mcapri83
Active member
i just built a workbench and i would like to add either a laptop or desktop to it with a pull out tray for a keyboard. is there somewhere i can buy the hardware to do this?
workbench computer
- Thread starter mcapri83
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chris ioakimedes
Member
I bought a pull out keyboard drawer that screws under the desk/work bench top at Staples. Try your local office supply store.
Chris
Chris
Back in the day, I had a pullout keyboard tray connected to a desktop PC and it turned out to be a real pain, mainly because I felt like I was forced to sit too far away from the screen and it sat too low to my legs. Most people have laptops nowadays, which elimates the need for a peripheral keyboard. My suggestion would be to simply use the laptop. But if you insist on a keyboard keeper, do as one the other poster mentioned and got to a home/office store such as Staples or Office Depot and they'll have several to choose from
i would recommend a laptop for simplest setup. but if you're really thinking about a desktop computer, consider two approaches:
1) cut a rectangular hole in the work bench surface, cover it with a lexan or plexiglass cover and build a mount for the computer monitor underneath with keyboard tray and computer unit. this way, your entire workbench surface is still "open" and you don't have a computer in the way when you need to lay down a long or large object.
2) instead of on the work bench surface, consider checking out ergotron products so you can mount an arm on the side that can hold a LCD display and a keyboard/mouse. then run the wiring down the arm to your computer that you can conceal somewhere else. again, by doing so, you don't have the computer stuff sitting on your work surface.
just some thoughts.... but require some work and money. a laptop would be simpler way to go and you can dedicate a drawer to it and just put it away when you don't need it.
1) cut a rectangular hole in the work bench surface, cover it with a lexan or plexiglass cover and build a mount for the computer monitor underneath with keyboard tray and computer unit. this way, your entire workbench surface is still "open" and you don't have a computer in the way when you need to lay down a long or large object.
2) instead of on the work bench surface, consider checking out ergotron products so you can mount an arm on the side that can hold a LCD display and a keyboard/mouse. then run the wiring down the arm to your computer that you can conceal somewhere else. again, by doing so, you don't have the computer stuff sitting on your work surface.
just some thoughts.... but require some work and money. a laptop would be simpler way to go and you can dedicate a drawer to it and just put it away when you don't need it.
Try a wireless keyboard and mouse if you go with desktop mounted out of the way.
You might be able to find a flat screen that you could wall mount at eye level, put the CPU out of the way and have a small work area for keyboard and mouse.
You might be able to find a flat screen that you could wall mount at eye level, put the CPU out of the way and have a small work area for keyboard and mouse.
Last edited:
Dustball
Well-known member
Search your local craigslist for keyboard trays.
Here's an example local to me- http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/sys/3264650515.html
Here's an example local to me- http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/sys/3264650515.html
depends on the laptop. a lot of the newer super thin laptops are really light and would be fine. but if you're talking about a 10+ year old laptop that weights 15 lbs, that might be pushing it.
honestly, you can pickup some drawer slides and some wood material and build your own to your own exact specification pretty easily. or if you have the equipment, use 16 or 18 gauge sheet metal and bend yourself a tray and rivet the slides to the side.
These claim to have a 75lb capacity... i wonder how much it can hold when its fully extended
http://www.knobsandhardware.com/dra...table-keyboard-drawer-slide-zinc_g655292.html
http://www.knobsandhardware.com/dra...table-keyboard-drawer-slide-zinc_g655292.html