Bombproof Builders Desk....Build

[dieseldog49]

Ok so I have been planning on building a new desk ever since me and my brother in law built me a new PC work bench (Pictured below)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0441.jpg

Using Just 2x4's and some melamine we built a super sturdy bench for about $120 and I couldnt be happier with it. Since then I have been looking at my current work/play station with a little bit of disgust, its made up out of 3 seperate desks none of which are exactly the same height. Further more due to my affinity for eyefinity and large PC cases I am finding that my little work nook is getting more and more cramped and cluttered. Heres a pic of the space I am working with please excuse the mess.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0514.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0513.jpg

So the new plan is to gut the whole thing and create a desk that wraps around the entire area Like so (sorry for the small paint image)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DeskPlan.jpg

Then I am going to wrap the top of the desk with custom printed Mechwarrior themed vinyl using my wide format digital printer. So on to the construction phase. I have to give a ton of thanks to the two guys working with me (these or their online handles), Talster91 aka my old room mate and Dreyco Valentin who is my brother in law. With out them theres no way I could get these kind of projects done with the quality and speed we do together, We are also building Talster91 a new desk for the gaming rig I helped him build. So here is the start today, we are using birch plywood for the top and kiln dried 2x4's for the frame, using a overlapping design to interlock the tops and frames together. So today we ripped the plywood and tomorrow we will build the frames.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0516.jpg

Dreyco

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0519.jpg

Talster91


Also this arrived today :D

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0517.jpg

Day 2

Ok Most of today is dedicated to Talsters desk build Which is specced to be L60xW30 with a 30 inch height


For legs on both desks are a L shape made of two 2x4's screwed together gives great stuctural support.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0520.jpg

Next up us cutting and laying out the lower braces and the leg spacing.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0521.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0522.jpg

When building your own desk its important to have the imagination and vision to know what you want as Talster demonstrates

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0523.jpg

Next up is setting up the top box

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0524.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0525.jpg

Next up is checking to see if the frame is square.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0526.jpg

[dieseldog49]

Damn its a inch out but dont worry theres a easy way to fix that!

Tie Downs are like duct tape for woodworking

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0527.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0529.jpg

Next up is cutting the top to length, we will be anchoring to the top to keep the desk in square.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0530.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0531.jpg

For everything to look good he mapped out his screws and is pre drilling then using a cone bit for pre seating the heads.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0532.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0534.jpg

Next up is taking a router to all the edges for that smoothed finished look.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0536.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0538.jpg

Ready for sanding and staining

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0543.jpg

Also these showed up on my door woo!

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0544.jpg

Throw some stain on and thats all for today

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0547.jpg

[dieseldog49]

Day 3

I was down a day more than I expected ( the multi-player demo of Mass Effect 3 may have had something to do with that :rolleyes: ) Ok so first off I want to thank Dreyco again without him this desk would not have happened and the next stage wouldn't even be possible. Ok down to business, to start with I happened to snag a great deal on a 720p projector which I had been wanting for the launch of ME3 for Xbox 360 (yes I play it on console thats where all my saved games are) so we will be starting there. Parts involved are

Optoma 536 720p 2700 lumen projector

Elite Screen 100 inch 16:9 manual screen

Ceiling Mount For projector

Plan is to recess the screen into the ceiling and then re-route the surround sound and video/console equipment.

First off got to get all electronics out of the room as sheetrock dust is not good for electronics.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0549.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0550.jpg

Next up is measuring the screen housing and cutting the hole

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0552.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0551.jpg

That done we just put some hooks in the floorboards and time to try a test pull

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0553.jpg

Threw the projector up and time to see how it looks

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0555.jpg

Ok that done on to the desk, Cleared out all of the old stuff

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0556.jpg

With a blank slate its time to get to work

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0558.jpg

The key to building a desk with lumber like this is to never pre cut, make each cut to the specific spot so its always spot on and you can compensate for imperfections in the wood.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0559.jpg

With the first section built (it will be the only complete section with 4 legs each section after this with be missing at least one leg to create a open front for chair and legroom)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0561.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0562.jpg

Now we are joining the crossmember with a T bracket

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0565.jpg

We are double butting our legs for extra support

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0566.jpg

To limit flex we added a cross support.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0567.jpg

[dieseldog49]

Frame is complete

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0583.jpg

Cutting the tops to fit.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0590.jpg

Test fitting the tops and monitors

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0592.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0587.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0595.jpg

Next up we mark out the monitor slots and our wire slots

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0607.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0603.jpg

The mounts slide into the slots and get 4 lag bolts into the 2x4 below

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0601.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0606.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0611.jpg

Next up we router the holes and screw down the top.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0610.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0609.jpg

Time to start putting things back together

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0612.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0613.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0614.jpg

The next stage is the vinyl top but I have to wait until we change our machine out next week also the other part of the project is being drawn up in CAD I will post something up soon enough.

[dieseldog49]

Ok so the next phase in the build involves incorporating a built in gaming PC plus my surround sound, Xbox360 and PS3 plus cooling all of it in a efficient manner. but in the mean time I scrounged a WinTV Card from Haupage off a old PC and ran the antenna and bam I have a DVR and HDTV to my projector!
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0650.jpg

Also my longer cables came in so cleaner desk!
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0653.jpg
You will notice Craig Feurgeson from the late late show (DVR FTW!)

Ok so when I installed my projector I was left with a 42 inch Vizio 1080p LCD with no where to go, I sure as hell wasn't going to sell it as I would eat my shorts so I decided I didn't need a whiteboard anymore and used a old wll mount I had kicking around and BOOM

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0660.jpg

It kinda feels like I am living in a sports bar now.

[dieseldog49]

Sorry for the day late update my new wide format printer showed up a day early so it's been a little crazy here but it means vinyl day is moving ever closer (gotta get some actual work done with it first though) here is a preview of some stuff to come

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0671.jpg

This just came in I will be posting pictures and a full review of it later

Annnnd then theres this addition to my monitor setup

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0678.jpg













Psych! thats just here to complete another triple monitor setup in the house ;)

[dieseldog49]

Small update, my new keys showed up and I am lovin 'em, gonna try and get some MW:LL in tonight so I can get to work on my quickfire Review.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0689.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0690.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0691.jpg

Loving having a nuke key for my delete :D

[dieseldog49]

Ok well my buddy is running behind with the CAD work at the moment so I am taking a whack at it. Using Free CAD this is what I got together tonight (I have never used any form of CAD before)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DeskBasic.jpg

Basic model of the area of the desk I am working with the green area will be hinged and the entire PC will be mounted underneath trapdoor style.I have mobo tray and back I salvaged from a LanCool Case.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0694.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0696.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0697.jpg

This will be mounted to the bottom of the highlighted piece of desktop. More CAD stuff to come as soon as I figure out how to make it :)

Also this showed up today

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0698.jpg

:D (wish there was a bigger smiley option.)

[dieseldog49]

Just realised that I haven't posted up any good pics of the area that I will be installing the PC into. Here it is the area is about 30x19.25 on the outer dimensions.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0699.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0700.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0702.jpg



The goal is to have 2 shelves for the surround sound, XBOX 360 and PS3 with fans cooling them and the computer hanging above

A little better CAD model the bottom shelf is a piece of ply thats already there, while the other 2 with be a rubber coated wire mesh for maximum airflow. Bottom is Surround sound Head Unit then Xbox360 Slim then Big fat oldschool PS3 next this to work on is doors, fans and PC placement.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Deskbasicpopulated.jpg

[dieseldog49]

Small update

My 2x4 HDMI Matrix Showed up in the mail yesterday, this little box of awesome will let me switch between 4 different HDMI inputs and out put them to either the 42 inch LCD or my projector or both at the same time! The reason for a device like this is that I plan on watching more stuff on my LCD than projector as much as possible due to the significantly shorter lifespan of the projectors bulb.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0721.jpg]


Next up is my XFX 6950 2gb showed up today! Its been flashed to a 6970 Bios and although used is in like new condition. I moved my sapphire down to the next slot and slid the PCTV card inbetween and presto enough power to rock my triple monitor setup properly. I added some extra fans to make sure cooling doesn't become an issue.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0722.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0723.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0724.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0727.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0728.jpg

Now this is not the hardware I plan on mounting inside the desk its just my benching/review setup. For the Desk build I am hoping for a 2011 or AMD build so I will have enough PCI-E lanes for all of my needs.

[dieseldog49]

Ok New update, while I am still wrangling with Cad I decided to start working on the layout of the custom printed vinyl layout for my desk top. As I have said before it will be Mech Warrior themed as that is my favorite gaming franchise and with the advent not or 2 but 4 new Mechwarrior games in the works I couldn't think of anything more appropriate. So right now I am going to be doing some test runs with the artwork and sizing for the areas I have to work with. First up I have the Map of the entire Inner Sphere which I got from the MechWarrior Online art page. I blew it up to 30' tall by 47' and printed it on some heavy duty paper, this is just to see how the artwork looks at this resolution I have not vectored or tweaked it yet but its always important to test print as you never know what you aren't seeing on your monitor.

Doing a rough trim.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0745.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0746.jpg

Next tape it down to let it stretch a little and offgas.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0747.jpg

This is the area I want to put the map on.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0748.jpg

Do the final trim.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0749.jpg

And check how it lays out.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0751.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0750.jpg

[dieseldog49]

Ok I am getting alot of pm's for a update so here is what I have so for in Sketchup (I switched from free CAD due to the huge amount of models available in sketchup) I will be using either a bench hinge or piano hinge (I am open to suggestions) The model is missing several components at the moment, I couldnt find the right fittings to go between the vid cards and I have no idea how to make tubing yet (still new with digital design stuff) I am using 7970's with EK blocks but that could change depending on parts sourcing ect... I am going to do the entire desk and then make the cad file available to anyone who wants it. The plan is to run a long loop to the radiator with enough flex for it to open or create a joint with 2 off valves and a quick disconnect in between. I am open to idea's for alternate whats to setup the WC loop or any suggestions in general, I want this to be as awesome as possible. I am also going to try to get sponsors for the next stage of the build so hopefully I can take this build up another notch!

Feel free to post questions and critiques and thanks for all of the response guys!

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DeskshotPCdownOverallwide.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Deskshot1.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Deskshot2.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DeskshotPCdownOverall.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DeskshotPCup.jpg

[Fuganater]

Love the setup. + rep

[AmEv]

Show-off :whistler:



Seriously, though:
Good luck! :up:

[dieseldog49]

Thanks guys, I will have a couple other layout variants posted as soon as I finish them then see what everyone thinks is going to work best.

[Short Modder]

Looks great! I think I'm gonna based my desk/workbench supports off of yours. What brand are those monitor mounts?

[dieseldog49]

Looks great! I think I'm gonna based my desk/workbench supports off of yours. What brand are those monitor mounts?

Wow thanks for the compliment! I actually would not recommend those mounts (I went with these instead of the mounts I had used 3 times before) and I totally regret it the quality is not on the same level, these are servicable at best. I would recommend these http://www.amazon.com/Dual-Monitor-Stand-clamp-monitors/dp/B002R9HQLI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1BF8X0MPSC8CB&colid=34YQS6RS69GBE I have owned 3 of them and they are exceptional and mount the same way, they also make a 27 inch monitor version if you need that. I will have the entire desk build in Sketchup pretty soon so hit me up and I will get you a full 3d model to scale.

[dieseldog49]

I made the Rog mod roundup, soooo cool! http://rog.asus.com/97282012/news/march-forum-mods-roundup/

[AmEv]

Love how the motherboard is upside-down!

If :whistler: anything leaks, it won't hit the electronics!



Are you WCing the 360?

[dieseldog49]

I thought about it but its not worth it in the end, I am just going to have a ton of fans blowing on it plus its actually the slim (couldnt find any to scale models of it) so its really smaller and runs cooler than what is seen in the sketchup shots.)

[dieseldog49]

Ok so I pretty much have the Sketchup model for the Desk itself done here are some screen shots, now if anyone would like to point me in the right direction for a place to host the Sketchup file I would be happy to make it available to anyone who wants to build something similar.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/CompletedesknoPCparts.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Completedesknoparts2.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Completedesknoparts3.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/completedesknoparts4.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/completedesknopartsbottom.jpg

More coming soon.

[TLHarrell]

Post it in Google 3D Warehouse.

[dieseldog49]

Ah good call I will get it on there tomorrow.

[billygoat333]

I'm digging this. very cool!

[dieseldog49]

Here is the desk sketchup file, I couldn't upload it to 3D warehouse for soem reason so its on 4shared.com http://www.4shared.com/file/WZR7EdOJ/desknoPCparts.html feel free to post any questions or pm me.

[dieseldog49]

OK guys sorry for the lack of updates, between work and Sketchup constantly crashing while I am finalising the desk design there hasn't been much to post. However I decided to start working on a different part of the build and also reorganize and clean up my office. So as I have said from the get go this desk is going to have a MW theme but other than a map I printed off there hasn't been much in the way of actual MechWarrior stuff done to the desk. Well not any more!

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/fCOt1.jpg

Yes that is a custom made Mechwarrior Branding iron :D

I would like to thank Bryan Phillips who built this for me. He does great work and is super fast. I hit him up with the idea for this last week then I got a hold of him today and told him I wanted to have it made he went over the artwork with me in chat at about 12:30 and he told me he would have it ready this afternoon :blink: seriously I had it in my hands around 6pm and I could not be happier. I also got to meet his 37 day old Emu Gerry who was awesome!

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0790.jpg


Anyway on to the branding iron. Its 2.75 inches tall so it will fit on 2x4s and is made out of plasma cut steel and then welded together.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0793.jpg

Now could not resist trying it out when I got home so here are some teaser shots.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0791.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0792.jpg

I did a bunch of test runs on scrap pieces of 2x4 left over from the desk build and I think I am starting to get the hang of it.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0794.jpg

Here is one Bryan did at his shop as well.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0795.jpg


Once again I cannot recommend Bryans work enough he showed me some awesome Roman style armor as well as some futuristic armor from a popular video game franchise he is still working on. His rates are very reasonable and he is really patient when it comes to tweaking stuff to perfection. He can be contacted at RAPTORRED2@GMAIL.COM he also does 3D digital modeling please shoot him a email if you need anythign metal fab related and mention that I referred you, I know that this wont be the last piece of work i have him do on this or several other projects I have coming up.

Now I plan on doing the actual branding on the desk this weekend and I am looking to the community for where I should actually place the branded logo. Please post or pm your suggestions and whichever suggestion is the best/makes the most sense I will go with (I may actually give the person who makes the best suggestion a prize aswell we will just have to see ;) ) Two other things I am thinking about doing is videoing the branding process and posting it up for everyone to enjoy, the other thing is I am thinking about having Bryan make a branding iron for every company that decides to sponsor this build and dedicate a area of the desk to true Sponsor "Branding" so let me know what you think of that.

Lastly I am hoping to cut and fit the lid to the PC enclosure so look for pictures and commentary on that. I am debating going over to videoing the build as it progress (thoughts?) Anywho thanks for reading and please let me know what you think!

[dieseldog49]

Some updated Sketchup pictures, I will soon start the hunt for sponsors.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/completedeskoverall.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/completedeskoverll2.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/completedeskoverall3.png

Some of the PC cabinet (please remember the entire cabinet will be enclosed in aluminup with man and rad cutouts and access points ofr the Xbox 360, PS3 and surround sound head unit.) Also I will be using a square grid rubber coated wire mesh, the expanded metal in the imagies is just a place holder as it was already available.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Deskcabinet3.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Deskcabinet1.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Deskcabinetpic2.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/deskcabinet4.png

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys, small update. Due to the fact that my air conditioning is out of commission for the next day or 2 and it hit 90 degrees here today, starting a fire in my office to heat up the branding iron seemed like a ill advised idea. However we did get the top for the PC cabinet cut to size, whipped out some tubing to figure out routing and component placement. Good news is I am confident that we will be able to stick with the inverted trapdoor mounted PC concept and I will be finishing the sketchup model including tubing in the next couple of days. Final bit of news the desk build just (Ok mainly the MW branding iron) just got a mention in the No Guts No Galaxy Mechwarrior podcast. You can check it out at www.nogutsnogalaxy.net its a really great podcast and a must for any Mechwarrior/Battletech fan. Anywho expect a bigger update a little later in the week.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2586.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2592.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2591.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMAG0813.jpg

Also right now I am still planning on using a Piano/continuous hinge but I am open to other options so if you know of another solution please post it up esp. if its exotic or overkill.

[Stonerboy779]

If you do not want to see the hinge I suggest going to your local hardware store to grab some hidden/concealed cabinet door hinges.

http://www.foodandhome.com/sites/default/files/images/hinge-concealed_cabinet_door_hinge.jpg

Depending on which hinges you get as in how sturdy you may only need 3 or 4 to have more than enough support to lift up the wood and the PC, best thing is they can open 180 degrees and close to flush. This means you can work really easily on the pc.

I would strongly recommend getting some gas hinges while you are at the hardware store it would be disastrous for you to accidentally drop down the computer and destroy everything. May need to be creative if you need to detach the gas hinges to work on the PC.

[Fuganater]

or something like this: http://www.mcmaster.com/#furniture-brackets/=h88x84

Folding-Table Leg Braces #3&4 they kinda lock into place and support alot of weight. Not sure which would be better for you though.

[dieseldog49]

Stonerboy, that is a very interesting hinge you have pictured there, I have been considering several different cabinet hinges but I had not really thought about going for a full 180 degree hinge. I just measured the area next to the desk, there is just enough room for the lid to completely flip I have about 1/2 an inch to spare so thats def. a option. Fuganater I have been planning on using a L brace like that since the get go (PC builders think alike ;) ) those ones look like exactly what I need. Thanks for the link!

[Fuganater]

Glad to help a bit. Hoping to see more work on this soon.

[SXRguyinMA]

I personally would go with gas struts of some sort. They come in MANY different lengths and weight capacities. They also just snap on and off for easy removal

[TLHarrell]

Many types of cabinet door hinges will unclip and pop off. The ones used on IKEA cabinets do this. There are also a wide variety of hinge geometry available for different door setups, whether the doors overlay the cabinets, or are placed inside of the cabinets. They also have a lot of adjustment. There are also soft-closing variety and some with spring holds so the door will stay up when opened. Not a bad way to go. Check your local REAL hardware store or woodworking supply for the best selection.

[dieseldog49]

Sorry for the Delay guys, this project is still ongoing, however I have been absolutely slammed with work and some personal life drama, I also wanted to switch over to a video update format and have been hunting for the right HD camcorder (think I have found it in the Sony CX260V) So expect a Video update soon. Until Then heres a teaser for some of the goodies I have been gathering for the build.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2609.jpg

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys, I have been working 14 hour days so no build updates but the parts are still rolling in here is another sampler pic or 2.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2612.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2610.jpg

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys here is my first crack at a video update, let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uCend4X3T8&feature=plcp

[Fuganater]

Nice. I like the mic on your shirt, makes it really easy to understand you. Lighting is good. Overall a good video. Although I'd skip the beer in the begining lol.

Can't wait to see more on the desk.

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys I shot a video update but I am having issues with it unfortunately so here is a regular old update.

Ok so I have been on a backup rig for over 2 months now and it has been killing me. So I now have most of the components I am planning on using in the desk build, so I threw all of them into a Bitfenix Shinobi XL case to test all of the components and make sure I am happy with the performance and everything works before I go through the trouble of mounting it up. This is just a temp build so its not my prettiest work.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2632.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2633.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2634.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2645.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/DSCN2640.jpg

Also I managed to snag a Dell 30 inch 2560x1600 to replace my triple monitor setup. I freaking love it! I may go up to three of them but at the moment 1 is enough. Specs for the system are as follows

Intel 2011 8320 w/ XSPC Raystorm waterblock

MSI Big Bang II Mobo

Gigabyte 7970 with EK Acrylic waterblock and backplate

G-Skill 16gb 1866 ram

Swiftech 360mm rad with gentle typhoons in a push configuration

Swiftech 240mm rad with Noctua fans in a pull configuration

Swiftech Pump with XSPC res.

Koolance 3/8 ID and 5/8 OD compression fittings

Corsair 1000w PSU

Asus Blu Ray drive

Crucial M4 256 SSD

WD Green 2TB Media Drive


Ok Guys I am ordering more parts for the build however I will not be posting much till the beginning of September as I have a huge workload to get done before I head to PAX Prime :D I will be going full steam ahead on the project when I get back. Thanks again for everyone following the build I will try to get the video update redone and working in the next few days though.

[TLHarrell]

Those monitors are awesome. I've got one too. Makes even my G11 keyboard look tiny.

[dieseldog49]

This Build still lives but there have been some changes, including a second PC. Here are some screenshots for what I have planned :D


http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/OverallDeskshot.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/OverallWallPCBackDeskOverall.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/OverallWallPCupAngle-1.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/OverallWallPCupAngle.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/WallPCtopshot.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/Untitled.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/OverallWallPCup.png

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/WallPCFullshotdown.png

More to come soon.

[Fuganater]

How are you going to access the 2nd PC?

[OvRiDe]

Interesting idea. I am with Fuganater. Is that a freestanding wall? If it is.. why not put it under glass and showcase it? Make a shadow box inset into the wall and mount it all up. Grab some LED's and make it a conversation piece.

You could do something similar to this.

oIeKnB_5u2U#t=1131s

To jump straight to the action use this link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=oIeKnB_5u2U#t=1131s

[dieseldog49]

It is not a freestanding wall, that is the backside to one of the walls my desk is against and it is unfinished on the other side (Its the HVAC room for my House) I wanted to mount a PC out if sight for my second/backup/Guest rig. It will be hooked up tot he Dell 24 inch screen on the left of the bank of screens. Its also a change for me to test running a liquid cooled CPU and Vid Card upside down before I commit to it on the desk (I have a backup plan should it not work)

Edit: Very cool link btw

[d_stilgar]

PLP? So awesome. I love PLP setups. I mean, I love my 3 1920x1200 monitors in portrait, but there are times I really wish one of them were in landscape.

[dieseldog49]

Thanks, I actually went form a triple 1080p setup to this and I much prefer this, its so much more productive workspace.

[dieseldog49]

Ok, sorry for not posting more details with the design updates guys, it was late and I had just gotten them done. Anywho So its been a couple months since my last update, between PAX, work and a unexpected medical issue I haven't been able to post much. However I have been making headway on the build so here is a list of some of the changes.

First off obviously is the monitor setup I have added 2 Dell 2007 1600x1200 monitors to my Dell 30 for a PLP setup, I have to say that out of all monitor configurations I have tried this is by far the one I prefer most it allows for crazy high levels of productivity without being crazy wide or narrow.

I also have a 24 inch 1920x1200 monitor to the left, that is for the next phase of my project. I am mounting a PC in the wall behind the Desk as the designs above illustrate. The room behind my office us unfinished as its where the HVAC is located in the house, so I decided to do something fun and interesting with this area as its basically used for just storage. The PC will be mounted on a hinged board with dual triple rads bellow. The reasons I did this are threefold

1. As some people have brought out there may be issues running a liquid cooled rig in this horizantal configuration and before I go through the trouble of modifying my desk this way (I have a backup configuration) This will serve as a proof of concept build for the liquid cooling layout and help me work the bugs out in a more forgiving setup with cheaper components. And should it not work I will put it in the up position and be no worse off.

2. I will need another PC up and running ans I am modifying and building the desk rig so this will serve as my backup and interim rig.

3. It s a chance to do something cool and different with PC components, duh!

So the specs for this rig are

i5 2500K processor
EVGA FTW mATX Mobo
Koolance 360WB
655 Pump
AMD 6970 Video Card with Heatkiller waterblock
2x 360mm slim rads
8gb of G-skill 1866Mhz ram
SeasonicX 750w psu

More coming soon, I am waiting for parts today and tomorrow, thanks for reading!

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys, small update today but I can say that I will be posting more regularly as all of the parts I need for the next stage of the build are either here or in the mail. Anywho today was all not tech work on the desk. First off as this coffee stain will show you I need a better way to have beverages on my desk.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_153008.jpg

Enter the stainless steel 3 3/4 inch cupholders :D

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_153035.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_153050.jpg

They have a drain at the bottom that I will have a plug for, so should I spill a drink in the holder I simply put the trash bag bellow in and drain it.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_153044.jpg

I will be using my 3 and 3/4 inch hole saw for these. Costs alot of money but work every penny, remember modders, the right tool for the right task :thumb:

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_153135.jpg

First one cut and mounted (sorry forgot to snap a pic before I put it in)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_154213.jpg

Then number 2

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_154553.jpg

And Bam! 2 sexy additions to my already awesome desk :)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_2224271.jpg

Ok, next up in anticipation of the 6970 and motherboard tray arriving for the wall PC part of the build I decided to mount the power and reset buttons for the wall PC. First off a strait edge to make sure my marks are right.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_193724.jpg

Then a couple of pilot holes.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_194034.jpg

Now the trick with these is to drill with 2 different size paddle bits from each side so I can get the mounting ring for the switches in the hole. So 3/4 inch in the front.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_194148.jpg

Then 1 inch in the back

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_194328.jpg

Getting the rings to stay in place was a pain in the butt however my trusty leatherman came through for me on this one.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_194554.jpg

These were a bit of a hassle but I am really happy with how they turned out.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_200920.jpg


But now I have this awesome place to put my beer but I have to keep a tacky bottle opener lying around, cluttering up the top of my desk. Well I solved that problem today as well :D

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_2229151.jpg


One last piece of advice guys, when ever I mod I test, test, test :drink:

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_211539.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_211544.jpg
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121207_211605.jpg


Expect another update in a week guys and as always thanks for reading!

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys, small update, today I am back over at Bryans shop to get some parts fabbed up. Here we have the Plasma Cutter we will be cutting the parts out with.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_183938.jpg

And these are the items the parts are being made for.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_183930.jpg

Templates made up, its time to cut.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_184950.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_184959.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_185001.jpg

Smooth em out, and drill out the holes for attaching to the 2x4

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_191042.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_193706.jpg

Bend them to shape and I have some sweet purpose built Brackets to hang my Rad from.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_195728.jpg

Next up is a new triple rad template, as the compessed paper one I have is just not going to last. 16 Gauge steel, should last me the rest of my modding career :D

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121218_1828041.jpg

Went outside, and who do I see? Gerry! Man he has gotten big!

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_195947.jpg

Ok so I will be having Bryan make alot more parts for me after the first of the year. But now onto the actual area I will be installing the wall PC into. Now, to be clear everything I am doing is just test fitting. I will be cleaning up the area and paint it as well.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121218_182844.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121218_182922.jpg


Next up my 6970 came in and I got to slap my Heatkiller WB on it (Man I love the way these look)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121217_014425.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121218_183059.jpg


Sorry I dont have more to show right now, I hurt my hand, and due to the holiday. I will have more soon and hopefully have the wall mount fabbed up in the beginning of january.

[dieseldog49]

My new power supply showed up today :D Seasonic 1000w Platinum

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121220_200840.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20121220_201010.jpg

This will be the PSU for the Trapdoor PC with the 750w Seasonic for the wall PC I will be Sleeving both of these PSU's and it will be my first time doing so. Thanks again for reading!

[dieseldog49]

hey guys, sorry for the break in updates. However my finger is pretty much healed up and over the last 2 days pretty much all of the parts for the wall build have showed up in the mail. I am only waiting on the screws to mount the radiator.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130105_192614.jpg

I am having a hard time deciding which res to use for this build thoughts?

Also over the new year I managed to score a 1080P Viewsonic Projector for really cheap and with 0% financing for 18 months :)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130105_192624.jpg

I also upgraded to a Motorized 100 inch screen which means I can run everything from my desk, double :) :)

As soon as the screws come in I will start fitting everything and moving forward however I am in need of some 45 and 90 degree adapters for my compression fittings and I am pretty much out of budget until next month so I will have to source some through trade or whatever. Anywho thanks for reading as always, my next update will be a video of me explaining the full wall PC setup.

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys, time for a fairly large update. I was going to make a video of me explaingin how the wall pc was going to work and the purpose of it but I came home from work today feeling angry for no good reason so I decided to take it out on some modding. So here are the fruits of my labor for the afternoon.

First off I cut the Screws i had ordered from frozen CPU to leagnth so I could mount the rad.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_175018.jpg

Next up I needed to remove a bit of pipe from the area I would be working in as it was no longer in use.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_175040.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_175046.jpg

Then vacuum and mount the rad

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_175822.jpg

Next up is the pump

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_182658.jpg

Then the Res.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_183647.jpg

After that i needed to get the 2x6 I would be using to mount the hinges to level and secure.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_184412.jpg

After that it was time to make the plank I would be using to mount all of my hardware. There are 4 holes in the lian li trade that make good mounting points.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_192728.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_192928.jpg


And just my luck the Seasonic PSU fits perfectly between the nuts :)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_195520.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_195530.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_195540.jpg

next up was mounting the hinges and testing out the concept.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_205006.jpg

Woo Hoo, all looks well. Time to start running some tubing. Unfortunately the danger den res. I am using will not allow me to us compression fittings, so I am going to have to use barbs on the res (eww :( )

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_210737.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_213127.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_213135.jpg

CPU heatsink installed

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_221936.jpg

and the video card next.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_223949.jpg

And here is a mockup, the tubes are too long atm but I wanted them that way till I am finished so I have some play room. Now I just need to get a bracket for the PSU and a couple other things and this thing is ready to rock! As always thanks for reading.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130118_224928.jpg

[Stonerboy779]

With such great distances in bight you're really going to make that poor pump work hard.

[d_stilgar]

With such great distances in bight you're really going to make that poor pump work hard.

I'm not sure how I missed this. I have the bigger version of that mobo tray. It's awesome.

Stonerboy is right. You need to check the head pressure on that pump to make sure it can pump up those feet.

Still, can't wait to see more.

[dieseldog49]

Ok a slightly smaller update today. I am still waiting on some parts to arrive (A huge thanks to deadlift1 you are truly [H]ard!) He offered me some free extensions so I can use compression fittings on my reservoir. However I did swing back by Bryans shop to have a PSU Bracket mad up yesterday and I got the rest of the mounting hardware for the tray installed.

First off is the Latch to hold it in the upright position, nothing fancy but it works like a charm.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_194603-1.jpg

Then we have a tensioning cable to reduce stress on the wood the hinges are mounted to and prevent sag. I mounted a adjustable hook on one end so I can adjust sould the cable stetch out or I need to alter the position.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_194620-1.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_194625.jpg

Then off to the plasma cutter again.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_1749411.jpg

And viola a PSU bracket.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_194647.jpg

Mounted.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_195512.jpg

And we now have a place to slap in the Seasonic 750w PSU

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_200742.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_200750.jpg

You can see here the PSU has plenty of room to breathe and there is only a slight gap between the wood which I will address when I do cable management.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130121_200808.jpg

Hopefully another update and maybe a video by the weekend. As always thanks for reading!

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys, I am getting close to being done, last night though I decided I needed to re work a bunch of stuff to get the Wall PC right, so I ended up working until 3am on it then spent the next 3 hours after that ordering more parts. So much for this being a ultra cheap build ( Facepalm) Anywho on with the update.


First off is wiring up the power and restart buttons, I am using a run of cat5 wire so that if I decide to get LED buttons later on I can use the extra 2 pairs for the LED's, Green is Power, Orange is Reset.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130122_155312.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130122_160522.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130122_162536.jpg

Side note I found a great new way to use the little LED flashlight in my mini leatherman :)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130122_162529.jpg

Now that gets passed through the wall and that brings us to the wall side wiring.

First off the Fans, I am using a Phobya fan splitter.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_001227.jpg

Now Cables you see here from left to right, Pump Cables,Power Switch Cat5 Cable then the Fan Power cable.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005437.jpg

Here is what its shaping up like on top, please ignore the terrible wire sleeving as I realized the stuff I have it just terrible and I have just ordered Paracord this morning. I also will be sleeving all of the Seasonic PSU cables as well, which will be a first for me.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005529.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005516.jpg


Now I also decided to replace of of the tubing with Tygon tubing as the Flexability will come in handy plus I get to use Mayhems Deep red Dye for a better color scheme :)

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005429.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005521.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005544.jpg

Next up is test fitting my hard drive mounting solution, a Syba Dual Slot 2.5 caddy.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005448.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005501.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130125_005457.jpg

Its quite light and should suite my needs quite nicely, I have a 1tb Spinner and a Intel 160gb SSD in the mail. I also have the wall pass through and a USB slim housing for a disk drive as well as a couple other things on their way. As always thanks for reading!

[dieseldog49]

Ok guys, another big update.

I had a bunch of stuff show up today including my paracord

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130128_210251.jpg

I will be using the 3 colors on the left.

My 160gb Intel SSD and Samsung 1 Tb Spinner for storage.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130128_210451.jpg

I also got more heat shrink, ordered a Crimp setup from MDPC. I also got deadlift1's Extensions for the DD res in.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130126_164427.jpg

Thanks again man they did the trick perfectly!

So with those, I had everything I needed to get this setup wet. I was super stoked so I started wiring up and sleeving the power and reset switches.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130128_203736.jpg

Then disaster, as I was measuring out a wire length and I bumped the latch holding the tray up and slamming it down. The heavy water blocked video card ripped the PCIE 16x Slot right from the motherboard :eek:

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130128_210113.jpg

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae123/otterinator/IMG_20130128_210126.jpg

Now while this is frustrating, it is also entirely my fault, I had considered a better more secure latch but opted for the simpler setup. I am sad to see this mobo die before it even had a chance, I rather liked how basic the bios was and I also liked the built in buttons and display, however I picked this board cause it was on sale and I got it for a good price. I am undeterred however because I really do want to see the effects of cooling a CPU upside down and you can't try something that hasn't been done before without some risk ;) . First priority obviously is a MUCH better latch and then a new motherboard, any suggestions that will go with black, red and grey and are fairly affordable please let me know.


Well instead of posting a video of getting my system topped off with water and leak checked I leave you with pictures of a ruined motherboard but thats modding, some times it all goes terribly wrong and thats what makes it exciting :D . Now if you will excuse me I am gonna go to the gym and take my pent up rage at myself and take it out on some weights then have several pints spiked with whiskey.