This is something I have wanted to do for a while, and I finally decided to give it a shot. I always wanted to have a computer built into a desk, but I wanted it to look like a normal desk. This is the first big wood working project I've ever attempted, so it's going a little slower than expected. After taking inspiration from this reddit post, https://www.reddit.com/r/DIY/comments/3ioxzt/built_my_wife_a_battle_station_desk/ , I started planning my own version.
I modeled everything in the computer prior to making any cuts. This is the overall goal:
I plan on building the computer into the left cabinet.
The computer will be built into a removable drawer, so I can still move it outside of the desk if necessary.
I'm using maple plywood to build the bulk of the cabinets.
Starting to cut the plywood to make the cabinets. At the time I didn't have access to a table saw, so I used a track saw to make all the cuts.:
Sanding the panels:
All the panels cut:
Attaching the drawer spacers to the sides:
A coworker let me use their table saw to cut the wood for the drawers. I used baltic birch plywood for this.
I applied veneer edge banding to the exposed plywood on the back and the bottom of the cabinet. I didn't want the veneer on the plywood to get chipped when moving it, so this should provide extra protection. As a plus it looks nicer too.
Starting to build the cabinets, I'm using a kreg jig with pocket screws and wood glue.
I added leveling feet to help out with any future uneven flooring.
I"m deviating from my original plan of having the ventilation fans on the sides. I'm going to add fans to the door and the rear of the cabinet. These are the rear holes:
A rough idea of what the desk is going to look like. The cabinets are switched. I'm short, so the desk is sized appropriately.
I made the face frames out of hardwood maple.
To build the drawers I used a router table to cut the slots. The drawers are made from 1/2" baltic birch.
Starting to install the drawers into the cabinets.
I used hardwood maple to make the face frames. I think I'm going to route the edges on the top and bottom, but I haven't decided yet.
I've received the motherboard tray so far. I'm going to have my friend 3d print the brackets for my pump, reservoir, and SSD and HDD cage. I just picked up a MCP35x from microcenter this past weekend.
I modeled everything in the computer prior to making any cuts. This is the overall goal:
I plan on building the computer into the left cabinet.
The computer will be built into a removable drawer, so I can still move it outside of the desk if necessary.
I'm using maple plywood to build the bulk of the cabinets.
Starting to cut the plywood to make the cabinets. At the time I didn't have access to a table saw, so I used a track saw to make all the cuts.:
Sanding the panels:
All the panels cut:
Attaching the drawer spacers to the sides:
A coworker let me use their table saw to cut the wood for the drawers. I used baltic birch plywood for this.
I applied veneer edge banding to the exposed plywood on the back and the bottom of the cabinet. I didn't want the veneer on the plywood to get chipped when moving it, so this should provide extra protection. As a plus it looks nicer too.
Starting to build the cabinets, I'm using a kreg jig with pocket screws and wood glue.
I added leveling feet to help out with any future uneven flooring.
I"m deviating from my original plan of having the ventilation fans on the sides. I'm going to add fans to the door and the rear of the cabinet. These are the rear holes:
A rough idea of what the desk is going to look like. The cabinets are switched. I'm short, so the desk is sized appropriately.
I made the face frames out of hardwood maple.
To build the drawers I used a router table to cut the slots. The drawers are made from 1/2" baltic birch.
Starting to install the drawers into the cabinets.
I used hardwood maple to make the face frames. I think I'm going to route the edges on the top and bottom, but I haven't decided yet.
I've received the motherboard tray so far. I'm going to have my friend 3d print the brackets for my pump, reservoir, and SSD and HDD cage. I just picked up a MCP35x from microcenter this past weekend.