Norm visits the Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, Massachusetts. Built in 1860, the mill was purchased in 1864 by German immigrant woodworkers, Charles and Frederick Schwamb. The brothers did a brisk business crafting the oval picture frames which, at the time, were in demand to display photographs of Civil War soldiers. In the Schwamb Brother’s old office, Norm spies a handsome, quarter sawn oak roll top desk, which inspires him to build his version of this American classic.

Norm visits the Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, Massachusetts. Built in 1860, the mill was purchased in 1864 by German immigrant woodworkers, Charles and Frederick Schwamb. The brothers did a brisk business crafting the oval picture frames which, at the time, were in demand to display photographs of Civil War soldiers. In the Schwamb Brother’s old office, Norm spies a handsome, quarter sawn oak roll top desk, which inspires him to build his version of this American classic.

Norm visits the Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington, Massachusetts. Built in 1860, the mill was purchased in 1864 by German immigrant woodworkers, Charles and Frederick Schwamb. The brothers did a brisk business crafting the oval picture frames which, at the time, were in demand to display photographs of Civil War soldiers. In the Schwamb Brother’s old office, Norm spies a handsome, quarter sawn oak roll top desk, which inspires him to build his version of this American classic.

Norm's own design for a corner cupboard, constructed back in his workshop from pine and plywood, incorporates a top section closed in with glass-paned doors and a base cabinet with raised panel doors. Norm demonstrates how to build a slant-top writing desk with tapered legs, a shallow desk drawer and a nest of small drawers and open bins fitted into the top. Constructed mostly of maple.

1 Jigs, Part I 2001-01-06
2 Jigs, Part II 2001-01-13
3 Hall Seat 2001-01-20
4 CD Storage Case 2001-01-27
5 Garden Armchair 2001-02-03
6 Workshop Hutch 2001-02-10
7 Outdoor Cupboard 2001-02-07
8 Dressing Table, Part I 2001-02-24
9 Dressing Table, Part II 2001-03-03
10 Mail Box 2001-03-10
11 Bath Cupboard 2001-03-17
12 Monastery Table 2001-03-24
13 Barrister Bookcase 2001-03-31

America's favorite craftsman Norm Abram continues to re-create timeless classics while taking on new challenges. Join Norm in TNYW for his trademark step-by-step approach that will inspire woodworkers-from casual to expert-to roll up their sleeves put on their safety goggles and get building.

2 Chestnut Coffee Table 1996-01-13
3 Paymaster's Desk 1996-01-20
4 Long Table 1996-01-27
5 Double Dresser 1996-02-03
6 Chestnut Desk 1996-02-10
7 Irish Hutch 1996-02-17
9 Three Turned Table Lamps 1996-03-02
10 Garden Shed and Recycling Center (Part 1) 1996-03-09
11 Garden Shed and Recycling Center (Part 2) 1996-03-16
12 Nest of Drawers 1996-03-23

2 Chestnut Coffee Table 1996-01-13
3 Paymaster's Desk 1996-01-20
4 Long Table 1996-01-27
5 Double Dresser 1996-02-03
6 Chestnut Desk 1996-02-10
7 Irish Hutch 1996-02-17
9 Three Turned Table Lamps 1996-03-02
10 Garden Shed and Recycling Center (Part 1) 1996-03-09
11 Garden Shed and Recycling Center (Part 2) 1996-03-16
12 Nest of Drawers 1996-03-23

1 Rolling Shop Cabinet 1992-01-04
2 Outdoor Lidded Bench 1992-01-11
3 Child's Wagon 1992-01-18
4 Coffee Table 1992-01-25
5 Gardener's Workbench 1992-02-01
6 Shaker Tall Chest 1992-02-08
7 Colonial Fences 1992-02-15
8 Console Table 1992-02-22
9 Wheelbarrow 1992-02-29
10 Umbrella Stand 1992-03-07
11 Turned Post Bed 1992-03-14
12 Dove Cote 1992-03-21
13 Ladder-back Chair 1992-03-28