I got a call this week to work up a proposal for custom built & laminated, boomerang-shaped desks for a funky office.
If I get the job I’ll get to really use that pattern-forming router bit.
Anyone out there get an interesting request like this lately?
Any tips?
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I might throw a quick number at them, or a range, see if I can get them to choke early. No need for them to choke after you've spent several hours typing it up.
I'll meet them this week and get specs & how many desks they want. I'll ballpark it then...I have to avoid going low on price. I tend to work for peanuts on cool oddball projects. It will help if they want several made.
If there aren't any compound curves like in the fiberglass one, you could use bending plywood to make the actual forms and piece, as well as for mockups. It bends smoother than cardboard and is more rigid but is less likely to spring back or break like 1/8" MDF and particle board. You could also look at mid century modern design books for other ideas. They used boomerangs a lot then.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
if you throw a number at them, does it automatically come back?
Yeah, and if it's the wrong number it hits you in the face!
Cutting a desk top to a free form has some challenges, but isn't too difficult. A bigger challenge may happen below the desk top. Will there be drawers underneath? If so, will the drawer fronts be curved to follow the top's curve? And presumably the drawers slide into pedestals, right? Will the sides of the pedestals be curves to follow the desk top? Curved drawer fronts and curved pedestal sides are entirely feasible, but are a substantially bigger job than just a freeform top.
You might want to do some research on furniture from the 60's. Boomerang shapes were often used on desks and tables...Buic
Yea, remember the formica tops of the 60's with the boomerangs!
>>Yea, remember the formica tops of the 60's with the boomerangs!I think I saw an article a couple of years ago that they've re-issued(?) that formica patern... hmmmmmhttp://www.kpetersen.com/economytablesformicaboomerang.htm
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
I remember seeing those laminates, now that you mention it. Using a boomerang patterned laminate on a boomerang shaped desk would be nifty.
Its big in the retro looking kitchens!
Actually, the boomerang pattern was from the early-mid 50's. My parents built a house and use that pattern on the bathroom vanity. We sold hte house a few years ago after they were gone, but the original top for the bathroom was there, so we lef it for the new owner. She bought the house specifically because it is a mid-century modern(ish) design, so it was natural to let her have it.IIRC, the boomerang pattern was designed by Brooks Stevens for the Hiawatha trains.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Here's one for you.
http://www.landliving.com/image/Calka_thumb.jpg
Can't figure out if that's a desk-phone or a phone-deskAll the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
Your right. It does look like a phone in my first link. Check out the price. Here's their website.http://www.landliving.com/categories/Office.aspxJoe Carola
Edited 12/4/2005 10:33 pm ET by Framer
Well, yuuup.
Friday I was asked to add maple boards under these beams (wish I had a real wide angle lense, there is another funky beam off to the right), and deal with these stairs, which may or may not have either wire balusters or glass panels...they want prices, whadda ya think, ha!
I've already bid this joint, and am there ready to trim...oy vey!
Now that is a funky gig...the only shape missing on that job is a boomerang!
Well, the homowner is from New Zealand...how far do them boomerangs fly?<G> Hey, pocket doors can't come off the track if they're nailed open
Anyone out there get an interesting request like this lately?
I once was commissioned to build one with 23' lin ft of shelf under the top, plus a bank of drawers. All accessible from the chair. Guy was a med book salesman and wanted everything within reach. Basement office, so I twisted it around a bit to get 17' of desk.
Good luck. Sounds like fun.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!