Making a computer desk with your own hands

What is a carpentry workbench

A carpenter's workbench or table is a simple, but at the same time convenient design. This is a high, long table designed for heavy objects and complex work on it. As a rule, the tabletop has large holes so that waste from production falls and does not interfere with work. There are also shelves for support and tool boxes.

For simple carpentry work, everyone can make the simplest work table, or you can think through all your needs and create an ideal workplace.

The workbench is used for several types of work:

• Cutting wood and other hard materials.
• Cutting materials.
• Wood processing: planing and sanding.
• Assemblies of various parts and objects.

The most convenient way is to make a universal carpentry table with your own hands. This is absolutely not difficult, and the owner will be able to gain additional experience in carpentry.

By approaching the work with full responsibility and armed with drawings, you will receive a convenient and functional workbench.

A table of your own production will save money, and besides, it can be quickly assembled from scrap materials. If the device is needed only for a while, it will be easy to disassemble after use.

Important! When making a table with your own hands, the craftsman will be able to take into account individual dimensions, requirements and make the necessary shelves, supports and other elements important for work.

MINI WORKBENCH FOR HOME

Despite the fact that a soldering iron is the main tool of a radio amateur, almost every radio amateur is faced with the need to perform a wide range of carpentry and plumbing work. For example, without such work it is impossible to manufacture a housing for an assembled device. Even if you buy a ready-made case, you will still have to modify it. Ideally, you need to have a specially equipped workshop to perform plumbing and carpentry work. But that’s ideal, but in reality you often have to solder on an ordinary desk, and a metalworker’s workbench may generally look like this:

Of course, this is an extreme option, but it is almost impossible to allocate space for a full-fledged workshop in an ordinary apartment. This raises the question of the most rational use of the available modest space. It is undesirable to perform metalwork work at a table for radio installation, if only because metal dust will definitely not benefit electronic devices. Considering that a radio amateur still performs plumbing work from time to time, it is rational to prepare a separate small workplace that could be stored as compactly as possible between uses.

When designing this mini workbench, the author proceeded from the design described in [Pavlov S. Not on the knee // Model designer. - No. 10. 2020.- P. 10-11.]. The side parts of the workbench are made of 40 mm thick boards. The supports of their 50 x 40 mm timber are attached to them from below using M8 bolts.

The “table top” is made of 50 mm thick boards.

It is attached to the side elements using homemade metal corners, in which holes are made for M10 bolts. The necessary rigidity of the structure is provided by diagonal elements that tighten the legs and the table top that closes the contour. They are attached to homemade corners using M8 furniture bolts.

The side posts and diagonal ties can accommodate frequently used small hand tools with relative ease, as well as small drawers for small consumables and materials. The placement of such auxiliary elements entirely depends on the capabilities and imagination of each individual craftsman.

It should be remembered that this design is a compromise between size and convenience and, of course, such a mini workbench will not replace a full-fledged workplace. Many types of work cannot be performed on it, for example, planing with a plane. But for fastening small vices, drilling, and working with a jigsaw and hacksaw, such a workbench is only slightly suitable. Threaded connections of the main elements make it possible to easily disassemble the workbench, which allows you to put its parts in any storage room, and very compactly, or transport the workbench by public transport in 2-3 steps.

When assembled, the mini workbench can be easily carried alone, so when you take a break from work, you can easily push it into the corner of the room, freeing up living space. On the other hand, the low weight means that the workbench is relatively easy to overturn; ideally, it should be secured to the floor. The author deliberately almost does not give the geometric dimensions of the structure in the note, because Basically, the author relied on the remains of materials that he had available. It seems to the author not very rational to specifically purchase material for such a design. From an ergonomic point of view, the main thing is to choose the optimal height of the workbench, so that it is comfortable to work at it while standing.

Comparing such a workbench with a full-fledged metalworking and carpentry workbench is like comparing an aircraft carrier with a rubber inflatable boat. It’s clear that an aircraft carrier is better in all respects, except perhaps for size and cost, but if you don’t have an aircraft carrier and need to stay on the water, then a rubber boat is much better than nothing. The author of the material is Denev.

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Main types of workbenches

There are several types of workbenches, which differ in their functional purpose. Complex devices combine several types at once. Simpler ones have limited functions.

• Carpenter's table. It is an ordinary high table with a flat, even tabletop. It is designed for processing and sawing small parts. But it is difficult to process large boards on it.
• Long workbench. It is a long structure with a vice for securing boards and logs. Its main purpose is to process these types of parts. However, it is impossible to collect small items here.
• Universal table. It has a flat, wide table top, nearby holes for dumping debris and a long mount with a vice. The most advanced models are reinforced on individual sides with metal sheets or tape, which makes it possible to process metal and stone products on it.

There is also a gradation of workbenches by type of assembly. There may be the following options:

• Mobile workbench. It is small in size and weight. Designed for carrying from place to place and processing small products.
• Stationary table. These structures are heavy and, as a rule, securely attached to the floor. They process heavy logs, boards, and large parts. Typically, such options are used in private homes, where the owner quite often does carpentry or other work. Most often, these workbenches are universal with a large number of accessories.
• Folding table. This is an intermediate option between a mobile device and a large stationary table. Prefabricated workbenches are also quite large in size, but can be removed fairly quickly. They are suitable for garages or small private houses.

According to its design characteristics, a carpentry workbench is a table on which shelves for tools, drawers and additional equipment are located.

MAPANIA

A child grows up in a family. Just recently he was playing with blocks and pyramids, assembling models from construction sets, but now he is starting to make something, bringing some pieces of iron and wood into the house. He puts it all in the corner so that it won’t be too noticeable, because he will have to listen to his parents’ reproaches that the apartment is cluttered, everything is lying underfoot. And the boy has to, in order not to irritate his family, sit on a stool, tinker and invent on the landing. But even in a city house there is a place for a working corner, where a child can do his favorite thing - modeling, chasing, woodworking, fixing something from household utensils, where you, parents, can spend a couple of hours with him, which is so your son needs. So that he can feel that you are not indifferent to his hobbies, that his problems, ideas, and projects are close to you.

It is better to make a work corner close to the window. To work in the evening there should be local lighting: a wall sconce is most convenient.

The most important thing in a home workshop is the workbench. It should be stable and tall enough for a child. For children 8 - 10 years old, the height should be approximately 65 centimeters, for teenagers 11-15 years old - within 70-75 centimeters. The height of the table is determined as follows: the working surface should be at the level of the child’s lowered hand. A deviation up and down of 3 - 4 centimeters is permissible.

It’s easy to convert an old desk or kitchen table into a workbench table. It should have shelves and drawers for storing materials and unfinished work. In order not to spoil the surface of the table, select a piece of hardboard or thick cardboard that fits the size. You can hang a small tool cabinet above the table.

What tools should you equip your home workshop with?

To work with metal and plastic, you need a metalworking set: a tabletop quick-release vice, a hacksaw for metal - “amateur” - 150 mm long, small files of various profiles with large and medium notches, needle files, a scriber, a center punch, chisels of several sizes (width 8. 12, 15 mm), bench square, ruler. calipers, metal shears, small anvil (thick steel slab or block), mallet, drill bits, drill, thread cutting set and hammers (weighing 200 and 300 g).

To work with wood, you need to make an overhead workbench board, which is attached to the table with a clamp (Figure 1). The board is small in size and can be put away in the table after work.

The design is very simple, and even a sixth grade student can make this device.

Take a piece of particle board measuring 240 X 550 - 600 mm. Glue a block with a cross section of 40 X 70 mm to the back. Having previously cut out the grooves and drilled a hole for installing the bracket (Figure 2). The clamp consists of a U-shaped bracket and a Z-shaped clamp. The clamp is attached to the back bar with a metal rod through holes in the bracket and bar. The bracket can be bent from a steel strip with a cross-section of 4 X 20 mm, and the clamp can be bent from a strip of 6 X 30 mm. Glue the board on the left side (rail with a cross-section of 25x25 mm, length 300 mm).

Make a sawing stop from a 30x20x160 mm birch block. At the front, install the wedge clamp (Figure 3). All its parts are easier to make from plywood. The side stop and liner are cut from ten-millimeter plywood. The wedge is glued together from two parts: the upper part is 6 mm thick and the lower part is 4 mm thick. The guide also consists of two parts of the same thickness as the wedge. It is attached to the base with countersunk screws. At the back of the overhead workbench there is a device for fastening workpieces in a vertical position when you need to saw tenons or saw a board lengthwise (Figure 2).

For carpentry work you need to acquire a special tool.

First of all, you need tools for marking: a hard pencil, a 500 mm metal ruler, a carpenter's square and a goat's leg compass.

Cutting tools require a plane, a saw with a fine tooth for mixed sawing (along and across the grain), a chisel 12 - 15 mm wide, chisels 6 and 10 mm wide, a drill with a set of drills. You will need files with a large notch; round, square and semicircular.

Installation tools required include pliers, a square-head hammer, a mallet and a set of screwdrivers.

A hammer, a mallet, a drill with drills and a set of screwdrivers can be the same - both for plumbing and carpentry.

If the area of ​​the apartment does not allow for a work desk, then you can make a folding workbench (Figure 4). Such a workbench can be made on the balcony. In the non-working position, it protrudes from the wall by only 70 - 80 mm.

Three wooden blocks with a cross section of 40x60 mm are attached to the wall; one horizontally and two vertically. Legs are attached to the vertical bars on furniture hinges, which are fastened with a piece of plywood. The lid is then attached to the horizontal bar. Wicket hinges are very convenient for attaching the lid.

To bring the workbench into working position, you need to lift the lid and turn the legs perpendicular to the wall.

V. Semenikhin, senior lecturer at Moscow State Pedagogical Institute named after V. I. Lenin Magazine “Family and School”

Construction of a carpentry workbench

Despite its simple appearance, the carpenter's table has a very complex structure, since any inconspicuous detail here carries a number of important functions.

Traditionally, woodworkers worked with hand tools, so to work with electric tools, the worktop must be modified to suit your needs.

Main elements of the workbench:

• Base or bed. This element is also called the underbench. This is a support made of thick timber or metal. As a rule, it is a frame that has additional drawers or crossbars. It must support a heavy structure with a tabletop, tools and wood for processing. The drawers and frame elements are connected to each other with wedges and glue.

  
  The construction of a carpentry workbench is simple, but requires careful design, calculation of dimensions and the correct choice of material.

• Tabletop. It is also called a workbench board. It is made from thick boards. As a rule, the thickness of the board is 6-7 cm. This is necessary to withstand the weight of tools, workers and heavy blows to them. The table top has the necessary grooves, holes, holes or clamps. Each master places them at his own discretion.

  
  For a home workshop, it is most convenient to make a stationary wooden carpenter's workbench with a base made of metal or wood.

• Vices, clamps. The workbench should have at least two clamps on both sides. The clamps are made of wood, since it will not deform the material of the products. The maximum number of clamps is not limited. If you plan to work with parts of different sizes - for example, small items and large boards, then there should definitely be several clamps. At the same time, they should be located on opposite sides of the tabletop so as not to interfere with each other.

  
  All types of work tables known to us originated from the carpenter's workbench.

• Shelves for tools and additional stops. They are located under the tabletop. It is important to place shelves for tools so that they can be easily reached with one hand without leaving the table. That is why it is convenient to place them below, and not in the closet nearby.

Carpentry workbench frame

Take smooth pine boards without large knots with a cross-section of 50x150 mm. Dry the raw lumber: the lower the moisture content of the boards, the less likely the structure will warp. The carpentry workbench in question is designed for comfortable work by a craftsman with a height of 170–180 cm. To change the height of the structure, make the legs higher or lower.

Drawing of a carpentry workbench (front view).

Workbench drawing (side view).

Table 1 - list of frame parts

Finish dimensions, mm

All elements of the base of the carpentry workbench are paired, so mark two parts of the same length on a 150 mm wide board at once.

Saw all the wooden pieces to length, with the exception of the spacers: it is easier to cut the short ones already planed, and the long ones should be sawed off later in place.

Measure the width of the board, subtract the thickness of your circular saw blade and divide the result in half. Set the calculated size on the measuring scale and make sure that the saw blade is perpendicular. Unfold the boards exactly in the middle.

Board cutting diagram.

Sharpen the parts and sand them with medium-grit sandpaper.

File the bottom spacers and sand the ends. After cleaning the surfaces from dust, apply glue to the small leg and to the end of the leg.

Squeeze the parts together with a clamp, wipe off the squeezed out glue and drill holes with a countersink drill.

Fasten the workpieces with 6.0x70 screws. Prepare the remaining legs of the woodworking bench frame.

Bevel the bottom ends to reduce the likelihood of the wood splitting when the workbench moves.

Prepare the joints connecting the legs with the longitudinal legs for gluing. Fasten the parts with screws, setting a right angle.

Screw all four legs into place.

Place the frame halves and longitudinal drawers on the floor, measure the length of the upper spacers.

File the parts and secure them with glue and screws.

Assemble the top frame of the woodworking bench on a flat surface. Fasten the bars with wood glue and 6.0x80 mm screws, drilling guide holes for them.

Assemble the lower frame of the workbench, using clamps and auxiliary boards for convenience.

Replace the top frame and level the entire structure. Connect the frame parts with screws.

Cut out the bottom shelf from sheet material 16 mm thick and secure it to the bars

How to make a carpentry table with your own hands

Creating a carpentry table with your own hands, despite all its features, is quite simple. To do this you need:

1. Calculate exact dimensions.
2. Create a preliminary drawing.
3. Select the necessary boards and other materials.
4. Refine the drawing.
5. Assemble the table itself.

A modern work surface is also additionally equipped, for example, with space for a milling machine.

Size calculation

The basic size requirements are simple: the table must fit in the room so that it is convenient to walk around it with a tool. To do this, a distance of 80-100 cm should remain between it and the wall or other objects.

The size of the table is determined by factors such as the area of ​​the room and your individual characteristics.

The size of the tabletop should be such that it is convenient to place everything you need on it. If you plan to work with small objects, then a length of 100–150 cm and a width of 80 cm will be sufficient. If you plan to process large objects, then it is better to choose a length of 200–250 cm and a width of 80–100 cm.

Ideally, the height should be such that it is comfortable to work behind it while standing or sitting on a chair. To do this, it must be 70 cm. A height of 80 cm will allow you to work only while standing.

Working at a workbench that is not the right height will lead to serious back problems.

Drawing

Once the basic dimensions have been determined, you can begin creating the drawing. You need to pay close attention to this, since the details will then be cut out from it.

Drawings of the future structure, as well as its dimensions, are selected taking into account all conditions.

The drawing is performed in two versions:

• Table top drawing.
  Here the width of the boards is calculated and how they will be connected to each other. The necessary clamps and vices are also indicated here. Important! It is worth trying on the location of important elements in real size, trying from which points it is convenient to reach them with your hands and checking whether they interfere with work.
• Basic drawing. Here it is important to calculate the load on the legs and how the frames will be strengthened.

Drawings of tables that can be found on the Internet are presented in a huge variety.
After this, it is worth checking the drawing again and its compliance with the materials: whether there are boards of the required width or the required number. Are the necessary support bars available?

Selection of tools and materials

Before assembling the table, you need to prepare all materials and tools.

Necessary materials:

• Wooden boards are 15-30 cm wide and 6-7 cm thick. Their length should be no less than the length of the table top. The cheapest regular pine board is suitable for this.
• Wooden blocks for the frame, legs and drawers. The width of the bars should be 10-15 cm.
• Square metal pipes for making metal supports.
• Metal furniture corners for connecting wooden parts.
• Self-tapping screws and bolts.
• Wood glue.

It’s great if you can find lumber made from beech, ash, maple or hornbeam, but if not, then make a table from a pine board.
Tools needed for assembly:

• Hammer.
• Jigsaw.
• Hand saw.
• Grinder saw.
• Screwdriver.
• Ruler.
• Roulette.
• Pencil.

For convenience, tools and small parts should be placed on one side, and large boards should be placed on the other.

Other tools may be required, but this will depend on the design of your workbench.

Advice. Small parts and screws should be laid out on a light cloth or paper. This way you can immediately find the item you need.

Table creation process

Assembling a workbench involves several steps:

1. Frame assembly. She's going first. The supports are fastened together using drawers and crossbars. For the most reliable fastening, they are connected using wedges or puzzles, which must be prepared in advance. A simpler connection is also possible using metal brackets and furniture corners. The metal base is assembled using welding or screws.
2. Creating a tabletop. First, boards of the required size are cut.
3. Fastening the table top to the frame. To do this, furniture corners are attached to the boards, then they are installed on the frame and attached to it. If a folding tabletop is intended, then you first need to make its parts and then connect them to the frame using furniture hinges.
4. Creation of additional elements: clips, puzzles and others. After the tabletop is installed and secured to it, it is convenient to attach additional elements: clamps, vices. Here you can also cut out the necessary holes with a jigsaw.

The tabletop is treated with a surface planer and a sander to achieve a smooth surface.
Advice. When assembling the table, do not use nails. This will subsequently cause the table to become loose. Self-tapping screws can always be re-tightened. Puzzles and wedges are firmly connected with glue.

After assembly, all that remains is to prepare the table for work and you can begin the creative process.

The base is impregnated with an antiseptic, which will not allow fungus or mold to grow in the wood.

Final stage

Finally, it is necessary to check the strength of all connections and modify those that may become loose.

It is also important to check the comfort of all parts on the countertop. Most likely, something will seem superfluous, and something will be missing. To be more confident, you should try working on a large object on a workbench. In this case, nuances will certainly appear that can be quickly corrected before installing additional equipment and securing the table.

You can make a shelf on the bottom frame, or one or two cabinets. Careful craftsmen make a cabinet and a shelf on which various equipment is stored.

The very last step in creating a woodworking table will be attaching it to the floor. The table is usually screwed to the floor using furniture corners. This ensures its stability and ease of support during operation.

Mobile devices intended for small items do not need to be screwed to the floor. But in this case there will still be a risk of knocking it over.

Models of ready-made computer desks

Classic model. It's the easiest to do. It is suitable for a school student. Dimensions: length 150 cm, depth 65 cm, height 75 cm. The product has an additional lower shelf for the block system on the right and several drawers on the left.

A gaming computer desk is a work of art.

Compact model with top shelves. The product is suitable for small rooms where space is very limited. Dimensions: length 85 cm, depth 65 cm, working surface height 75 cm, product height 170 cm. The model has a compartment for the system unit, above which there is a small shelf, 30 cm wide. There are two shelves at a height of 150 cm and 170 cm.

If the table is intended for working with a laptop, you can make additional shelves instead of niches where things will be stored.

Corner table with top shelves. This option is more suitable for an adult who works at home. Dimensions of one side: length 150 cm, depth 65 cm, height 75 cm. Dimensions of the second side – length 75 cm, depth 65 cm, height 75 cm.

A standard computer desk only has drawers at the bottom.

The upper shelves are secured using additional side parts, which are screwed separately. Between them, at a height of 10 cm from the working surface, there is a stand for the monitor. There are 3 drawers on both sides of the table. The option is very spacious.

A handmade desk is no longer just furniture, but a part of you, albeit inanimate.

Installation of additional equipment

After the table is ready, additional equipment is installed on it:

• Board clamps. Usually mounted from two bars. Clamps are installed at both ends of the tabletop. For convenience, it is worth installing several clamps of different thicknesses: 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm and 20 cm. The clamps are installed exactly opposite each other.
• Vise for parts. Ideally, there should be several vices: 2 or 3 pieces. They are designed for small and large parts.
• Stops for cutting parts. This is optional equipment. Stops are usually small blocks on the countertop.
• Lower shelves for tools. They will create comfort during work and significantly save time. It is better to place heavy, large tools on the bottom shelf. Place boxes with small items a little higher. It is better to make drawers for small things retractable.
• Additional lighting. Without it, work will be uncomfortable. Typically, a long LED office lamp is mounted on the desk. To prevent shadows from your hands from interfering with your work, you should attach two lamps on different sides.

Don't forget about the lighting. We suggest considering fluorescent lamps or LED strip as an additional lighting source.

Selecting a place to install the table

The choice of the main location for installing the workbench should be thought out in advance. Usually this is a workshop, a place on the site next to the technical unit or in the garage.

In addition to the placement location, you need to think through a few more technical nuances:

• From which side will the approach to the workbench be? To work with small objects, an approach from one edge is sufficient; such a device can be installed against a wall. For large-scale work, a free approach from all sides is required.
• Which side will the items be placed on the table? It is important to think through this point so as not to touch other furniture with long boards.
• Do not place the workbench next to a door or window. Usually such work takes a lot of time. There are always drafts near a window or door; if you stay here for a long time, you can catch a cold.

When setting up a workbench, think carefully about where the power tool will be connected.
Working through these points will make work in the future comfortable and safe.

Operating rules

In order for the carpenter's table to last a long time and to work at it safely, it is important to follow the basic operating rules:

1. All table parts must be firmly secured. If they start to wobble, they need to be tightened or secured. Any unsteady position can result in serious injury. It will not be very pleasant if the saw or jigsaw comes off the part at the most inopportune moment.
2. All items for work should also be held well on the table. This will make the work more accurate.
3. The device must be protected from moisture. Wooden boards will warp and crack with sudden changes in humidity. If there is high humidity, mold may grow here.
4. When working with heavy objects, you need to evenly distribute the load on the tabletop.

Making a carpentry workbench yourself is not a quick task, but it is exciting, because you need to take into account not only your needs, but also the ergonomics of the entire workspace.
Proper assembly of this device and its correct operation will bring joy from carpentry work, which will give inspiration for creativity.