Multimedia Desk plans help

**rkrueger** · 01-29-2012, 05:36 PM

Hi, I'm new to this forum.

I have a small home studio that I write music in. Prefab studio furniture is incredibly overpriced, so I'm looking to do a desk build for myself.

I'd like to make something similar to the following schematic :
http://www.omnirax.com/content/pdf/F...0Schematic.pdf

I have 5 months until my lease is up and I move somewhere else, so I have about that much time to work out a solid plan for this build. Due to it's size, I'll need to to be able to put it together and taken apart in pieces or modules. A friend had suggested I use a dowel type system for this.

I'd like to start talking about things I need to consider in this build. Which materials would be best suited, etc.
I've yet to build a piece of furniture, so there's going to be a lot of learning for me with this. I'll probably be needing to practice a few techniques before working on the real thing. I'm hoping 5 months is enough time to get this worked out so I can begin building when I move into my new place.

I'm looking forward to talking with you all here and learning a lot.

Best,

-Robert

**Keystone** · 01-29-2012, 05:42 PM

For what you are looking at Plywood would be "best". But there is a ton more to it than that. It must be built in such a way that it is strong enough once assembled, yet (by your own needs) can still be taken apart. Personally I would find a way that it bolts together.
What tools do you have at your disposal?

**rkrueger** · 01-30-2012, 12:50 PM

I have most of the basic power tools, anything else I would require I would purchase or rent.

Have :
Dremel and Multimax
10" Compound Mitre
Circular Saw
10" Table saw
Jigsaws
Plunge Router
Orbital and Belt sanders
Elec and Cordless drills

Probably Need :
Some dowel or biscuit toolsets

I spent some time talking to a fella who built a very similar desk, he recommended me to use MDF for cost and ease of use reasons. He said I would need to use a hard wood edge on the tabletop to keep from messing up the mdf edges over time.
Here is his desk :
http://trashaudio.com/wp-content/upl...tedmemory2.jpg

I don't think his was able to be taken apart though. I understand that there can be some fastening issues when using MDF. I will be painting it and want it to have a durable finish. I imagine I could have this modular where each cabinet on the right and left will be it's own piece, the tabletop, and then the left and right shelves as their own pieces.

**Keystone** · 01-30-2012, 02:04 PM

MDF is cheaper than high quality plywood.
MDF is not a better choice for furniture. In fact, MDF isn't even as good as plywood for furniture.
If you are going to spend the time, effort and money then do it right the first time. A finished ply (Oak, cherry, walnut, birch etc) wrapped with hardwood to cover and protect the edges will last you a life time.

**Jerry M** · 01-31-2012, 01:32 AM

Explore the world of "knock-down hardware." This is hardware that is designed for use in pieces that can be put together and taken apart repeatedly. There are several types. Do some research, maybe even try a few sample joints with a couple different types, see what works for you.

Personally, I like "cross-dowels" and "connector bolts", but there are other types, too. I am sitting at a desk right now that was built over 25 years ago with Formica-covered particle board, cross-dowels and connector bolts. It's been taken apart and moved several times. Still doing well and going strong.

---Jerry

**dvelleux** · 02-03-2012, 07:48 PM

Robert,

The ONLY other tool you will need to make your dream a reality is a Kreg pocket hole jig. AVOID KD hardware if you can, since I am pretty certain, once you build it, it will NOT be coming down anytime soon. You can hide the pocket holes on the interior and backs of each unit, especially if you are putting it against a wall or in a corner. You should be able to get it fully cut, edge banded and assembled, ready for finishing, within a weekend...

**Dal300** · 02-03-2012, 08:36 PM

How about this one:

http://woodgears.ca/student-desk/index.html

**rkrueger** · 02-13-2012, 07:22 AM

Thanks for these suggestions. I'll start doing some research on these methods and if I have more questions I'll start posting them.

@Dal300 : Are you using that as an example of knockdown furniture, or as a possible desk design for me to use?

**rkrueger** · 02-14-2012, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by Keystone

MDF is cheaper than high quality plywood.
MDF is not a better choice for furniture. In fact, MDF isn't even as good as plywood for furniture.
If you are going to spend the time, effort and money then do it right the first time. A finished ply (Oak, cherry, walnut, birch etc) wrapped with hardwood to cover and protect the edges will last you a life time.

Is that suggested for just the tabletop portion itself, or the whole desk. I think I would prefer a painted and sealed surface, but I haven't written off a finished ply for a nice wood look.

What type/quality ply would I use if I wanted to have a painted surface.

**Keystone** · 02-14-2012, 11:25 AM

Since you are painting it construction grade ply will work fine. You mave have to fill a few bad spots etc, but once primed and painted you won't notice if you sanded it properly. Pick through the CDX stuff at your local BORG.

Often for a few $$ more though you can buy a finished ply from the BORGS that use a hardwood as the top layer. Normally it's birch. Stains/paints nicely. As an example the desk below is that type of ply. I used maple to edge the ply and to build the door etc.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v3...rent=IMG09.jpg