Sounds fine if you're not going to use the wood itself as a writing surface.
If you are, fill the oak.

Oh yes, given shellac's vulnerability to bases, you might want to do a
vinegar wipe after fuming to make sure things are neutralized.

"Bob" wrote in message
om...
I've recently completed a desk in quartersawn white oak. I've
finished final sanding to 180 grit and will fume it with ammonia this
week (I'll assemble the desk after linseed oil application and before
shellac; see below). I've done several tests and am confident in the
method.