Because our den is going to waste and other reasons, I decided to move the computers into it. There is already one in there, and sometimes I have to run back and forth between it and the computers out in what is supposed to be the formal dining room where I currently have my desk. I want to get all the computers in a central location (except the one down in the basement with all the musical instruments). My current desk won’t handle them, at least not comfortably. The old desk was built with the idea that the computer would hide inside. Starting with the G5, Macs are now too tall to fit in there unless I take out the roll–out shelf for the scanner. Plus it’s too hot in there.

What I need is an L–shaped desk so I can comfortably see more than 2 screens and even use multiple keyboards instead of using a USB switch (goddamn PCs are slow as hell to notice when a device comes or goes). Also, no more cabinet type features or supporting legs on the “sitting” side to impede my legs, which will allow me to roll the chair to different computers. Also in the design is enough airflow to keep the computers and my legs cooler.

The top surface will be made like a hollow–core door, but much stronger. That will be edged with solid maple with a nice waterfall edge for arm comfort. Six round, tapered legs will hold it up, and maple plywood will connect the legs and provide a desk–like appearance, while leaving 10” or so of space to the floor for airflow. A footrest will also be built into the corner, and a small shelf will run along the inside, toward the top of each leg of the L for hubs, power supplies, and other such crap.

Step 1 is done; gluing up the top surface. A sheet of laminate is on order and hopefully will get here soon.

The laminate went on nicely. Only one coat of adhesive was needed. With the first desk, it needed a 2nd coat because the 1st one didn’t take. Brent had the same experience. Maybe it was the weather (cool and dry) or because the adhesive was about 6 years old. That’s not dust from trimming the laminate, it’s the pattern, like sheet metal with brush swirls in it.

Got the maple edging all shaped and sanded. The entire top is thicker than I thought it would be when I envisioned it in my head, so I didn’t quite get the profile I was after. The top waterfall and bottom bullnose are right, but there was less distance between them when it was in my brain. Still, it looks fine. And yes, I went with a different leg design. It’s less good looking, but easier to make and much stronger.

After getting all the plywood and legs cut and glued up, I test fit them so I could make some quarter rounds for the corners.

Here it is all set up in the den, starting to get populated with equipment. I needed to figure out where everything would go before cutting the holes in the top for the cable grommets, and before building the cable/accessory shelf on the inside. I still need to put a couple coats of poly on the grommet covers. If I had to do it over again, I’d make it about 2” deeper, but that’s only because the foot of the one speaker is hanging over a tad.

The den needs some serious organization. You can see the drawers from my grandpa’s desk stacked up in the corner. Not sure what I’ll do with that desk. Yes, I’m wearing camo socks.