Clamping Leg Sets

Assembly, or glue typically comes after sanding everything.  The many small pieces in this desk complicates the glue up, and I feared glue squishing out everywhere and ruinging my hard work.  So, after sanding and staining I spent time applying a finish to all of the small parts that would be in the drawer stack.  For the record, I used Deft lacquer for the finish coat.

Glued Legs

When the finish dried, I began gluing up two legs, the apron and the rail.  Funny thing, getting to this point after so many months of working on the little parts, I felt a wave of nervousness creep over me.  However, I felt that gluing up these groups of pieces gave me the best chance for success and square alignment.

Gluing the two legs sets together required gluing 6 rails between the two sets.  I decided to call on the aid of my wife to help hold all of the pieces and to wipe up little glue drips that would show up as the pieces came together and I needed and extra hand with all of the clamps.

Glued Drawer Stack

Overall, the glue up went well.  This picture shows the current state.  The color looks good to me, and I am eager to move on.  I put finish on the remaining leg and rail set tonight.

A drawer fits on each side, but I will leave most of that work for a while.