Hi!
Unfortunately I don't have a digital camera (hey, if you have to choose to spend your money on good quality tapes for the 'ol TASCAM or a digital camera, what would you do?), but I also built my own desk. Actually, they are two desks. One for the computer, so that it also can be used for school/work and stuff, and one movable part (with little wheels on it) for the studio, rackmount, etc. I made it out of MDF, wich is twice as cheap as plywood. MDF is heavy, sturdy and easy to saw. If you want to put screws in it you have to drill a little hole first, and if you want to finish it with paint you'll have to use a primer first.
Bigkahuna: your brother did a really nice job there! Wish I had the skill to make something like that!
Good luck to all you DIY-ers!
Dirk Demon
PS Mahogony is a tree, you know, like oak, pine, birch, mahogony. Most Les Paul guitars are made of it, too.