{"id":15858,"date":"2017-12-06T15:00:16","date_gmt":"2017-12-06T20:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodcarvingillustrated.com\/?p=15858"},"modified":"2017-08-16T14:39:53","modified_gmt":"2017-08-16T18:39:53","slug":"carvers-lapboard-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodcarvingillustrated.com\/carvers-lapboard-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Carver’s Lapboard"},"content":{"rendered":"

No room in the house is off limits with this portable carving station made from scrap.<\/h3>\n

by Charles Brown<\/i><\/p>\n

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This article was first published in issue 34 of\u00a0<\/em>Woodcarving Illustrated.<\/p>\n

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The dimensions of the lapboard depend on a couple factors; I made mine to fit comfortably in my easy chair. Your physique and available materials also play a part in your dimensions.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Cut out your keystone pieces.<\/b> Set your table saw or miter saw to cut at a 5\u00b0 angle. Make your first cut. Flip your piece end over end. Mark your piece so the long dimension will be 13<\/sup>\u20444<\/span>” and make another cut. Continue cutting until you have 16 keystone pieces. I used several pieces of scrap; that way it keeps your hands away from the saw blade. Leave the two end pieces a little longer.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Glue up the semi-circle rail.<\/b> Place these keystone pieces side-by-side. Flip them back and forth until they form the semi-circle. The two long pieces will be your end pieces. Glue and clamp the pieces together, starting on one side. Work your way over to the other side.<\/p>\n

Allow the glue to dry, and sand it smooth.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Assemble the lapboard bottom.<\/b> Edge-glue the two pieces together. Trace the semi-circle rail onto the bottom, and mark the end pieces of the rail. Cut out this semi-circle with a scroll saw, bandsaw, or jigsaw and trim the ends of the rail to fit. Sand the cutout to fit the rail.<\/p>\n

Step 4: Assemble the lapboard.<\/b> Glue and nail the sides, back, and compartment to the bottom, as shown in the diagram. Glue and nail the semi-circle rail in place. Trim the end pieces to match the bottom. Note:<\/p>\n

I left an opening to rest my arms on and to use as a cleanout. It is possible to add front pieces to completely enclose the lapboard. After assembly, I suggest you round over all edges for comfort.<\/p>\n

Step 5: Apply your finish of choice.<\/b> It is possible to leave it natural, but if you apply polyurethane, it will be easier to clean up.<\/p>\n

Materials & Tools<\/h3>\n

Materials:<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n