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Repurposed Desk Made With Vintage Type and Machinist Table Base

April 14th, 2009 in member junk     
TGTG Jenny Kompolt, contributor
24 users recommend
Well, its done! My *new* desk made from a machine shop table and vintage type is complete and I couldn’t be happier with the results! It measures a whopping 4 wide by 8 long. Heres the story of how it was made...
I bought this base at the junkyard for $20 last November. He used a forklift to get it into my truck. I had Welder Chris change out the casters and he created a series of supports so the top wouldnt bow.
The I went to Home Depot and got the straightest piece of 3/4 Birch to use as the top.
I didnt have a design in mind and just let the type help me get there. It took HOURS of time just laying it out placing the big pieces first then using smaller as filler. After I laid it all out, I went back to each piece and hand-glued them into place. That Gorilla Glue is fabulous! Then I stained the edge of the birch top a deep brown to match the type.
Heres a long view of it.
Next, it got moved into the garage so I could clean it up. It took two applications of Howard’s then three of Briwax. Quite an upper body workout!
Look at that beautiful red patina!
Next step was attaching the top to the base. Welder Chris and his helper came to the office to make sure it was done correctly.
Heres Welder Chris signing it. He worked so hard making sure it was all done correctly. LOVE him!
And here it is in my office topped off with a 1/4 glass top. As you can see, I am working towards one end and then using the other end for meetings Family Style. And BTW, theres JunkArcitect Jims Hose Reel Lamp in the back under my gather sign. I love that lamp!
Well, its done! My *new* desk made from a machine shop table and vintage type is complete and I couldn’t be happier with the results! It measures a whopping 4 wide by 8 long. Heres the story of how it was made...

Well, it's done! My *new* desk made from a machine shop table and vintage type is complete and I couldn’t be happier with the results!

It measures a whopping 4' wide by 8' long. Here's the story of how it was made...
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My *new* desk made from a machine shop table and vintage type is complete. It measures a whopping 4' wide by 8' long. It took over two months to put together and I am so happy with the results.


Pattern or design used: My Own Design - JennyK Original
posted in: member junk, tabletop, metal, wood, artwork, industrial, kitchen, furniture, dining room, modern, office, table, brown, green, mod
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Comments (38)

airzinnn writes: This is so Fantastic! WOW! Great job! Posted: 9:36 pm on September 5th
suewannabeinkc writes: Well, I'm inspired to give it a shot. I've begun to collect the type and thought cleaning may be easier on each piece separately. Yours is so beautiful with all the different colors - so I'd like to clean the blocks without making them all the same. Do you have any tips or suggestions for finding blocks? The ones I have were found on eBay, but their sellers have to be getting them from somewhere.

I've been on a roll lately, picking up great junk from garage sales, flea markets, and even the neighbor's trash! I need to turn the junk and my ideas (both original and borrowed) into projects, so my husband can have his garage back! Hopefully I'll get my first pics posted soon!

Your projects are all great - I can't wait to see that's next! Posted: 3:58 pm on June 28th
suewannabeinkc writes: WOW! It's beautiful work of art and quite the conversation piece! Makes me want (to make) one... Posted: 10:09 am on June 12th
TinTinJunkFan writes: This is an absolute work of art. Someone referred me to this site and this striking desk is what prompted me to join this group. This is inspiring! Posted: 12:46 pm on May 22nd
1mager writes: Great project! How did you contend with the rust on the base?
There used to be a product called Naval Jelly for etching away rust, but I haven't seen it for years. Anyone know? Posted: 11:15 pm on May 15th
irishrovr writes:
This is sooooo fantastical!!! I love it!!!

Eileen
http://ruralwisconsin.blogspot.com/ Posted: 10:45 pm on April 17th
synergylw writes: Wow. This is just amazing and a true work of art. Thank you for sharing. Posted: 8:20 pm on April 17th
piecesfromthepast writes: this is just awesome.....................good work!
Lisa Cote
lake wylie sc Posted: 1:51 pm on April 17th
justloveit writes:
Jenny, AWESOME job. Epic task and Astounding result!! Would love to see it in person. The proportions are incredible! Way ta go!!!! Also, love the little "weiner dog" in the second to last picture! Yours?? Name??

Thank you for sharing such a fabulous project, you're an artist! Leanna Posted: 1:02 pm on April 17th
SemperNova writes: This table is amazing and so inspiring!!!! Posted: 11:43 am on April 17th
Austincollector writes: Wow, I have been collecting type letters for years but do not have enough for a great table like that !!!! Awesome, where did you find so many and how long did it take to accumulate them all..... Great job!! Posted: 11:01 am on April 17th
junkermidge writes: That table is so incredible, I don't even know what to say. I was literally speechless when I saw it on the post. I can only imagine how spectacular it is in person.....Wow.
Midge Posted: 12:17 am on April 17th
JUNKFORFUN writes: THAT IS PRICELESS. Posted: 9:03 am on April 16th
catbishop writes: Wow, it's the best table ever! I want one! Posted: 11:54 pm on April 15th
georgiamoon writes: Jenny, It turned out even better than I could imagine. You've created a MASTERPIECE! I can't even relate to all the time and work it took to do this. I am coming by the office to see it in person. You don't mind if I drool a little do you? And maybe shed a few tears...good thing it is topped with extra thick glass because I am sure that's going to be the reaction whenever anyone sees it. No one will be able to even TALK to you for a few minutes after entering your office for the first time. It looks totally amazing!!! Incredible piece of art my friend, Georgia Posted: 1:51 pm on April 15th
whiteflower writes: This desk blows my mind - you must be REALLY good at puzzles! Posted: 1:14 pm on April 15th
TGTG writes: Wow! Wow! Wow! Thank you EVERYONE for your wonderful & amazing words. I am blown away by your feedback and so, so appreciate everything everyone said.

I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such kind, creative and expressive people. THANK YOU!!

All my best,

JennyK

Posted: 12:55 pm on April 15th
shabbychick writes: Jenny - You did an unbelievable job - no really...believable, considering who created this - your vision, talent, and everything else from "A to Z" absolutely shines in this project!

And, it looks awesome in your office - what a great place to work in!

Thanks for sharing, Kathy

Posted: 10:32 am on April 15th
RobJ98167 writes: Jenny that is too cool. I love that desk! Posted: 2:37 am on April 15th
1DesignChick writes: I'm dumbfounded! Absolutely unbelievably incredible! Love, love, love this! Janet Posted: 12:51 am on April 15th
OldBarnRescue writes: Wow! That is truly amazing! I love it! Posted: 12:45 am on April 15th
1retrogal writes: I agree. That is wonderful!! How long have you been collecting the letters and numbers? Your office looks really cool.
Karen Posted: 11:20 pm on April 14th
JunkArchitect writes: Jenny, your desk is one of the most elaborate junk projects I’ve ever seen. I’m amazed how you were able to piece together all the letters so perfectly. It really is spectacular and I hope I get to see it in person someday. Thanks for mentioning the Reel Lamp, it looks cool on your gurney.

Jim
Posted: 10:34 pm on April 14th
suewhitney writes: AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for sharing this Jenny!
Sue Posted: 8:32 pm on April 14th
jjdesigned writes: wow, that is so cool. where did you even find those? I can never find the good Stuff, lol Posted: 8:03 pm on April 14th
roadtriplouise writes: This is awesome!! Love your style. Thanks for sharing the room you put your table in.
Ann Posted: 7:32 pm on April 14th
alicemom writes: Jenny,
Words or should I say letters escape me! Your work is just so fabulous. I think you & Jim are a great tems!
Smiles,
Alice Posted: 7:02 pm on April 14th
StrangeCargo writes: Jenny, the perfect desk, table, sculpture for your office, studio, lab. The machinist's base is bold & integral, the diverse vintage type is powerful, and your concept is genius.
Thank you for letting us see it all.

Ken Posted: 6:54 pm on April 14th
leesee64 writes: Your table is absolutely gorgeous, and the size...WOW! You did an amazing job (as usual!) What a conversation piece...I love it! Posted: 6:52 pm on April 14th
fellowjunker writes: BEAUTIFUL Jenny!!! It must be so enjoyable to sit at that desk and work. I could spend hours looking at the amazing detail and colour. You did a stunning job. You are truly one-of-a-kind.
xojanis Posted: 5:38 pm on April 14th
jillruth writes: BE-autiful. AND thanks for the info. on how much work it was. Sometimes in the junk world we all tend to say "I just..." but really even simple projects can take some time and this was far from simple. Very inspiring! Posted: 3:33 pm on April 14th
annebell writes: That is so cool!! I love it! A great one of a kind, that's for sure. Posted: 2:35 pm on April 14th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: Whoa! That is one amazing table, Jenny! It looks awesome in photos but I can only imagine what it looks like IRL.

Nice job on snagging Jim's lamp too! Looks great in your office.

Keep creating!
Candy Posted: 2:13 pm on April 14th
monakent writes: A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! Your desk is absolutely the coolest I have ever seen. You've outdone yourself with this project. Thanks for the many pictures. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say, it helps to see your work of art in process. Very neat that Chris-the-Welder got to sign your desk for his additional help. Someday I hope to aspire to your level. But in the meanwhile, I sit here humbled and "blown away" by your work!!!!
gailmarie, bfa
Posted: 2:08 pm on April 14th
oldnews writes: Jenny, this is absolutely the most beautiful desk I have ever seen! I'm without words! What a treasure! I showed it to my whole class of third graders and they agree!They also think you are incredibly talented! They love to see the amazing things that people make from what others call junk! It's recycling at it's absolute best and I hope they all learn from what they see here! You are helping to inspire a new generation of junkers! Marie Posted: 12:30 pm on April 14th
CottageElements writes: Wow, Jenny! This is definitely a labor of love and magazine worthy. Looks incredible in your office. Love absolutely everything about it. It's truly a priceless piece of art!!
Posted: 12:28 pm on April 14th
BarkingDogs writes: All of your time and effort certainly paid off, it looks amazing! Posted: 12:25 pm on April 14th
KimberlyMelamed writes: Jenny, This is stunning! Your thoughtfulness and patience really shine on this project. Way to go girl!!! Posted: 12:18 pm on April 14th
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