Laptop desks

[Jeff]

Interesting but I doubt that they are practical today. Thomas Jefferson built the first one which he used while traveling in a coach. Building it looks like a PITA.

It's 12 7/8 x 11 x 3.25. The 2 top panels, which are folded together, are 3/8"

Jefferson's had 2 top panels which were hinged to expand the writing area.

 

[Touchwood]

there was a good article on building one in Fine Woodworking a few years ago

 

[Jeff]

there was a good article on building one in Fine Woodworking a few years ago

I think that is a different one by Christian Becksvoort ("Shaker Lap Desk", FWW 2015). I have it but couldn't find the Jefferson laptop desk in Fine Woodworking.

 

[Brian Patterson]

This design would make a nice young child’s first desk/workspace, maybe with a flatter slope for more variety of activities, but add some legs and you have a nifty hallway/entryway piece that shouts ‘Colonial’ for those who love the genre.

 

[Martin Roper]

Except for the folding surface, it reminds me of a portable watercolor easel.

 

[mdbuntyn]

The Fine Woodworking article can be found here. I found it by searching for "Jefferson lap desk."

 

[Richo B]

There were several made back in time, Jefferson's is the most notable. I think I've seen some English versions that pre-date Jeffersons in my years in museums. There were also combination kits that would feature writing and grooming implements. We have one of those from the early 19th century.

 

[Touchwood]

I think that is a different one by Christian Becksvoort ("Shaker Lap Desk", FWW 2015). I have it but couldn't find the Jefferson laptop desk in Fine Woodworking.


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You're right . Becksvoort took the Jefferson design and modified it so if you wanted you could put in a modern laptop