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[MarkOne]

Not really electronics, but it is DIY. and design and in the studio.

I decided I really wanted a nice workstation desk, the likes of which you see from Argosy or StudioDesk. But there is no way I will ever afford the 4 figure sum on something gorgeous like that. So I decided to make one for myself. It may not be quite so gorgeous but there is a chance that it won't be too terrible either...

And then I thought it might be interesting for folks to see some of the build process, so I'm blogging some of the details.

If you are interested you can see the start of it here.

Part 1: http://www.markonemusic.co.uk/a-new-workstation-for-the-studio/

Part 2: http://www.markonemusic.co.uk/studio-desk-part-2-the-design/

Part 3: http://www.markonemusic.co.uk/studio-desk-part-3-building-the-frame/

More parts to follow...

[blinddrew]

I have workshop envy.
And by the looks of things i shall soon have desk envy as well.

[Martin Walker]

Ooh, that DOES look good thus far MarkOne

And you taught me something I didn't know about - a digital protractor indeed


Martin

[CS70]

I decided I really wanted a nice workstation desk, the likes of which you see from Argosy or StudioDesk. But there is no way I will ever afford the 4 figure sum on something gorgeous like that. So I decided to make one for myself. It may not be quite so gorgeous but there is a chance that it won't be too terrible either...

Woah really nice! Inspiring.

[ore_terra]

cool!

[Humble Bee]

This looks great! Hope all goes well! Can't wait to see the next post!

[MarkOne]

Hi Guys. Thanks for the comments!

Here is part 4: http://www.markonemusic.co.uk/studio-desk-part-4-the-legs/ (which I think many of you read already)

and part 5: http://www.markonemusic.co.uk/studio-desk-part-5-the-legs-and-frame-come-together/ where the legs and the frame finally come together.

Next up I'll show how the desktop sections were cut and fixed... Hopefully soon!

[desmond]

Very cool project!

But: Is it going to support the weight you need (as well as leaning on it in the middle..?)



Most of those consoles have twin rack units underneath, so have much more support for the weight - I don't know if you are doing this, I couldn't see anything in the sketches you posted, but just from those legs alone, I'd be concerned about support in the middle. Maybe you're adding another couple of legs on the inside..?

Note: pretty much everything I learned about woodworking and construction I learnt from building skate ramps as a kid, so...

[MarkOne]

Hi Desmond, thanks for the comment and the observation...

I hope that the final desktop will have the stiffness required. There is a cable management strip that will be about 100mm deep behind and under the back section that should add a lot of rigidity. Secondly I'm planning a 65mmx 30mm cross section solid oak wrist rest rail which will be jointed together to form a solid beam around the front of the desk and (assuming my joinery skills are up to it) will be a strong single component bolted all the way along the front!

But I do have a contingency plan of a pair of legs at the rear 15 degree angle break between each console section and the centre section. Aesthetically I'm hoping not to need them, so fingers crossed!

[ore_terra]

Would it lack stiffness when finished, you could get away with some slab like this between legs maybe

[Music Wolf]

I am very envious of;

The desk
Your Woodworking skills
Your workshop

[Martin Walker]

I am very envious of;

The desk
Your Woodworking skills
Your workshop

Same here


Martin

[Matt Houghton]

Not really electronics, but it is DIY. and design and in the studio.

If memory serves right, the title of this forum was supposed to have been "DIY: ELECTRONICS & STUDIO DESIGN". But the colon got lost somewhere along the way. Inother words, your post is certainly in the right place!

Hope the desk build turns out well. It looks nice. I'd also be concerned about the lack of bracing/support in the middle — particularly when leaning on it, or moving the desk when full of gear. I guess it depends how much stuff you plan on putting on it...

[Watchmaker]

Ooooooooohhhhh! You've inspired me!

Like desmond, I am concerned about how this will carry weight, That's a rather large span for unreinforced spars. Maybe some surgical use of bare angle steel to carry the load off the joints to the legs?

I love the blog btw, nice work!

[blinddrew]

Likewise. I'd be sticking some kind of triangulated frame at the back, even if it's not needed for outright strength, it will make it all feel much more solid.

[Wonks]

A single piece desktop of reasonable thickness would probably be sufficient. A bit wasteful because of all the pieces you'll neds to cut off, but aesthetically more pleasing than more external supports in the long run?

[MarkOne]

Thanks for the feedback one and all.

Having the frame on the legs, I too became concerned about the stiffness of the frame. And in line with Wonks' suggestion I have now opted to make the desktop from a single piece of 18mm MDF which will be bolted to the sections with M8 countersunk bolts into threaded inserts.

The next instalment will be all about making the top...

[Matt Houghton]

I have now opted to make the desktop from a single piece of 18mm MDF which will be bolted to the sections with M8 countersunk bolts into threaded inserts.

I had a good carpenter here to design and construct some inbuilt shelving for me a couple of years back. It's not quite the same span as your desk, but he preferred to bond two thinner sheets (I think in this case 2 x 12mm sheets) together, rather than use a single thicker sheet. That shelving is currently bearing a considerable weight in books!

[MarkOne]

I've just uploaded Part 6: The desktop: http://www.markonemusic.co.uk/studio-desk-part-6-the-top/

In which the desktop is cut and fixed. And yes, I can definitively say, a solid 18mm MDF top bolted to 34mm thick (68mm for the console sections) subframe creates a stiff and rigid structure. Thanks for the feedback on that one

[Martin Walker]

Wow - this is looking ever more impressive MarkOne!

I particularly like the shallow angle on your rack cutouts, as so many studio desks have vertical rack panels, which can make it tricky to avoid early reflections from the desk.


Martin