Blkfxx's Computer Desk Build.

[Blkfxx]

Hey all,

I've been browsing the forums for a few weeks now, and finally decided to sign up.

I have also been planning and starting the build of a new computer desk since I've always needed one with heaps of space and plenty of features I wanted, That a 'off the shelf' desk couldn't offer me.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8392/deskq.png

The desk is in 2 parts and will form an L shape to fit into a corner, The first part (to the right in the Sketchup pic) measures 2.2m X 0.7m. The left hand part measures 1.5m X 0.7m. The total height will be ~1.8m.

So without further ado, Here are some progress pics.

The legs and the 1.5m desk part.
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6325/img49951200x800.jpg

Nice red colour, Will be a bit darker once oiled.
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/2074/img5003533x800.jpg

Borer holes in the legs, Kinda add character.
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/6539/img49961200x800.jpg

4 8mm dowels should be plenty strong!
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5515/img5015533x800.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/39/img50071200x800.jpg

The end grain of these legs is pure sex.
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/1105/img49971200x800.jpg

Routered the ends of the legs, Will get sanded later on.
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/5890/img50171200x800.jpg

Another update tomorrow!

Any questions, tips?

[SXRguyinMA]

this should be nice. +sub :)

[msmrx57]

Nice design. :up: Will watch this build for sure. Out of curiousity, what kind of wood is that?

[x88x]

Yay, another woodworking project! :D Looks good, this should be interesting. Oh, and welcome to the site! What wood is that? Red oak? Cherry?

[Blkfxx]

Thanks guys, We actually have no idea what the wood is that we are using for the top, I'll try to work it out but I can't promise anything. All I know is, It's pretty heavy stuff.

But we do know the legs are box.

Updates from yesterday and this morning.

Yesterday I got 4 of the 6 top pieces glued.
http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/4346/img5029533x800.jpg

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3883/img5028533x800.jpg

Also got 2 of the legs glued. Unclamped everything this morning.
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1721/img5030533x800.jpg

Small parts for the end piece, Where my antec 1200 will sit.
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3404/img50321200x800.jpg

All glueing is with Selleys Aquadhere and the desk top pieces are using no.20 biscuits joints (7 in the smaller desk part) This thing is going to be solid!
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/6715/img5036533x800.jpg

So today I will be working on getting the other 2 top pieces glued up and the other 2 legs.

EDIT: Also, in the sketchup pic in the first post, You can see 4 holes in the overhead piece. That will be 4 LED down-lights.

I'm also thinking of adding 2 RGB floodlights (54LEDs Ea.) for the raves hahah.

[TheMainMan]

Wow, that's quite an ambitious design! That wood is going to make for a very nice looking desk when it's finished! +sub for me too!

[Blkfxx]

Thankyou, It will be quite red and very heavy with the way the smaller half is turning out.

Just some more detailed sketchup pics.

This shot shows the desk top shelving and down-light locations. Under the desk you can see a large gray object and a shelve, This is for a ~50L bar fridge (Final decisions on that will be once I get most of the desk built).
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/4886/desk2u.png

Slide out keyboard tray, And 2 powered USB hubs under the bench top for quick access for things like external HDD's and my DSLR.
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5939/desk1.png

Shot of the end piece, Where my Antec 1200 will sit. Also, The square cutout is basically like those kitchen bench tops where a bin sits underneath.
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/467/desk3l.png

[artoodeeto]

Very nice! Wanna come out to California and build me one? :) Good design too, you just can't beat custom designs, especially compared to all those cookie cutter desks in the office supply stores.

[Blkfxx]

Very nice! Wanna come out to California and build me one? :) Good design too, you just can't beat custom designs, especially compared to all those cookie cutter desks in the office supply stores.

Hahaha thankyou, I would consider making one, If I didn't live so far away.


Small update.

Got all the top pieces glued up today.
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/4954/img50831200x800.jpg


EDIT: Oh, I also found out that the top pieces are Red Gum.

[Mark_Hardware]

As a fan of giant things I can't wait to see this unfold.
I plan on making my own desk one day as well... Might steal an idea or two ;)

[Waynio]

Subscribed, the wood looks nice & the design looks great too so I'm keen to follow this :):up:.

[Blkfxx]

We have updates.

Various little pieces.
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7492/img50841200x800.jpg

A support between the 4 legs.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/959/img5088533x800.jpg

On the left, Some of those little pieces glued up. And on the right is the piece for the shelving.
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/8692/img50891200x800.jpg

The aforementioned support piece. It will sit in-between each leg, Roughly where it is now, But exactly in the middle.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7782/img5094533x800.jpg

Went to do some sanding, Then the padding under the sandpaper comes loose. So much for that idea.
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9086/img51071200x800.jpg

Put some water on these pieces to show you guys the colour.
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5862/img51081200x800.jpg

This is the support pieces wet down.
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2829/img5111533x800.jpg

The smaller half, This is the bottom side and hasn't been sanded yet. But still shows the colour.
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5775/88120330.jpg

[Yeticorn]

That color is sweet. Nice craftsmanship so far, +rep

[Snowman]

*drool*

[x88x]

Mmmm, put a good clear sealing coat on that and it'll looks beautiful. I love pulling out the natural beauty of wood. :D

[SXRguyinMA]

lookin good!

[Luthien]

Looks like it's gonna be nice. Beautiful color.

[TheMainMan]

*drool*

When I saw the support piece with the water on it and it looked finished I actually had to close my mouth and wipe the drool of my chin. Seriously!

Love seeing updates, keep up the good work!

[Blkfxx]

Seriously thankyou so much for all the great comments guys.

I got the orbital sander fixed, But that just wasn't enough to rid of the glue stains. So out came the belt sander, Which did the job well.

Unfortunately no pics this update, As it's much like the last update but with things being glued together, So it seems kinda pointless.

Also starting to join those smaller pieces that will be the shelving and the tower cutout.

Although it's a bit late, Merry Christmas to all and have a great new year. Happy modding.

[Blkfxx]

Starting to clean up the desk top with rounding edges, sanding, filling and more sanding.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_5735_1200x800.jpg

A few end pieces.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_5738_1200x800.jpg

[ultimatedesk]

That is some really beautiful wood you're working with there - seems to be coming along nicely!

Do you do carpentry / woodworking as a job?

I was wondering what you were planning on doing as far as running the cables for the lights above your monitors, are you going to hide them somehow, or run them along the top?

[Blkfxx]

Thankyou very much, I've also been watching your desk build, I love the idea of the glass window on the top so you can see the computer.

I recently just finished high school and I never did any woodwork courses, However with this build I've been getting my grandfather to help me as he did wood working for a hobby for many years. So I'm learning alot off him.


As far as running the cables for the lights goes - http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/wire.png They will be run up behind the support piece, So all hidden.

Just been testing out some finishes on scrap pieces.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/Untitled-2-1.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/Untitled-3.jpg

As of now I'm thinking of going with just danish oil.

Note: the piece with shellac on it is naturally a lighter color piece of wood than the other.

[msmrx57]

The danish oil has my vote. Very rich color.

[artoodeeto]

Yep. Danish oil all the way. How can you go wrong when there's a donut-like pastry by the same name? (seriously though, the wood looks gorgeous with that oil on there).

[x88x]

Mmm, yes, definitely the Danish Oil...looks beautiful.

[TheMainMan]

+1 for the Danish oil. That has an amazing colour!

[Blkfxx]

Been quite busy (read lazy) the past few days, But today I got a little bit more done.

We started with cutting more lengths for the second desk (the bigger one) and putting those bits through the thicknesser to clean them up and turn them into something workable.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_5813_1200x800.jpg

And to give you guys an idea of the 2 desk sizes, a comparison pic.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_5814_1200x800.jpg

Still 2 more to go on that second one, Just didn't put them up cause then you wouldn't see the smaller desk.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_5819_1200x800.jpg


I will try to get another update tomorrow, I should be starting to glue all those top bits together.

EDIT: Also, If anyone cares, A few days before Christmas I finally finished building my Antec 1200, After I had been planning it and buying some parts since 2009.

[Blkfxx]

A non-picture update.

Didn't end up getting those glued up, But instead we gathered all the red gum of the size we are using and cut every single piece (all cut to size) we need to finish this (bar the doors), And I tell you what, It was a crap load of wood.

So now I'm all out of red gum in the big size, But have have some thinner lengths that I can use for the doors.

Stay tuned, I'll get back into building it on Monday (I work weekends) and should have an update then.

[Blkfxx]

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6293_1200x800-1.jpghttp://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6304_533x800.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6302_533x800.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6296_533x800.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6301_533x800.jpg

[TheMainMan]

D*mn! That looks good! And very sturdy looking too! I was actually just wondering about your desk earlier today, glad to see an update. Are those 1" thick pieces?

[Blkfxx]

They average about 23-25mm, So yea basically 1 inch.

I will have another update in ~20 hours from this being posted, Showing the progress on the shelving on the bigger desk top.

[Munty]

This is an amazing looking desk, the wood will look simply stunning when it's all finished! Just a thought though, won't it be a bit tricky getting into some of the spaces after construction? Just wondered if maybe it'd be worth laying down a few coats of oil now to ensure you get full coverage.

Keep it up though, not seen this before but will be watching it from here onb out ;)

[Blkfxx]

Thankyou, The desk has been made so it is in separate parts for easy transportation, Which in turn will make it easy to oil before hand.

I've had to make it in parts because,
1. It is way too big to fit through the average single doorway,
2. By the time its fully finished, I reckon it will weight atleast half a ton.

[Blkfxx]

As promised, Here are some pictures of the top shelving.
(note: the piece is sitting upside down)

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6344_1200x800.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6343_1200x800.jpg

[Blkfxx]

Sorry for the lack of updates, We have had ****ty weather lately.

There's not alot left to do on this desk now, Mainly tidy up a few parts. Then get into the sanding so it's ready for oil.

Here is a pic of one of the cupboard doors drying.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6612_533x800.jpg

[Blkfxx]

Comments and criticism anyone?

[StormRider]

does "you deserve a prize" count? :D

[x88x]

lol, that /\ :D

The door is interesting; I notice you have the boards shimmed apart. Are you going for a vented look or is it not glued together yet?

[msmrx57]

Still loving it. :up:


The door is interesting; I notice you have the boards shimmed apart. Are you going for a vented look or is it not glued together yet?
My thought is for ventilation?

[Blkfxx]

does "you deserve a prize" count? :D
I believe it does. Haha.




The door is interesting; I notice you have the boards shimmed apart. Are you going for a vented look or is it not glued together yet?

There is a gap and they have been glued like that, I was toying with idea of putting some LED's in that cabinet to make the gaps glow. I kinda wanted the illusion that there is no door.

I'll grab so more pictures from front on and a shot of the back.

EDIT:
The front, Both doors.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6638_533x800.jpg

The back.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6642_533x800.jpg

The idea I came up with for that handles, As I didn't want anything on the front saying 'This is a door'.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6650_1200x800.jpg

[msmrx57]

I like the "handles". It'll keep the front nice and clean.

[OvRiDe]

I like the whole thing, and anxiously waiting to see the final product! I must say I like the look of hardware when it suits the piece, but I also think that your "handles" will work very nice as well.

[Blkfxx]

I like a bit of hardware here and there too, I just felt it wasn't right for this desk.

I am getting very close to final sanding and putting some oil on this thing, I'm keen to get it done!

[x88x]

Oooh, I like it! :D Slick handle idea, and nice job recessing the cross-braces like that.

[TheMainMan]

Wow, that door looks good! With the two of them side by side it was hard to tell that they were doors.

[Blkfxx]

With the two of them side by side it was hard to tell that they were doors.

That's the plan!:up:

Some more progress today.

Starting to put together the shelves.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6652_1200x800.jpg

Using several bolts to hold everything together and dowels to help line everything up.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6653_533x800.jpg

[Blkfxx]

Not much has been happening, I did however order some nice aluminium MR16 downlight fittings off eBay as well as some LED globes.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/Untitled-4.png

Should look good.

[Blkfxx]

LED globes arrived, I ordered Warm White. Though they seem to be more on the yellow side of things.

I'll give them I go once the desk is done and see how I like it, Otherwise I'll order some pure white ones.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6983_1200x800_1190x800.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_6985_1200x800_1190x800.jpg

[AmEv]

Guess they're an incandescent white.

[Blkfxx]

Even a bit more yellow than an incandescent :/

[Blkfxx]

The housings for the LED globes arrived, I'll be cutting the holes for those today and show how it went once done.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_7139_1200x800.jpg


With the globe fitted.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_7141_1200x800.jpg

EDIT: Just powered up all 3 lights, 2 are warm white and the other is pure white...FML.

[Blkfxx]

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_7175.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/Untitled-2-2.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_7176.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_7177.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_7179.jpg
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_7181.jpg

[msmrx57]

Ooooooooo - Thoses look nice! :up:

[Fuganater]

The lights look great man!

[Twigsoffury]

S@#ts going to be in a Post-Modern Science & History Museum in 2062

and with that build Quality it'll probably end up on Antiques roadshow one day with an appraiser going zomg! its a 2010 BlkFxx crafted desk!

[Blkfxx]

I wonder if it'd be worth anything in say, 10 years.

[Twigsoffury]

I wonder if it'd be worth anything in say, 10 years.

if your craftmanship is top notch it'll always be worth something to somebody looking for a computer table. or just a bad ass table in general. if your ever famous i'm sure the value will shoot up a bunch.

[Blkfxx]

Not that I'm looking to sell it, It'd just be something nice to know.
Doubt I'll ever be famous haha.


Probably won't have any updates for awhile, All I really have to work on ATM is sanding the crap out of it. Then once the weather warms back up I'll be able to oil it.

[Waynio]

:) The awesome look of this desk is making me want to have a go at my own with built in lights sweet addition Blkfxx :):up:, I'll have to check out some lumber yards to see if I can find a nice wood to work with.
+rep

[SXRguyinMA]

looking good. the more I see this worklog the more I want to build my own lol

[shugz117]

I am Jealous .. is all i can say!

looking forward to the next update :D! sub+

[Aldersan]

I'd sub dat! :D

[Blkfxx]

;)

Now that the weather is starting to warm up here, I'll be able to get stuck into the rest of this desk.

Need to order a couple of things.
Drawer runners for the keyboard tray, black ones like this
http://photo.sunriseimports.com.au/1106a/to-ch56%20(1).jpg

Various bolts, magnets for the doors, cam locks, etc.

[shugz117]

Any updates :think:

[PowerChucker]

Yeah, I want to see the finished desk with the PC and monitors, and everything lit up..

[Blkfxx]

Long time, no update. I apologize guys. I've been busy with life haha.

Anyway with the weather warming up we are getting stuck into the sanding and final details.


http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/Untitled-1_883x768_zpscb56a6d6.jpg

[Fuganater]

Nice! Can't wait to see this one finished.

[Blkfxx]

Apologies once again for the lack of updates, Moving house currently.

The major part of the desk is finished and installed at the new house, Few little details to finish up, Like lights and a shelf for the cabinet.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/G0210408_1067x800.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_3439_1200x800.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_3441_533x800.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_3447_1200x800.jpg

The gap between the 2 halves will come together once I put the clamps in.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/Blkfxx/IMG_3453_533x800.jpg