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Calling all craftsmen

H

Howard

Lifer
I need to build a base/platform for a desk. It's an L-shaped top going into a corner, and I plan to support the ends with filing cabinets 28" tall. However, I need something to fit underneath the corner of the desk.

Preferably, the top of the base would be at least 12"x12", with the bottom equal to or greater than the top in both dimensions. What should I build that is:

1) cheap
2) not too difficult

Since this is going underneath the desk, it can be as ugly as hell. My first attempt was two flat pieces separated by 4 "legs", glued on both ends. Didn't work out too well - probably because the glue dried in a cold garage. Before I try that again, I wanted to check out some other options first. My miter saw isn't exactly the best in precision OR accuracy.

Something to ponder: I was walking around Home Depot looking for material when I stumbled across Sonotubes. They'd be perfect, I think, but I have no idea how to cut them square.
 
take your first attempt, and toss a sheet of whatever on two sides minimum. It will be as strong as you need. nail or screw the sheets on, done.
 
I would build a simple 90 degree triangle from 1x2 or 2x4. Put a small piece of plywood at the top so you could screw both sections of the desk to it if needed.

The 45 degree part would have the wall behind to support it.
 
1.Mark the height on the wall on both sides of the corner.
2. Using a stud finder , find and mark the innermost stud edge of the corner, and the next one out along the wall.
3. Measure a length of 2x4 to fit in that corner. It'll take two pieces.
4. hold the piece against those marks on the wall and transfer them to the 2x4. Pre drill a hole a start a screw that's going to hit those studs you found.
5. Hold it up there and check the height, then screw it in.

TA da... you've done a ledger board. Do the other side, set your file cabinets in place and lay the top on. Screw it in at the corner so it doesn't move, and this will take almost anything you want to pile on it.


No legs, tied into the studs with a solid woodscrew / sheetrock / deck screw will hold a lot of weight.
 
Is there any way to adjust the height of the stud up against the wall? The cabinets may sink when the top is placed on them (carpeted floor).
 
a 4x4 will do it just fine with some angle brackets or some angle shaped pieces of wood to attack it to the top

Edit: easiest way to cut sonotubes is with a band saw
 
Is it just to hold it up? I just take an old handle from a broom or something and wedge it under there. No need for a base or anything. It'd not like it's going to go anywhere. Migh tjsut need to put a rubber foot on the bottom if it's a hardwood floor so it doesn't slide.
 
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