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Author Topic: Ham desk - make it or buy it?  (Read 1241 times)

K1FBI

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #15 on: February 02, 2022, 06:00:27 AM »

If you build your own, you need to carefully consider the HEIGHT of the desk top. This is very important for good ergonomics using a keyboard, key, radio, etc. I custom built my ham room and wanted lots of cabinets for storage and a continuous counter top running around the room. The first impulse was to use premade kitchen cabinetry for the under counter storage; however kitchen counter height is set for working while standing, not sitting - it's too high for comfortable keyboard use. I was forced to custom build the cabinetry to get the height I wanted (I chose 28" from floor to countertop).

-Tony, K1KP
They make height adjustable corner stations. There are those too that are designed for wheelchair users and are power adjustable in height.

But yes, if you are building it yourself, think it through and have a good design before you start.
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KC3KFW

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #16 on: February 02, 2022, 06:09:31 AM »

Check out gaming desks. They are great for setting up a station, and it beats building one. Just use two to create an L shape.  :-)

Ikea has a nice one:
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/fredde-gaming-desk-black-50219044/
« Last Edit: February 02, 2022, 06:12:12 AM by KC3KFW »
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N3GH

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #17 on: February 02, 2022, 07:02:45 AM »

I was not successful finding something that met my needs. Therefore, last summer I made it my project to build something I liked. The only downside was lumber prices were at a premium, so the cost was higher than I hoped. Nevertheless, I have a shack bench that will outlast me for sure. It measures 3' x 8' and is standard desk height. I added 2 corner shelves and a computer mount underneath. I would add a pic but can't figure out how.

N3GH
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LA9XNA

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #18 on: February 02, 2022, 07:44:30 AM »

Check out IKEA if you got one local.
Kitchen top plates are cheep and solide.
In the office supply section there are many types of legs that have good quality.
Drawer sections and cupboards can be found in the kitchen section.
I used this in my radio/pc room
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WO7R

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #19 on: February 02, 2022, 09:49:22 AM »

I think "where you put your gear" and "your ergonomic operating position" are two separate questions.

I have migrated to where most of my gear is adapted to 19 inch rackmount solutions.

You may want the rig(s) themselves to hand, but a lot of other gear can be profitably placed in rack mount, which ultimately takes up less space, yet can be well ventilated.  You might have to reinforce a shelf or get a rackmount with all four supports in it (I did) to support heavier amplifiers, but it is quite possible to get those if you are patient.

New 19 inch rack stuff is expensive, but good surplus stuff turns up all the time.
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AK5B

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #20 on: February 02, 2022, 10:22:59 AM »

I made my large, two-tiered L shape ham desk with two butcher block slabs from Lowe's/Home Depot, 11-12" wide oak shelving, 1" galvanized pipe, pipe flanges, and white PVC pipe sanded matte to cover all the pipe legs.  I'll try to post photos below now (I've never posted photos here before so if they don't show up that's why):


OK, loading photos here isn't working; anyone can clue me in on how?

73,

Jeff, AK5B
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AK5B

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #21 on: February 02, 2022, 11:22:59 AM »

Couldn't upload any photos here so I added a pic of my butcher block desk to my QRZ page (AK5B) ---check it out over there if interested.
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G8FXC

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #22 on: February 02, 2022, 11:33:37 AM »

Check out IKEA if you got one local.
Kitchen top plates are cheep and solide.
In the office supply section there are many types of legs that have good quality.
Drawer sections and cupboards can be found in the kitchen section.
I used this in my radio/pc room

IKEA is my usual source for office furniture - decently built, functional and good value for money... I'm an experienced amateur carpenter, but I have better things to do with my time than build yet another desk or table!

Martin (G8FXC)
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KE0ZU

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #23 on: February 03, 2022, 09:55:54 AM »

We built an industrial grade "L" shaped radio bench for us to use, AT WORK.   Its about 12 feet long and 3-1/2 feet deep.



=====
 
At home I also built both my RADIO and TEST benches.
« Last Edit: February 03, 2022, 10:03:03 AM by KE0ZU »
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Regards, Mike
https://mikeharrison.smugmug.com/
Pics and bold print are usually links.

WS7X

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #24 on: April 01, 2022, 07:19:51 AM »

You can't buy anything that will be the way you want it.  And much of what you find in stores will be cheap junk.  So if you want it right, I suggest you build it if you can or use the combination approach. 

I used a combination approach.  I bought the L shaped desk and built the upper hutch to my liking.   Modified it twice to fit the equipment over the years. Took a drill and jig saw to improve ventilation.  Don't be afraid to drill and cut.  No one will see it and only you know where the holes are!  As long as it doesn't affect structural integrity.  Copper plates around the entire back of the hutch to make single point ground for each piece of equipment.  Makes for a very workable shack if you are handy.  Good luck

Noel
WS7X
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K6JH

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #25 on: April 01, 2022, 08:27:24 PM »

Also consider the depth. If you exclusively use small modern rigs no big deal using commercially available desks. But if you also have a couple oldies, like my TS-520, you might not have much room in front of the rig.
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73
Jim K6JH

K0UA

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #26 on: April 02, 2022, 09:28:25 AM »

Couldn't upload any photos here so I added a pic of my butcher block desk to my QRZ page (AK5B) ---check it out over there if interested.

Your welcome.

« Last Edit: April 02, 2022, 09:30:26 AM by K0UA »
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73  James K0UA

KD0VE

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #27 on: May 15, 2022, 06:02:10 AM »

I built mine.  30" deep with 3 shelf levels above the counter.  The whole thing on four 4" casters.  It is surprisingly heavy loaded with gear but the casters let me move it to/from the wall so I can get to the back for wiring access.  2 casters are hard rubber, 2 are inflated tire.  all four hard rubber would've been better.

Since I own a granite shop the countertop is "quartz surface" which is engineered stone with brand names like Silestone, Hanstone, Cambria, and Zodiac.  Makes a great operating station.  If you think you'd like similar you can check with local fabricators.  They will almost always have remnants that could be had cut to size and finished pretty cheap.
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K1KIM

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #28 on: May 15, 2022, 06:35:36 AM »

FBI,I like your style.
Garyw0cki

I think I'd go for a bit more "simple" and have more $$$ for equipment. ;D ;D
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So Many Toys.......So Little Time!

NT6U

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Re: Ham desk - make it or buy it?
« Reply #29 on: May 15, 2022, 07:27:00 AM »

I went to a used office furniture surplus warehouse for my L section desk. Saved allot $$.  Many different L arrangements available, some with office drawers, some without, I prefer the drawers.  I also modified mine to fit the window, (cut mine to size) and I added shelves. 
I prefer 30" wide / deep so I have room for radio & space in front of radio. Also the height is normally +/- 30"

Note that most bedroom doors are 2'-8" so keep in mind you may need to remove a bedroom door to get desk into the room. 
« Last Edit: May 15, 2022, 07:37:14 AM by NT6U »
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