Computer Cabinet |
Cabinet for computer and monitor. Behind the bottom doors is the computer in its original tower. A door on the cabinet's back permits easy access to the computer's wires. The back of the cabinet also has a filtered vent (HVAC return) that allows heat to escape. The top front doors give access to the old CRT monitor. Ken, a visitor to this site, sent the right image of his monitor support. The closet rods are simpler than an oddly shaped shelf.
Door and vent on back.
CRT supported with closet rods.
|
There have been requests for plans for the cabinet, but this unit was
made from scrap, so its dimensions matched leftover materials rather than
a
predetermined design.
However, I did draw the draft
below; it has not been built, but it should help to get one started.
It was designed to use only one sheet of 3/4 inch plywood or MDF. The angled cuts on the sides allow enough leftover wood for the back. There is enough material available for most any door layout when the middle shelf is not full cabinet depth. Before building, check the width of the keyboard and monitor. The 20 inches shown is usually wide enough. The cabinet is designed for the sides and back to stand on top of
the bottom. The back is positioned between the sides. Image below.
All joints are butt joints. The unit is held together with 1-5/8 inch drywall screws and glue.
Cabinet carcass.
|
Full sheets of stock can be
difficult to haul home. It may be easier to have the store make a few cuts.
First cut off the 20 inch end for the back and keyboard. Then rip the long remainder into two 24 inch widths. Split the line so the bottom and sides will be the same width (24 inches less half a saw
blade's kerf). Note that MDF is 49 inches wide, unlike plywood, which is 48 inches. |
Cabinet cut from one sheet of plywood. |
|
Ken's cabinet has an angled top, which looks nicer than the top's flat edges on my unit. However, a flat top cabinet can be covered with a board that serves as a work surface when the computer is off.
Ken's cabinet.
Ken's
mouse shelf hinges out of the way, and is supported by angle
brackets when in use. The big handles on the sides help when moving the unit.
Hinged mouse shelf.
|