A great, and useful project for beginners! Click image to enlarge

Lap Desk Plan

#NWW002
Difficulty - New Woodworker & Up

   The Lap Desk has been around in various forms for centuries and remains useful today. Also, it is a project that can be built in nearly all woodworking shops.

   My version of the Lap Desk is large enough to store common writing supplies but fits comfortably on the lap for writing letters, paying bills or addressing cards virtually anywhere you can sit down. Why spend a nice day indoors when you could handle these chores on the patio?

   Children also like the Lap Desk as its size fits them and their drawing needs well. Besides organizing their materials, it is easy for the parent to relocate the child as needed to keep an eye on them.

   NOTE: If the Lap Desk is to be used by or around small children, install a child-safe lid support, available from virtually any woodworking supply outlet.

I used a piano hinge, mortised flush to the surface for the contrast between brass and wood, but virtually any hinge style will work. Click image to enlarge

   I built this Lap Desk from common pine, but virtually any type of wood can be used. The rabbet joints used on the prototype could be replaced with box or dovetail joints to enhance the appearance. I used a simple round over bit to finish most of the edges but you may like a more decorative treatment.

   Whatever your skill level, the Lap Desk is a great project that is not only useful around your home, it makes a welcomed gift to friends or family. Depending on the wood used, this is also a very cheap project to build. As pictured, my version of the Lap Desk cost less than $30 to build.