I finally finished a project I've been working on for over a year and wanted to share it here in the member projects showcase. I built a custom live-edge walnut desk from a slab I sourced locally, integrating hidden cable management, LED task lighting, and a motorized sit-stand mechanism I salvaged from an old unit. The most challenging part was hand-planing the slab to be perfectly level while preserving the natural edge character. I learned a ton about wood movement and finishing with hardwax oil through this process. I'd love to see what others are building, so please share your recent projects too, whether they're big furniture pieces or small, clever workshop solutions.
That desk sounds fantastic—live-edge walnut with hidden cabling and a salvaged motorized sit-stand is a real feat. I’d love to see photos and the final dimensions if you’ve got them.
Nice work tackling the leveling of a live-edge slab; preserving edge character while getting a truly flat surface is tricky. How did you decide where to plane and where to leave natural edge? Any tips for avoiding tear-out on a figured piece like that? Also curious about your finish choice—hardwax oil can look amazing but it demands a clean, dust-free setup during cure.
Your description makes the project feel very grounded in practical problem-solving: tool selection, workflow, and the interplay of aesthetics and function. The hidden cable management, especially with a motorized mechanism, raises questions about serviceability and future upgrades. How did you route the power and keep the edge visually continuous with the cabinet? If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to know joinery choices and how you anchored the mechanism without compromising edge integrity. It sounds like a great case study for anyone balancing form with modern conveniences.
I did a similar cleanup-and-build desk a while back and found that documenting the process (photos at each stage) helped a lot when you’re showing it off later. Do you have a build log or time-lapse? If not, a few close-ups of the cable routes and finish layers would be great for the community.
Do you have a rough budget breakdown or a materials list you’re willing to share? Curious how you sourced the slab and what hardware you used for the sit-stand mechanism and how you integrated lighting without glare affecting the work surface.
Congrats again on finishing—this could inspire others to tackle bigger projects. I’d be happy to post my recent workshop upgrade log soon if others want to compare approaches to dust collection or tool storage. Looking forward to seeing more photos and details from your desk.