For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
graceful way of doing it.
Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
the back or sides.
Any ideas will be appreciated.
Thanks,
-vs-
"Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote:
>For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>graceful way of doing it.
>
>Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
>fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
>the back or sides.
>
>Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-vs-
>
1) Cordless phone and battery operated lamp.
2) Fish lines through the wall and put new outlets above desktop.
3) Keep hole small by removing cord from lamp and feeding through, or
cutting off plug, feeding through, then install new plug below desk.
Could do the same with phone plug, but it is pretty small anyway.
4) A shop-made item similar to the grommets others have mentioned. I
would do a square hole (at the back edge, since my square drill bits
are out for sharpening<g>) large enough to pass any electrical plugs.
I'd glue support strips under the edges of the hole to create a ledge
for my plug to rest on, and cut a tightly fitting plug of the same
wood as my desktop, matching grain as closely as I could. I'd drill a
1/4 circle off a corner, as small as possible to still pass the cords.
I like #2 or #4, since you will be able to change lamps, add new
plug-in items, etc.
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.
On Thu, 26 May 2005 10:18:33 -0400, "Virgil Smith"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>graceful way of doing it.
>
>Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
>fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
>the back or sides.
Any chance of installing outlets in the wall of the alcove?
>Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-vs-
>
YES! This is a better solution. On built in desks I've often used a
detail where there is a continuous slot along tha back. Basicially
stand the desk a few inches out away from the wall. In some cases we
add an edge band that stands up a 1/4" or so to keep pencils from
rolling off the back.
Just put some blocks at the back, on the wall or on the desk, to keep
it away from the wall.
Here's another thought - if the desk sits against
drywall, cut out a small piece, say 2 x 12 inches
so that most of it is below the desk. Then, make a small
box to fit into the drywall with a "shelf" through which
a (say) 1 inch hole is drilled.
Bring the wires into the "box" from underneath and through
the hole out onto the desk surface. Of course, you could
trim it out to make it match the desk.
I have never tried it, but it might work if you really
don't want any desk holes.
FWIW.
Lou
In article <[email protected]>, Virgil Smith
<[email protected]> wrote:
> For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
> bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
> hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> graceful way of doing it.
>
> Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
> fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
> the back or sides.
>
> Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -vs-
>
>
"Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
> fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
> the back or sides.
>
> Any ideas will be appreciated.
Lots of good suggestions, but not the "best" way to solve your problem. The
desk is against the wall so you can't drop the wires. You don't want to
drill a hole and I can understand that. The solution is simple.
Make a decorative series of notches along the back of the desktop. that
will allow the wires to go between the desk and wall. then carefully place a
strip of duct tape over the wires from the edge to the appliance. Duct tape
fits in all occasions and no one will notice it. Offers some safety from
getting things snagged in the cords.
Please be sure to post photos once in place so we may all admire your work.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> My preferred method is to drill a small pilot hole then, starting on the
> visible side first, use a good Forstner bit, _from both sides_, to
complete
> the hole. Insert a grommet made for this specific purpose to fill the
hole.
I like your approach the best of all I've read, when a grommet is the
answer.
Bob
"Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
> fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
> the back or sides.
I faced exactly the same issue (with regard to angst) on a desk. It was a
commercial desk but the concerns for the finish were the same. Rockler had
the widest range of sizes and high quality finishes in desk grommets. I
installed three antique brass finish grommets and they came out very nicely.
I used a plunge router with a circle cutting jig. It worked well. If doing
it today, I might consider using a high quality forstner bit instead, but
the router was definitely a reliable method that was easily repeatable. The
one thing I would do differently is attach a piece of wood below the
proposed hole to help hold the disk of wood that comes loose when you use a
router.
Bob
Do some research on the Philadelphia Experiment. Reportedly, after the last
test, there were crewman imbedded in the deck of the ship. You could use
something like that to pass wires through the desk without drilling. Or,
rout a hole and use a grommet made for that.
"Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
> bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
> hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> graceful way of doing it.
>
> Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
> fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
> the back or sides.
>
> Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -vs-
>
>
"alexy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>>bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>>gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>>hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>>graceful way of doing it.
>>
>>Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
>>fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
>>the back or sides.
>>
>>Any ideas will be appreciated.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>-vs-
>>
>
> 1) Cordless phone and battery operated lamp.
>
> 2) Fish lines through the wall and put new outlets above desktop.
>
> 3) Keep hole small by removing cord from lamp and feeding through, or
> cutting off plug, feeding through, then install new plug below desk.
> Could do the same with phone plug, but it is pretty small anyway.
>
> 4) A shop-made item similar to the grommets others have mentioned. I
> would do a square hole (at the back edge, since my square drill bits
> are out for sharpening<g>) large enough to pass any electrical plugs.
> I'd glue support strips under the edges of the hole to create a ledge
> for my plug to rest on, and cut a tightly fitting plug of the same
> wood as my desktop, matching grain as closely as I could. I'd drill a
> 1/4 circle off a corner, as small as possible to still pass the cords.
>
> I like #2 or #4, since you will be able to change lamps, add new
> plug-in items, etc.
> --
> Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked
> infrequently.
Install a power strip (the ones with a phone jack) to the underside of the
knee hole.
MikeG
"Virgil Smith" wrote in message
> For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
> bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
> hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> graceful way of doing it.
>
> Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
> fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
> the back or sides.
>
> Any ideas will be appreciated.
I do this regularly when drilling unexpected holes for wiring, etc., through
expensive cabinets that were just built.
My preferred method is to drill a small pilot hole then, starting on the
visible side first, use a good Forstner bit, _from both sides_, to complete
the hole. Insert a grommet made for this specific purpose to fill the hole.
(Make sure you size the bit for the grommet you buy, or vice versa)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 5/14/05
Wow! Lots of good suggestions! Thanks, folks, for adding to my store of
knowledge. I'm still pretty new at this. I think my best bet is to go with
one of the Rockler grommets. They have some real nifty looking ones. I
didn't realize what was in their product line.
In checking their web site, I found they have a retail outlet in a nearby
town, so I'll stop by over the weekend and see what I can pick up.
Next time I do something like this, I'll have a whole repertoire of
techniques to draw on.
Much obliged...
-vs-
"Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
> bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
> hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> graceful way of doing it.
>
> Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
> fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
> the back or sides.
>
> Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -vs-
>
>
BillyBob wrote:
>
> "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>> My preferred method is to drill a small pilot hole then, starting on the
>> visible side first, use a good Forstner bit, _from both sides_, to
> complete
>> the hole. Insert a grommet made for this specific purpose to fill the
> hole.
>
> I like your approach the best of all I've read, when a grommet is the
> answer.
>
> Bob
My preferred method is to place a backing block of crummy wood behind the
hole location, drill all the way through from the good side.
--
Saville
Replicas of 15th-19th century nautical navigational instruments:
http://home.comcast.net/~saville/backstaffhome.html
Restoration of my 82 year old Herreshoff S-Boat sailboat:
http://home.comcast.net/~saville/SBOATrestore.htm
Steambending FAQ with photos:
http://home.comcast.net/~saville/Steambend.htm
"Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
> bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
> hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> graceful way of doing it.
>
> Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
> fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
> the back or sides.
>
> Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -vs-
>
>
My suggestion, as most of the harware shown allows for the PLUG and wire to
come through the desk surface I would cut the plugs off and make the hole
size just large enough for the wire only. A 1/4" hole is all that is
necessary in most cases .which in most cases can be plugged with a standard
[plug at a later date . After installation the particular items can ne
replugged . As far as I am concerned the gommet thing is only reserved for
things like computer equipment that have specialty plugs.
Perhaps another solution along the same lines as the desk top no doubt has
an edge molding ,how about making cuts through the molding just deep enough
to accomodate the wiring adjacent to the particular item on the
desktop.....mjh
The grommet is the most common way. I also like the idea of keeping the desk
an inch or so off the wall. There is also a grommet made for this gap, to
keep stuff from falling behind. Check out.
http://cableorganizer.com/images/computer-cabinets/brush-grommet.jpg < Not
really what I was thinking of but could be a good solution.
Here is the grommet incorporated into design. Pretty nice.
http://rencodesign.com/html/det_exret3.html
Hmm - I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. It came with a desk I
bought from Lizel's in Lansdale, PA. It is sort of like a door sweep. Made
of rubber. It connects to the top edge of the vertical piece at the back of
the desk. It compresses against the bottom of the top. It is used to keep
cables from getting lost and holding them in place. Its not visible from top
but requires the desk to be a bit away from wall.
Good luck - Let us know what you do
-B
"Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
> bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
> hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> graceful way of doing it.
>
> Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
> fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
> the back or sides.
>
> Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -vs-
>
>
In article <[email protected]>,
"Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote:
> For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
> bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
> hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> graceful way of doing it.
Think upside down. Dangle cords from above and hide with either a
chartreuse or peach coloured tapestry. After that, make some muffins.
Pretty graceful, eh?
<G>
On Fri, 27 May 2005 05:39:24 -0500, Prometheus <[email protected]> wrote:
>On Thu, 26 May 2005 10:18:33 -0400, "Virgil Smith"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>>bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>>gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>>hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>>graceful way of doing it.
>>
>>Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
>>fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
>>the back or sides.
>
>Any chance of installing outlets in the wall of the alcove?
>
that's what I was wondering... and not bothering to put a phone jack in the
wall....
we got a set of the 5.whatever gig cordless phones.. came with 2 phones and we
added an extra for the shop.. they're fantastic!
Just put the base unit somewhere other than the desk and the small footprint
cordless base/phone on the desk.. YMMV
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
On Thu, 26 May 2005 12:56:05 -0400, Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote:
>In article <[email protected]>,
> "Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>> bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>> gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>> hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>> graceful way of doing it.
>
>
>Think upside down. Dangle cords from above and hide with either a
>chartreuse or peach coloured tapestry. After that, make some muffins.
>
>Pretty graceful, eh?
>
><G>
I sort of favor mauve draped gracefully, and scones.. *g*
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
On Thu, 26 May 2005 10:18:33 -0400, "Virgil Smith"
<[email protected]> wrote:
suck it up.
>For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>graceful way of doing it.
>
>Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
>fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
>the back or sides.
>
>Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-vs-
>
"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> "Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way
to
> > bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> > gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter
inch
> > hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> > graceful way of doing it.
>
>
> Think upside down. Dangle cords from above and hide with either a
> chartreuse or peach coloured tapestry. After that, make some muffins.
>
> Pretty graceful, eh?
>
> <G>
And for heavens sake do not put the hot muffin tray on the bloody
desktop......mjh
"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> "Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way
to
> > bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
> > gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter
inch
> > hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
> > graceful way of doing it.
>
>
> Think upside down. Dangle cords from above and hide with either a
> chartreuse or peach coloured tapestry. After that, make some muffins.
>
> Pretty graceful, eh?
>
> <G>
On Thu, 26 May 2005 10:18:33 -0400, "Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote:
>For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>graceful way of doing it.
>
>Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
>fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
>the back or sides.
>
>Any ideas will be appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-vs-
>
Do you have enough room to using thin furring strips on the back or on the wall,
to leave room for the cables to hang off the back?
mac
Please remove splinters before emailing
In article <[email protected]>, "Virgil Smith" <[email protected]> wrote:
>For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>graceful way of doing it.
>
>Does anyone here have any suggestions? The back and sides of the desk fit
>fairly tightly into an alcove, so there's no way to just drape wires down
>the back or sides.
>
>Any ideas will be appreciated.
Check at Rockler (rockler.com), Woodcraft (woodcraft.com), and Woodworkers
Hardware (wwhardware.com) -- all three sell grommets of various types and
sizes for exactly this purpose.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-vs-
>
>
--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)
Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?
On Thu, 26 May 2005 10:18:33 -0400, "Virgil Smith"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>For a built-in writing desk I am just completing, I need to find a way to
>bring some wires for a lamp, telephone, etc. through the desk top. It's
>gonna kill me to have to take a hole saw and put a one and a quarter inch
>hole through this nicely finished desk top, but I can't think of a more
>graceful way of doing it.
The holes don't bother me since I usually have something sitting in
front of them anyway. If you just can't stand drilling through the
top you can always cut some holes in the drywall and use re-mod boxes.
You will have to fish the wires through but assuming the current boxes
are under the desk it shouldn't be much of a problem.
Mike O.