I've seen these type of desk organizers floating around the internet for a couple years, I've always wanted one but didn't want to pay the high prices for what was essentially a block of wood with holes drilled into it.

I kept thinking I'll get to making one eventually, then I seen an Instructable by MarkD1 Here and it inspired me to try my hand at making a couple, This Instructable is of the latest one I've made.

Step 1: Tools and Equipment Needed.

Table saw, or a circular saw

Sawzall

Drill press, or a hand drill

Forstner drill bit set

Hand held router { pictured }

Hand held propane blowtorch{ pictured }

Eye/face protection { pictured }

Particulate Respirator (face mask) { pictured }

Stiff bristle brushed of various sizes { pictured }

Clear coat spray { pictured }

4x4 lumber

Warning: Do not use Pressure treated wood, the wood that has a green tint, it has arsenic in it to kill bugs that eat it. Burning this will put the arsenic in the smoke you would end up breathing...

Step 2: Drilling the Holes.

I started off with a 4x4x12" piece of pine. Secured it to my worktable, I used a 2" a 1" and a 1/2" forstner bit for the hole sizes and just drilling the holes randomly to a depth of about 3".

Step 3: Time to Trim.

Using the Sawzall, I trimmed around the holes leaving roughly 1/2'' thickness all the way around the piece.

Step 4: Smoothe the Top Edges.

With a round over-beading bit installed on the router I smoothed the inside and outside top edges.

Step 5: Time to Heat Things Up.

Do this step in a well ventilated area.

With the blowtorch start in the valleys and work your way out to the outside edges, you'll want to get all the saw marks, chips and sharp edges smoothed out. I like to work in layers and build up to a completely charred surface inside and out.

Step 6: Cleaning It Up.

I cannot stress this enough, wear a particulate respirator or face mask at the very least, you will be brushing charcoal dust into the air.

With that said, lets brush the charred exterior off to see the pattern in that wood.

I used 3 different types of brushes a big hand held scrub brush with stiff bristles, an old nail brush with soft bristles and an old toothbrush (clean), just scrub until the charring is completely gone, (I do this over a trash can to minimize the mess).

The burning will bring a beautiful color out of the wood, you can leave it like this at this point or burn it again to get any rough spots or saw blade marks you may have missed the first time.

Don't forget to clean the inside of the holes out it can be difficult to get all the charred wood, this is where the toothbrush comes in handy.

Step 7: Sealing It Up.

For this organizer I used a matte finish, 3 coats sealed it up nicely.

The clear coat will darken the piece significantly, just be aware.

Step 8: Others I've Done.

Give this project a try. It is well worth the time and effort. I am very happy with mine.

Guess what my friend's and family are getting for Christmas.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them in
the comments section below, I enjoy hearing from you guys so don't be afraid to post!