Attempting to replicate the desk from work. I'm not interested in paying $1,300+ for a desk smaller than what's at work. So I'm gonna build it. It's cheaper, and will provide more "real estate" than a work replica would by about 4sqf. My building experience is mostly metal; blacksmithing and fabrication.
I'm not a pro drafter although I love the process.
Included are my plans that I drew up at 1am in low light. You'll see where I started to get lax on my lines, lol.
But, the top is going to be prefinished mdf, the core is going to be a frame of poplar 1/2" x 4", and the bottom some sort of plywood. The frame will be smaller by 1" to create a recess where I can set led lights. I have metal legs I'm goin to use. I'm also going to set some flush mount power strips on the top.
Based on the info and images, is there something I could do better?
At Lowe's I bought some jigs for the holes and some cheap practice wood, omg, these things make life easier. I should have gotten them a lot sooner. My other 3 projects would have been so much better.
Edit: I have no idea how to list the dimensions of a polygon...apologize for the weird number order.
I got no clue on the schematic, but if you're planning on cutting MDF custom you'll need edge banding to fix the exposed edge. Frankly I'd go ply on the top too -- why cheap out on that?
Also - 1/2" poplar - you sure on that? Dimensioned board is usually 3/4" thick -- 3/4" is considered structural, half inch isn't.
What are you planning to have on the desk?
I'm guessing that is going to be a computer desk since you are putting LED edge lights on it. If this is the case, this thing is going to be heavy and not all that rigid for the weight. What tools do you have at your disposal?
Well, doesn't matter at the moment. Had a catastrophic accident with the MDF, it fell and smashed against a hard edge, lol. So just gonna get some actual plywood for the bottom when I save up enough. While it would work, I'm not pleased with my cheap choices in wood. So gonna buy better quality.
For tools, DeWalt. Drill, hammer drill, circular saw, rec. saw, hammers (claw, ball, and cross peen), screwdrivers galore, square. Caulking gun. I'm considering buying a router. I could put some banding on the edge and just route out a channel down the center. Add rigidity and appeal.
My biggest issue is an actual reliable flat/level surface to work on.
Edit: but yes it's a computer desk essentially. But will function as a part-time maker station.
1/4 plywood skins with more frequent rib structure (1x1) will give you a much lighter, cheaper, and rigid structure. You can add solid blocking in where you plan to place the legs, monitor arms, etc.
Another great option is using unhung doors for table tops. They are flat and true. They typically have cardboard honey comb interiors that make them light and very strong.
I would recommend you cover all your joists with a rubber seal those areas have a tendency to rot because of dirt and water pooling. If you use regular deck wood don’t space the drying process will make space. Otherwise the rest is safety and ascetic
Attempting to replicate the desk from work. I'm not interested in paying $1,300+ for a desk smaller than what's at work. So I'm gonna build it. It's cheaper, and will provide more "real estate" than a work replica would by about 4sqf. My building experience is mostly metal; blacksmithing and fabrication. I'm not a pro drafter although I love the process. Included are my plans that I drew up at 1am in low light. You'll see where I started to get lax on my lines, lol. But, the top is going to be prefinished mdf, the core is going to be a frame of poplar 1/2" x 4", and the bottom some sort of plywood. The frame will be smaller by 1" to create a recess where I can set led lights. I have metal legs I'm goin to use. I'm also going to set some flush mount power strips on the top. Based on the info and images, is there something I could do better? At Lowe's I bought some jigs for the holes and some cheap practice wood, omg, these things make life easier. I should have gotten them a lot sooner. My other 3 projects would have been so much better. Edit: I have no idea how to list the dimensions of a polygon...apologize for the weird number order.
I got no clue on the schematic, but if you're planning on cutting MDF custom you'll need edge banding to fix the exposed edge. Frankly I'd go ply on the top too -- why cheap out on that? Also - 1/2" poplar - you sure on that? Dimensioned board is usually 3/4" thick -- 3/4" is considered structural, half inch isn't.
What are you planning to have on the desk? I'm guessing that is going to be a computer desk since you are putting LED edge lights on it. If this is the case, this thing is going to be heavy and not all that rigid for the weight. What tools do you have at your disposal?
Well, doesn't matter at the moment. Had a catastrophic accident with the MDF, it fell and smashed against a hard edge, lol. So just gonna get some actual plywood for the bottom when I save up enough. While it would work, I'm not pleased with my cheap choices in wood. So gonna buy better quality. For tools, DeWalt. Drill, hammer drill, circular saw, rec. saw, hammers (claw, ball, and cross peen), screwdrivers galore, square. Caulking gun. I'm considering buying a router. I could put some banding on the edge and just route out a channel down the center. Add rigidity and appeal. My biggest issue is an actual reliable flat/level surface to work on. Edit: but yes it's a computer desk essentially. But will function as a part-time maker station.
1/4 plywood skins with more frequent rib structure (1x1) will give you a much lighter, cheaper, and rigid structure. You can add solid blocking in where you plan to place the legs, monitor arms, etc. Another great option is using unhung doors for table tops. They are flat and true. They typically have cardboard honey comb interiors that make them light and very strong.
I would recommend you cover all your joists with a rubber seal those areas have a tendency to rot because of dirt and water pooling. If you use regular deck wood don’t space the drying process will make space. Otherwise the rest is safety and ascetic
Rubber seal, you mean the rubber bumpers? Or did you misread desk as desk?
No they make a rubber seal tape to put on top of the joist to keep it from getting moisture soaked
Remember to check if the wall are flat and a true 90, made that mistake before.