Computer Armoire
Planning to Build a Computer Armoire
Dave Markel is the author of "The All Wood Working Journal".
He has helped hundreds of individuals improve their wood working skills.
Visit his site at http://all-wood-working-plans.com
Much like any other piece of furniture, selecting computer armoire
plans requires a little bit of fore thought. There are a number of questions
that you need to ask yourself before committing to a design. This will
save some disappointment after the project is complete.
Consider these 10 points before getting started.
- When planning your office make sure there is sufficient power close
to where you plan to put your computer armoire. It is possible
to have power points right at your computer armoire if there
are computer components that are only used occasionally.
- Use a species of wood that is going to be able to resist the heavy
weight of the computer components. A hardwood species such as Oak or
Maple will provide the strength needed to resist these forces.
- Using the right species of wood will resist the weight of the computer
components but the joinery used should also provide the maximum gluing
surface area and thus the maximum strength. Joints like dado's for the
carcase, dovetails or finger joints for the drawers and mortise and
tenons for any end grain to side grain connections.
- Be aware that solid wood expands and shrinks with changes in humidity.
This is important on any solid wood project and should be accounted
for when attaching the desk top to the carcase.
- If you intend to store file folders or other heavier items in the
drawers of your computer armoire it is important to use hardware
that will carry the weight of these items.
- Plan for the number and size of computer components that you have
now or intend to get in the future. Choose a set of computer armoire
plans that will provide enough space for all your needs.
- If you are limited for space consider storing some of the components
in the desk.
- If you intend to store your computer tower in a closed part of your
desk be sure that there is adequate ventilation.
- Use keyboard trays to free up space on your desk and provide a dust
free storage place while it is not in use.
- Be considerate of ergonomics. Most computer armoire plans
are fine in this respect but if you draw your own plans make sure that
you are going to be comfortable with the finished product. Visit a furniture
store to get ideas about keyboard height, etc.
Take a look at some of the recommended computer
armoires.
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