Repurpose old desk - suggestions/warnings/tips?

[stuckinthemud]

I have acquired an old school-teacher’s desk - pretty large at over 5’ by 3’, decent hardwood top over drawers on 10” legs. No photo as I had to partially and drastically disassemble it to get home ( but nothing that isn’t easily fixed). Anyway, I have little idea what to do with it. Can I use it within a workbench design, Or as a base for my lathe, or ? My ‘workshop’ is a single garage, my bench is a door fixed to a wall on four legs.

 

[duke]

Using it as a base for a lathe is what I would do with it. Must have drawers with it which is a bonus. Time to make a new bench!

 

[stuckinthemud]

The drawers are the best bit

 

[duke]

Is the desk top solid hardwood or veneered?
I have three old drawer units in my shop which is great for tool and hardware storage.

 

[duke]

 

[stuckinthemud]

The desk is utilitarian rather than handsome. I think the top is a veneered ply, the drawer carcasses are a brown mahogany of some sort, the desk is marked ‘records office’ on its underside. There are 6 main drawers, including a centre shallow drawer and 2 slide out flat surfaces, so should be really useful

 

[duke]

Good and solid and very useful.