Custom Computer desk - Overclock.net

Hyperion. · 08-23-09

I am thinking about building my own computer desk. I have every tool you would possibly need but i do not have a table saw keep that in mind. I think i want a L shap desk but i'm not sure how i would do the legs. Does anyone have any good computer lay outs or blue prints or idea on how i would do the legs. I could really use the help.

seven9st surfer · 08-23-09

Here's my ancient desk that still serves me well. The legs are just boards (easiest to see on the right, through the legs of the table next to it). Gives it extra stability, and super easy to build. Note the 45 degree back piece that's like a center leg, and also hides any wires/power strips.

EDIT: if you dont have a table saw, just use a scrap piece of wood (has to be straight) and clamps to set up a fence along where you want to cut, then just use a circular- or jig-saw. I'm in the same situation, every tool except a table saw, so I have to make do

meticadpa · 08-23-09

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehou...6d&prevstart=0

I'm going to do something similar to this.

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehou...0&prevstart=12

This is pretty cool too.

Hyperion. · 08-23-09

thanks you both + rep . Also do you know what wood would be best for it. And what should i use i was thinking some 2x8's or somthing pushed together sand down and glued would look ok. Can plywood sand to look smooth and clean?

edit:

seven9st surfer could you give me some measurements of that desk. how tall from the ground and how deep is the top bfrom front to back as in as deep as 1 of the legs i suppose.

meticadpa · 08-23-09

I think you could probably use MDF for it, that can be painted to look pretty nice.

If you can find a wooden door or two, they'd be pretty much perfect for what you want.

seven9st surfer · 08-23-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hyperion.

thanks you both + rep . Also do you know what wood would be best for it. And what should i use i was thinking some 2x8's or somthing pushed together sand down and glued would look ok. Can plywood sand to look smooth and clean?

edit:

seven9st surfer could you give me some measurements of that desk. how tall from the ground and how deep is the top bfrom front to back as in as deep as 1 of the legs i suppose.

If you use plywood, you have to use something on the bare edges, those will look terrible without laminating a narrow strip of solid wood or something to edge it. This will give you the best results, given you use nice plywood, like oak or something. MDF is very versitile and cheap, but not as strong, and will have to be edged as well (bare edge MDF is near impossible to get looking good on its own). You will also only be able to paint it, as opposed to staining like you would with wood.

If you don't want to go through the effort of laminating strips of solid wood to the edges, you can buy what looks like wooden tape. It has an adhesive backing to it, and when you iron it on, it covers up the edges, so you don't see those ugly plies.

As for my desk, it's 19 1/2" inches from front edge to back (depth, as in depth of the leg) on both parts of the L. It's 29" tall (a standard height for tables/desks). On the right side, its 48" from the left wall to the end, and on the left, its 55" from the right wall to the end (hope that makes sense).

Hyperion. · 08-23-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by seven9st surfer

If you use plywood, you have to use something on the bare edges, those will look terrible without laminating a narrow strip of solid wood or something to edge it. This will give you the best results, given you use nice plywood, like oak or something. MDF is very versitile and cheap, but not as strong, and will have to be edged as well (bare edge MDF is near impossible to get looking good on its own). You will also only be able to paint it, as opposed to staining like you would with wood.

If you don't want to go through the effort of laminating strips of solid wood to the edges, you can buy what looks like wooden tape. It has an adhesive backing to it, and when you iron it on, it covers up the edges, so you don't see those ugly plies.

As for my desk, it's 19 1/2" inches from front edge to back (depth, as in depth of the leg) on both parts of the L. It's 29" tall (a standard height for tables/desks). On the right side, its 48" from the left wall to the end, and on the left, its 55" from the right wall to the end (hope that makes sense).

yeah it does thanks. I do want a wood where the edges will look good after sanding i do not want to use any stick on things. What would be the best way to go about that. Just buy boards like i said and glub them together then sand till they look like 1? Its been about 3 years since i really did any wood work. I made some steps but i half ass it, this i want to be perfect. I do not want it to look like some junk i made.

mothow · 08-23-09

Good luck and keep us updated i cant wait to see what you come up with

seven9st surfer · 08-23-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hyperion.

yeah it does thanks. I do want a wood where the edges will look good after sanding i do not want to use any stick on things. What would be the best way to go about that. Just buy boards like i said and glub them together then sand till they look like 1? Its been about 3 years since i really did any wood work. I made some steps but i half ass it, this i want to be perfect. I do not want it to look like some junk i made.

If you want something where you don't have to add anything to the edges, and have it look good after just sanding, MDF and plywood are both out. Now you're looking at solid wood. And that can get very expensive, depending on how much you get, how thick it is, and what kind of wood it is. I'm talking hundreds of dollars for enough 3/4" to 1" thick solid oak or maple to make this size L-shaped desk.

Even then, you'd have to laminate them all together, fill the gaps, and sand it all smooth. You'd need to run all the edges through a jointer or planer first, then use barclamps to actually join them. You'd also have to pay close attention to the grain of the wood to avoid laminating them so that they would cup after time and with humidity. If you do it wrong, it could actually pull itself apart over time. Huge pain, and more money than you need to spend.

Honestly, plywood with edging is the best way to go. When I say edging, I don't mean the cheap, iron on stuff, but actual strips of solid wood, maybe even routed if you want to.

Here's some shots of my other desk, that my dad and I made together a few years ago. The top is 3/4" oak plywood with the edging I was talking about. You might even use moulding if you want to. A sheet of plywood like this is very reasonably priced at Lowe's or Home Depot (the later is usually better for lumber).

Now if you were to make a desk with the design of the L-shaped, and the build quality of the second desk, that would be beautiful.

corry29 · 08-23-09

I pm'd u the measurements of my desk along with a picture
i hope it helps, and good luck bro

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Custom Computer desk

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