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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
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    UK
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    Question Advise - Computer desk plan

    Hi all
    This is going to be my first attempt of creating something. I have had many plans for a computer desk, but this will be the first time it has made it from in my head to Sketchup, and now the build stage. Before I build it I was hopeing for any thoughts on the design. I don't want to build it for it to just fall apart.

    Comp Desk 4.jpg Comp Desk 5.jpg Comp Desk 5 2.jpg



    That is the design. Here is a ling to the Sketchup file (2017 version) if anyone would like a better look.

    In the second Image the long nail like things are where I am planning on putting screws. The 3rd looks more of a mess than any use for anyone. The pocket holes are not in a certain position, I have not used them before (I haven't even opened the box yet).


    I am completely new, which is why there is no dovetails or any other nice joinery. I only have basic tools and limited knowledge.

    Any suggestions are greatly appreciated I am going to be building it tomorrow (weather permitted) SO will hopefully be able to update with actually pics if it goes well.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Rockhampton QLD
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    68
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    Welcome to the forum.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Montmorency Victoria
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    554

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    Hi PS
    two comments

    the cross rail on the bottom may be a problem for comfortable seating ... think about whether it is necessary... you could mount a angled footrest on it IF it were in the right place

    secondly if you are usung screws then toy will need two per joint to avoid rotation

    if it is your first project them consider some 18mm ply for the top and sides rather than glues boards ... you can always add a 25mm or 32mm edge to make it look thicker

    good luck with your project

    Rob

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Alexandra Vic
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    69
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    2,810

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    It looks like you are being very dependent on pocket hole screws for assembling a lot of the unit. The pocket holes look neat in the drawing, but but become obvious in practice, even if you plug the holes after assembly. One thing I note is that you seem to plan on using single pocket holes at each joint, which is fairly poor practice as it does not provide a positive method of preventing components rotating and shearing screws at a later time. I would be using at least 2 pocket hole screws at each joint so that rotation of components is prevented. This possible even in the 44x44 spreaders in the frames,provided that you use care when drilling and assembling.

    I also not that you seem to intend screwing the top to the frame from underneath using 51mm screws through the 44mm rails. I have two issues here, the first being that you need to allow for the boards forming the top to expand in width with changing moisture levels. This is normally done with a screw in a drilled hole in the rail at the centre of the panel, with the screws used closer to the front and back edges located in progressively longer slots in the rails to allow for expansion and contraction of the width of the top. All of these screws are fastened so the head lightly contacts the rail, rather than fully tightened to lock the top in place.

    Secondly, I suspect that 51mm screws may be a bit short unless you are setting them into the rails. However, with limited gear available, it might be difficult to recess the screws into the rails neatly and effectively to allow for movement of the top.

    Hope that gives you ideas and means to approach the design with the limited facilities that you have available.
    I used to be an engineer, I'm not an engineer any more, but on the really good days I can remember when I was.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    2

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    My apologies for the delay in replying. It took me a while to get motivated to build it, and even longer to get back on here. A reply to the comments;
    @TahleeIn the plans it is as a cross rail, and still is just that. However within the L shaped groves I plan on adding a shelf. Having said that I lifted it up enough to get the wheels of my chair under. This wasn't needed due to the top overhang and my over sized gut stopping me getting any nearer . I had planned (in my head) to have 2 screws per joint, added screw and dimensions to Sketchup is new to me. Ply board would have been great, it was in my original plan but I have used upcycled wood. This meant I was limited to the material and size of the material, I had to re-plan my desk based on the wood I had received. Thank you for the comment and it has turned out quite well (I will mentions these later).

    @malb I did over use pocket hole screws There were two reasons for this. Firstly and mostly because I bought a Kreg jig and had to use it to justify the purchase. Secondly because I read in other forums that screwing into end grain wasn't a good idea. After all the hassle of using pocket holes I should have used another method. I had planned on using two screw but being new to planning screw placement and never using pocket hole screws I used the largest model I found. It was over sized and the placement was not where I ended up using them.

    The measurement of the screw was me playing with the measurement tool. I had planned and did countersink the screws, Not 100% on the screw length I used on the top. Although I hadn't thought on the wood expanding so I used 1 screw in the centre as mentioned and town on the front.


    IMG_20170509_231854.jpg An addition not int he pic is a support under the bar at the front as I was having a lot of vibrations from the Pc

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