Secretary fits nicely in small spaces
Everyone needs a place to take care of household business – a spot to write letters, pay bills, plan a menu or do homework.
Unfortunately, many homes simply lack the space for an office or even a full-size desk, and papers wind up spread out all over the kitchen table.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, however, now there’s an “undercover” solution that’s just right for any house. This handsome roll-top secretary combines refined good looks with space-saving practicality, and it looks good (and fits) almost anywhere.
A great place to keep paperwork neat and organized, the project features three pigeonholes under a neat tambour top above and a convenient pull-out writing surface and three big drawers below.
Easy enough for most woodworkers, the secretary calls mostly for straight cuts of oak and oak plywood, and all of the curved pieces are traced from full-size patterns.
How to build it
Construction is simple: first, cut out the pieces and assemble the lower cabinet, drawers and pull-out desktop. Next, assemble the upper section with the tambour cover. To finish, combine the two.
The roll-top secretary measures about 42 inches tall by 28 inches wide by 18 inches deep.
How to order the plan
The roll-top secretary plan, No. 933, is $10.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams, a materials list and cutting layout, a toll-free help line for project questions and a mail-order source for a ready-made tambour.
A package of four desk plans, No. C77, is $24.95 and includes two other roll-top desks, a traditional secretary with a bookcase on top and a small writing desk.
A free catalog picturing dozens of do-it-yourself projects is also available. Please include $4 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.
To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o (The Spokesman-Review), 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 107, Oceanside, CA 92056.
To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453.
Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.