DIY Desk // Finishing with Polyurethane // EP 80

Improving my home office for under $200 with an electric stand up desk with a DIY wood top. In this video I also give a detailed demonstration on how to apply polyurethane to wood, how to sand polyurethane between coats and how to rub out the final finish for a smooth as glass surface.
Links here to the hardware I'm recommending:
www.amazon.com/shop/chrisharp...
Prices have gone up since I made my desk. The exact frame I used is now $170 as of July 2021. The cheapest programmable one I could find is $145.
Direct Link to the Plans:
www.etsy.com/listing/82870634...
Check out these Links to Woodworking Resources!
linktr.ee/benchtopwoodworks
Chapters:
Breaking Down the Plywood: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Gluing the Top: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Squaring up the Top: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Using a Router to roundover the edges: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Sanding the Top: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Prepping Wood for Finish, Removing Dust: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
How to Apply Oil Based Wood Stain: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
How to Apply Polyurethane: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
How to Sand Polyurethane: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Assembling the Standup Desk: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Rubbing the final coat of polyurethane: • DIY Desk // Finishing ... Casters: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Attaching the desk top: • DIY Desk // Finishing ...
Thanks for watching, I would love to hear your comments. Subscribe so that you don't miss part 2!
#howtoapplypolyurethane #polyurethane #woodfinish

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Thanks. Nice work.

[@benchtopwoodworks]

Thanks for watching, Glen!

[@cdhdesigns3170]

For us, we have found that the tape trick works for cutting certain materials, like laminate countertops.

[@benchtopwoodworks]

Cherie, thanks for sharing that tip!

[@ChrisTietjen_00]

Nice project. Too bad the price went up on the frame.
I worked for a couple of years in commercial cabinet shops that had saws with scoring blades that ran in climb ahead of the main blade which eliminated tear out from the main blade. I found I could duplicate this idea with a circular saw by setting the blade depth to 1/8" (or less) and running the saw backwards through the material using a clamped guide rail thus giving an initial scoring cut . You then drop the blade to full cutting depth and make the cut in the normal direction without any tear out.. Your circular saw needs to have a flat base and a well behaved depth adjustment. Pushing the saw backwards with such a light cut works in plywood and particle board but you should practice before making any expensive cuts. The saw handles (ergonomics) aren't setup for a "backwards" grip so you have to work that out to your own satisfaction before attempting this. I've only used this method with sheet goods; plywoods, particle board and melamine. You can also do this on the table saw but again the ergonomics need to be worked out ahead of time for maximum safety. Another trick that works quite well is to score the cutting line with a knife and then set your clamped cutting guide to just 'leave the line'. This method works great for trimming off the bottom of a door. You can also use the scoring method with free hand cutting. I tend to use a guide rail according to how expensive a mistake is. In that vein I'll add that I don't find a sheetrock square to be a proper guide rail. There are some nice aluminum extrusions available that do a much better job in terms of clamping area. I tried the painters tape method exactly once. :-)

[@benchtopwoodworks]

Chris, Great circular saw tips, thank you for sharing! I've used the knife score before on exactly the door application you described. Chip guards on a track saw seem to work pretty well when adjusted. I'm pretty certain that painters tape "hack" is bunk.
I did manage to find a similar programmable frame for $145 recently.
Thanks for watching, and taking the time to share your experience!