Computer Table Project

[Cayin]

Heya looking to get this done this weekend - It'll be my first go at any type of woodwork!

Basically I want to replicate my old table *Ikea made* into a more solid BIGGER scale *from 1600 long to 2700*. My option of wood would those glue pressed together pine and my other enquiry would be, would these be stocked in that length? the tabletop itself would be 2700 L x 700 D The thickness of the wood Id like would be at least 30cm whatchas reckon my first stage would be the wood before i can continue

[Dengue]

Hi Cayin, can you please post a picture or drawing of what you intend making? Are you beefing up the exisiting IKEA table with a stronger top, or starting from scratch.

Also, what tools do you have to do the job.

I hope you realise that a slab of timber boards 2700 x 700 x 30mm thick will weigh a tonne :) Do you have strong enough table legs?

Welcome to the forum, I'm hoping you gain lots of valuable information and ideas. I was in your boat back in 2008

[Cayin]

There we go, the ?? part depends on the thickness of the wood and that area in particular is the brace. Its from scratch - Im looking to get it all pre cut so i just need to whack it together.

[Dengue]

Ahhh... this is the stock standard office desk style, only a bit longer, and they are normally held together by connector cam and bolt, but you need a good Forstner bit for this, and lots of accurate drilling.

My commercially bought office desk had to be shifted in a hurry recently after cyclone Yasi, and the cam assemblies were damaged when the desk was dismantled in a rush, so I used 18 x18mm square pine battens for all the corner joints, screwed and glued to the surfaces to be joined. You can't see any of the battens as they are behind the central support brace running the length of the desk, but there are a couple joining the sides and the top in the knee well at the front.

The process for building is to put the top upside down on the floor, mark out where you want the sides and brace to go, then screw the battens to 3 edges of the brace, and to the top edge of each of the sides. Then screw the two sides in position on the underside of the table, then add the brace, screw it all together, then with a few strong mates, lift it off the floor and tip it over...voila!!

So, you will need battens, then tenon saw to cut these to lengths, and a drill bit to bore a pilot hole for the screws, and a screwdriver to insert a lot of screws, so get a cheap battery operated drill and screw driver bit to do this. A couple of clamps and right angle brackets for the corners while you are assembling it would help too.

The type of surface you have will determine the finish, if any, that you should apply.

But please don't build this out of raw MDF - it is too soft. Also, you need to consider what type of edging you want on the visible edges - the ready-cut places can usually add this, but it is an expensive exercise - that's where they make the money

Is this the information you need?

[Cayin]

hmm next question would be where to get this length of wood in sydney

[Dengue]

Any of the panel ready-cut shops should be able to supply it and deliver it OK, unless you are talking timber boards ( not laminated sheets) which need to be edge glued and machined to get a 700 width, in which case you need to see a cabinet maker workshop. Getting 2700 length is going to be a real problem in this case. Easy to get 2700 long laminated , edged panels

[Handyjack]

Start off by having a walk and talk to staff at hardware stores and timber yards. Take with you your plans, the more detail the better but also be prepared to change them depending on what you get. Your type of finish could be a stumbling block. Also a laminated (several boards joined together) 700mm wide may also be tricky to buy off the shelf (rack).

Depending on your skill level and tools you may need to join boards to obtain your required width.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[ian]

hmm next question would be where to get this length of wood in sydneyBelieve it or not, but Ikea might be your best source.

Your design could be constructed using one of Ikea's solid timber kitchen counter tops. As I understand it, Ikea will cut the top to length

[Handyjack]

Standard door size is about 2010*820*35 or 2440*820*35. But doors can also be narrower, longer or different thickness. You might be able to have a door store make up your bench top. If solid it will be heavy - two person lift minimum.