New desk shelf mod?

zorobabel

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 25, 2008
Messages
193
I partially moved to a new place, picked up a desk on CG and now I'm trying to fit everything in. As you can see, the receiver and speakers pose a problem. Initially I was thinking of finding some shelves/cabinet combos where I would fit the receiver and printer (not pictured) and have the speakers sit on top. Aside from finding the right ones, the receiver is 17" wide and space is limited.
Then I got the idea of adding a shelf that is wider than the desk, to give the desk wings :). The desk is 42"x30", speakers are 9" wide, so I thought an extra foot on each side (unless my 21" 4:3 monitor dies and I have to replace it with a widescreen) should be good. The receiver is 6" tall, so the shelf legs should be 7-8". Monitors and speakers would sit on said shelf. The desk is pretty solid, and the 2 small holes in the top surface of the desk lead to threaded holes (well, one might be messed up, but sheet metal screws should work). It will probably be imposible to match the colors, and I'll most likely use a wood plank so it will look ghetto.
Your thoughts?
edit: the receiver would go under the shelf.
Shelf would be about 66"x11".
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Ideally I could find something like this on the cheap and in the right size; it would make attaching the leg/supports to the desk a breeze.
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I used to have a monitor riser shelf on my IKEA Galant (until I recently got a sit-stand). I used an IKEA premade wall shelf, and IKEA kitchen cabinet legs to raise the shelf off the desk. They were the perfect height. I don't think they make the cabinet legs anymore, they were round ones, but they still make some square ones I think.

The IKEA shelf is dirt cheap and gives a nice finished look.

Something like this I think: shelf that is meant to mount to these. Oh, I think these are the legs I used. Just take a few minutes to install the legs and you're in business.
 
+1 to Ikea. I'd go to the store with an open mind and just wander around and visualize something that would work for you.
 
The problem with it is that it's only 3/4" thick in real life and I'm worried about bending. Don't want the monitors crooked.

I don't think I'd bother. You could maybe look for a 2x12 or 2x10 in the lumber section, as they have a little more meat on them.
 
I don't think I'd bother. You could maybe look for a 2x12 or 2x10 in the lumber section, as they have a little more meat on them.
Thanks, that's what I was thinking, the only problem is finding one that is not cracked. I'll keep searching for the "one". The 2x12 are 1.5x11.25 when measured.
 
Thanks for the replies!
I am leaning towards using a plank like this one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Common-1-i...-x-11-25-in-x-6-ft-Whitewood-Board/1000057625
The problem with it is that it's only 3/4" thick in real life and I'm worried about bending. Don't want the monitors crooked.


Adding a dropped face/lip to the front (and possibly back) of the shelf should significantly increase its weight capacity. You could also get one or two aluminum angles and screw them into the bottom.

Additional info:
https://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/aw-extra-3614-stronger-shelves/


Thanks, that's what I was thinking, the only problem is finding one that is not cracked. I'll keep searching for the "one". The 2x12 are 1.5x11.25 when measured.


Yeah, good luck finding a piece that large at the big-box store that's straight and clear. Also, such a chunk of wood would be fairly heavy.

* * *

Though to be honest, is it possible you're over-thinking this? Why not simply pick up a wider desk? Used Galants are typically all over Craigslist, and are ~5'3" wide IIRC (as opposed to you current desk's 3'6").
 
Adding a dropped face/lip to the front (and possibly back) of the shelf should significantly increase its weight capacity. You could also get one or two aluminum angles and screw them into the bottom.

Additional info:
https://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/aw-extra-3614-stronger-shelves/





Yeah, good luck finding a piece that large at the big-box store that's straight and clear. Also, such a chunk of wood would be fairly heavy.

* * *

Though to be honest, is it possible you're over-thinking this? Why not simply pick up a wider desk? Used Galants are typically all over Craigslist, and are ~5'3" wide IIRC (as opposed to you current desk's 3'6").
Good point about the wider desk.
I spent 90 minutes rummaging through 2x12s at Lowes. Found an acceptable 9 ft piece, had them cut the cracked ends, hope it does not crack on my desk. Yes, it is fairly heavy. More to follow.
Thanks for the article and the aluminum idea, I never thought of using an aluminum angle.
 
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