer and the nails online anuyway

greetings from Amsterdam.

Marianne 

marianne brouwer

Tue, 12/01/2015 - 12:04

Hello,

can you tell me what kind of nails you use for your AirStrike nailer? and where do you buy them

 I live in theNetherlands so I have to buy the nailer and the nails online anuyway

greetings from Amsterdam.

Marianne 

Tsu Dho Nimh

Wed, 12/02/2015 - 08:22

The nails are generic as long as they are glued together (called glue strip) and the gauge and length specified for that nail gun.  (that's usually on the box)

The nail box usually gives which brands it works with, and you can probably find nails in your local hardware store.