I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs -- I have a habit
of living from one apartment to the next, and I'm tired of wobbly throw-away
WalMart computer desks. I'd like more of a utility desk, but stylish,
something I can build out and change up from time to time. My idea is to use
plywood -- but instead of screwing the legs directly on, use metal fasteners
and machine screws so I can disassemble it easily, or add on a side shelf
module, or a leaf on the side to lengthen it later.
Must haves
- Must be modifiable as much as possible -- adjustable, modular, etc.
- Must be able to reassemble infinitely -- machine screws, not nails etc.
- Must be durable, can support 300lbs, no wobbling, shifting
- Must be comfortable - chair with arms can slide underneath, foot rest
under desk
- Must be simple design - no drawers, doors
Would be nice
- Lightweight, so moving day is not a problem
- Raise and lower easily (in seconds), with a lever maybe?
-Max
>I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs -- I have a
habit
>of living from one apartment to the next, and I'm tired of wobbly
throw-away
>WalMart computer desks. I'd like more of a utility desk, but stylish,
>something I can build out and change up from time to time.
That would depend on what sort of monitor you plan to use. A CRT will
require a much heavier table than an LCD panel. Given that an LCD can
be bought for $250 now it is probably worth moving to one if you want
to be able to adjust the monitor position at all.
You could pretty easily set up a counterbalance type arm scheme for an
LCD panel. I would also go for a wireless keyboard and mouse so that
there are no wires anywhere.
Given the design constraints I would look to create something more like
a draftsman's table than a 'desk'. With the monitor supported
separately you have the whole area to spread out papers.
I would build a separate wheely thing for the tower and printer.
"Max" <[email protected]> writes:
>I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs -- I have a habit
>of living from one apartment to the next, and I'm tired of wobbly throw-away
>WalMart computer desks. I'd like more of a utility desk, but stylish,
>something I can build out and change up from time to time. My idea is to use
>plywood -- but instead of screwing the legs directly on, use metal fasteners
>and machine screws so I can disassemble it easily, or add on a side shelf
>module, or a leaf on the side to lengthen it later.
A few comments that may or may not be helpful--
First, if you're not using an LCD monitor, get one. You'll be
glad you did. *Much* easier to move than a CRT, and the desk
doesn't have to support as much weight. Make sure it's at least
1280x1024. You can use a normal VGA card. BTW most LCDs have threaded
bushings in the back for mounting screws, so you could mount it to
anything, it doesn't have to sit on the desktop.
Make *everything* adjustable. You'll be glad later. I tend to use
nuts & bolts (because I don't care what it looks like, and I
don't have any oddball hardware to keep track of when I
disassemble it), but there are other options.
For the desktop, use thin plywood with stiffeners rather than
heavy plywood. Years ago I made a desktop out of 3/4" plywood,
it's really heavy (PITA to move) and not all that stiff. Later I
made a bunch of tables out of 7/16" ply with 1x2 stiffeners,
they're much lighter and actually stiffer. If you're more
ambitious, you could build a torsion box.
Remember that you'll want the keyboard below normal desktop
height. I just made the whole desk lower, but that may not be
what you want. You can buy a keyboard drawer, so you wouldn't
have to build one.
I would make it a "box" structure, with 2 sides rather than 4
legs. This will make the whole thing stiffer. Diagonal brace
across the back. If you make the sides higher in the back, you
can have shelves above.
Consider making something to hold just the keyboard and LCD (CPU
tower goes on the floor), with a separate table for your papers &
stuff. This would only have to be about 20" wide (similar to an
old fashioned typewriter table, if you remember those). This also
gives you the option of having the keyboard perpendicular to the
desk (or anywhere else you want to put it).
Build a "rough draft" using the cheapest possible wood, play with
it for a few months, then throw it out and build a better one. If
your first version is "for keeps", you won't experiment enough.
Max wrote:
> Under $500, since I need to keep it simple, no drawers. I guess think o=
f=20
> Ikea and how it all bolts together. But as much metal hardware as possi=
ble=20
> for strength and easy re-assembly, and no particle board. lol!
>=20
> What to use for the table top -- some sort of high durability laminate?=
Top=20
> should be water proof.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> "longshot" <[email protected]> wrote in message=20
> news:[email protected]...
>=20
>>what's your budget?
>>
Desk on my site is plywood, rotary oak veneer, Oak trim (banding).=20
Steamed some oak for the curved cutouts on the side panels. Easier than =
I thought
It is under your budget. There are no formal plans -- just had a=20
description of what was wanted -- should be easy to copy from the=20
pictures. I did a simple sketch and built it. It is very simple to build.=
The drawer slides and handles were under $100 - so say $300 for the=20
drawer set and corner piece -- if I had replaced the computer desk too=20
-- it might have reached $500 in materials - don't think so though.=20
Maybe if I had done a hutch with bookshelves I could have spent $500 or=20
a bit more.
Being made of plywood it is light, strong and easy to move. And it looks =
like "real" wood all the way through.
And that was in Canukistani Pesos - American $$ should be under $400 to=20
do something that big - or smaller.
Whatever you do - have fun.
--=20
Will R.
Jewel Boxes and Wood Art
http://woodwork.pmccl.com
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those=20
who have not got it.=94 George Bernard Shaw
Go to Office Max, Staples, Office Depot, etc. and check out what's
available. Sit at them and see if any feels "right." Measure up the
piece on a scratch pad. If the salesman asks if you need help, just
ask if it's alright if you can take some measurements. Not sure why
you need to support 300 pounds (computers, peripherals, and media are
getting more lightweight and smaller). Perhaps you need a separate
bookcase? I've used computers for over 20 years and my space needs
have greatly decreased (I used to have various levels, cubby holes,
file cabinet, large noisy printer, large heavy monitor, etc.) Making
an ergonomic custom computer chair would be a challenge.
On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:44:43 GMT, "Max" <[email protected]> wrote:
>I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs -- I have a habit
>of living from one apartment to the next, and I'm tired of wobbly throw-away
>WalMart computer desks. I'd like more of a utility desk, but stylish,
>something I can build out and change up from time to time. My idea is to use
>plywood -- but instead of screwing the legs directly on, use metal fasteners
>and machine screws so I can disassemble it easily, or add on a side shelf
>module, or a leaf on the side to lengthen it later.
>
>Must haves
>- Must be modifiable as much as possible -- adjustable, modular, etc.
>- Must be able to reassemble infinitely -- machine screws, not nails etc.
>- Must be durable, can support 300lbs, no wobbling, shifting
>- Must be comfortable - chair with arms can slide underneath, foot rest
>under desk
>- Must be simple design - no drawers, doors
>
>Would be nice
>- Lightweight, so moving day is not a problem
>- Raise and lower easily (in seconds), with a lever maybe?
>
>-Max
>
WOW! Very impressive Tom! And shuttle bay payloads too...
-Max
"Tom Riley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Dear Max,
>
> I have been designing low-stress computer furniture on the Web
> since 1995 (URL below). Please look over the 50 or so plans we now
> have and get back to me on your exact needs.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tom Riley
> [email protected]
>
> Woodware Designs
> http://www.charm.net/~jriley/woodware.html
>
> My new book is out!!!
>
> "Look the Future Straight in the Eye"
> http://www.charm.net/~jriley/book.html
>
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:44:43 GMT, "Max" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs -- I have a habit
>
>>- Lightweight, so moving day is not a problem
>>- Raise and lower easily (in seconds), with a lever maybe?
>>
>>-Max
>>
>
Max wrote:
see below.
> I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs -- I have a ha=
bit=20
> of living from one apartment to the next, and I'm tired of wobbly throw=
-away=20
> WalMart computer desks. I'd like more of a utility desk, but stylish,=20
> something I can build out and change up from time to time. My idea is t=
o use=20
> plywood -- but instead of screwing the legs directly on, use metal fast=
eners=20
> and machine screws so I can disassemble it easily, or add on a side she=
lf=20
> module, or a leaf on the side to lengthen it later.
>=20
> Must haves
> - Must be modifiable as much as possible -- adjustable, modular, etc.
> - Must be able to reassemble infinitely -- machine screws, not nails et=
c.
> - Must be durable, can support 300lbs, no wobbling, shifting
> - Must be comfortable - chair with arms can slide underneath, foot rest=
=20
> under desk
> - Must be simple design - no drawers, doors
>=20
> Would be nice
> - Lightweight, so moving day is not a problem
> - Raise and lower easily (in seconds), with a lever maybe?
>=20
> -Max=20
>=20
>=20
You might get some ideas here.
http://woodwork.pmccl.com/Business/productsbusiness/productsfurniture.htm=
l
Check lee valley for monitor arms and keyboard tray hardware if you need =
that.
This group is into woodworking so don't expect help on the electrical=20
power aspects.
--=20
Will R.
Jewel Boxes and Wood Art
http://woodwork.pmccl.com
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those=20
who have not got it.=94 George Bernard Shaw
I am going to built his computer desk in the near future. I have a Gateway
tower that's about 22" tall, 20" deep, and 8" wide. I would adjust each
pedestal to exact size evenly, to make them fit for the tower, scanner, and
printer. I was thinking about leaving the back of the pedestal open, or with
1" holes evenly space on the 1/4" plywood back panel for the tower
ventilation. The front door of the tower drawer would be opened during use.
I was thinking of using a 3/4" oak plywood with bread board edging for the
desk top. I checked the website below and also accessed the sites of those
who made this desk.
http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct3.cgi?1206
"Max" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Actually the one Norm built is what got me interested in making one.
Putting
> the computer in a closed drawer was amusing, but his tiny computer would
do
> ok in there. You'd want to look at venting and building fans into desk for
> larger computers.
>
> Maybe I can try something similar to the anthro.com but in wood....
>
> -Max
>
>
> "John" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:fzK_d.82944$Ze3.73430@attbi_s51...
> > There's a neat one that Norm built on the NYW show. Check the site out
for
> > the plan. It looks like an ordinary desk which has everything hidden in
a
> > drawer.
> >
> >
> > "Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >> On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:44:43 GMT, "Max" <[email protected]> wrote:
> >>
> >> >I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs --
> >>
> >> Check these guys out.
> >>
> >>
> >> http://www.anthro.com/
> >>
> >>
> >> Thomas J. Watson - WoodDorker
> >>
> >> tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)
> >> http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1 (webpage)
> >
> >
>
>
Under $500, since I need to keep it simple, no drawers. I guess think of
Ikea and how it all bolts together. But as much metal hardware as possible
for strength and easy re-assembly, and no particle board. lol!
What to use for the table top -- some sort of high durability laminate? Top
should be water proof.
"longshot" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> what's your budget?
>
>
Actually the one Norm built is what got me interested in making one. Putting
the computer in a closed drawer was amusing, but his tiny computer would do
ok in there. You'd want to look at venting and building fans into desk for
larger computers.
Maybe I can try something similar to the anthro.com but in wood....
-Max
"John" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:fzK_d.82944$Ze3.73430@attbi_s51...
> There's a neat one that Norm built on the NYW show. Check the site out for
> the plan. It looks like an ordinary desk which has everything hidden in a
> drawer.
>
>
> "Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:44:43 GMT, "Max" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> >I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs --
>>
>> Check these guys out.
>>
>>
>> http://www.anthro.com/
>>
>>
>> Thomas J. Watson - WoodDorker
>>
>> tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)
>> http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1 (webpage)
>
>
There's a neat one that Norm built on the NYW show. Check the site out for
the plan. It looks like an ordinary desk which has everything hidden in a
drawer.
"Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:44:43 GMT, "Max" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs --
>
> Check these guys out.
>
>
> http://www.anthro.com/
>
>
> Thomas J. Watson - WoodDorker
>
> tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)
> http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1 (webpage)
Dear Max,
I have been designing low-stress computer furniture on the Web
since 1995 (URL below). Please look over the 50 or so plans we now
have and get back to me on your exact needs.
Thanks,
Tom Riley
[email protected]
Woodware Designs
http://www.charm.net/~jriley/woodware.html
My new book is out!!!
"Look the Future Straight in the Eye"
http://www.charm.net/~jriley/book.html
On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:44:43 GMT, "Max" <[email protected]> wrote:
>I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs -- I have a habit
>- Lightweight, so moving day is not a problem
>- Raise and lower easily (in seconds), with a lever maybe?
>
>-Max
>
On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:44:43 GMT, "Max" <[email protected]> wrote:
>I want to make a computer desk that fits my unique needs --
Check these guys out.
http://www.anthro.com/
Thomas J. Watson - WoodDorker
tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)
http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1 (webpage)