I am a ditherer.
That might seem surprising for someone who appears to get a lot done, but I endlessly analyse decisions about the smallest details of a project. Sometimes the things I spend hours considering aren’t even visible in the finished piece. I make sketches, produce 3D CAD models, discuss things with friends, build prototypes, seek opinion on twitter and internet forums all as part of my decision making process. I love Walt Disney’s quote that “the way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” it’s just that working in that way is not for me.
This writing desk (although let’s be honest, no-one really writes things anymore, it’s for a laptop) has been in the planning for years at some level or other. The original inspiration was a table made by Chris Schwarz, although I’ve tinkered with lots of little details and construction methods (well I would, wouldn’t I?) Every aspect of this desk has been thought and re-thought.
When I have a project in the making I often have workshop time available in little chunks; an evening here, a weekend day there. This suits me fine as I can do all my dithering (or design development and planning if you prefer) in the gaps in between.
I find the result of thinking through every element of a project is a higher level of quality in the finished piece. More than that though, it means that I’ve already pre-worried every detail so I can feel familiar and comfortable with something from day one (this has the effect of making me feel slightly broken when I make something for someone else and it leaves here as soon as its finished) Let’s finish with a quote from me “attention to detail is the way to head towards perfection”
Doug
March 30, 2013
Looks great Ed, any racking at all without a bottom rail or has the top stretcher done the trick
thingswemake.co.uk
March 31, 2013
So far it appears incredibly solid; the joints are wedged and pegged mortice & tenon so they’re going nowhere and the sections are quite chunky which helps the feeling of solidity…ask me again in 5 years to be sure though.
Brian Mackenzie
March 30, 2013
I think your pre-thinking has produced the desired result. It is a very clean and sharp design, brilliantly executed as ever. It’s a relief to finally see it in colour, like the net curtains being finally drawn back. Nice job.
thomasdaniel1990
March 30, 2013
Truly beautiful craftsmanship, nice clean lines. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
thefolia
April 1, 2013
Happy dithering!
kzahm
April 4, 2013
Excellent craftsmanship. Makes me want to sit down and write with steaming cup of coffee (on a coaster, of course).
Estee Tea
April 17, 2013
You are right. It is perfect 🙂