Post by dazed on Feb 8, 2022 9:18:07 GMT -5
NOTE: I initially posted the following on the Weekend Update thread. Since there was a followup question, and I am still making modifications, I thought I'd avoid hijacking that thread and start a dedicated one here. I think getting feedback is valuable and maybe someone else will get a good idea as well.
So one of the reasons I transitioned to Z was (like many, I suppose) related to space issues, and secondarily a somewhat nomadic/apartment lifestyle after a significant life event altered my plans for owning a castle.
But I've now stabilized, and managed to stay in one place for almost 6 years now. Dwelling is still super small, but with the kids flying the nest I'm starting to regain some space for hobby related purposes.
Rewinding a few years, I had acquired this old computer desk/hutch monstrosity which, as a computer desk was way past it's prime. But, with the goal of creating space in a Texas garage for a hobby workspace that could be closed off to protect from dust, etc. it seemed perfect. Yet, it still never was ideal as cars were always in the way, and extreme temperatures, etc.
So fast forward to my other always cluttered desk inside that functioned as personal computer space, work computer space, hobby workspace, and numerous other uses, I finally decided to move the hutch inside and create a nice dedicated workspace, quasi-hobby-computer desk, and also a space for me to store my in-progress roundy-round layout. (instead of the aforementioned dusty garage) And it can be closed up so that it isn't an eyesore, plus I can leave in-progress projects where they are. (so I'm not constantly having to gather up everything and put it back into a project box and stuff in a closet somewhere) SO here's the big reveal:
Some more info...
1. I Still need to fabricate and attach the back. It originally had a thin laminate back panel that was coming apart. I'm planning to replace that with something a little thicker.
2. The monitor will be wall-mounted to this back piece, so I'll regain that real estate where the stand currently is.
3. I will be outfitting LED strip lighting throughout, so the Ott-Lite will go away too....more real estate.
4. Planning to order a 24x36 cutting mat which will cover 3/4 of the work area. Also will have a smaller mat on the "keyboard drawer" area which will be where most of the actual work will take place since there is no leg room underneath the other area. Eventually will have compact keyboard and mouse that are also wireless so I can tuck them out of the way.
5. Yes, I have some touch-up and finish stain-painting the bottom areas. I will do this at the same time that I stain-paint the back piece. I'm using this stain that has gray paint mixed in that makes sort of a "wash" so the original wood grain and color still bleeds through. It's not a quality finish by any stretch, but looks good for a workbench in a mancave, and eons better than the "late 80's/early 90's yellow/maple" color.
6. You may also notice a horizontal gap on each side about 3 inches up from the work surface. I had to cut the top off of the hutch to get it into the room. It would not make the turn in the hallway in one piece.
So one of the reasons I transitioned to Z was (like many, I suppose) related to space issues, and secondarily a somewhat nomadic/apartment lifestyle after a significant life event altered my plans for owning a castle.
But I've now stabilized, and managed to stay in one place for almost 6 years now. Dwelling is still super small, but with the kids flying the nest I'm starting to regain some space for hobby related purposes. Rewinding a few years, I had acquired this old computer desk/hutch monstrosity which, as a computer desk was way past it's prime. But, with the goal of creating space in a Texas garage for a hobby workspace that could be closed off to protect from dust, etc. it seemed perfect. Yet, it still never was ideal as cars were always in the way, and extreme temperatures, etc.
So fast forward to my other always cluttered desk inside that functioned as personal computer space, work computer space, hobby workspace, and numerous other uses, I finally decided to move the hutch inside and create a nice dedicated workspace, quasi-hobby-computer desk, and also a space for me to store my in-progress roundy-round layout. (instead of the aforementioned dusty garage) And it can be closed up so that it isn't an eyesore, plus I can leave in-progress projects where they are. (so I'm not constantly having to gather up everything and put it back into a project box and stuff in a closet somewhere) SO here's the big reveal:
Some more info...
1. I Still need to fabricate and attach the back. It originally had a thin laminate back panel that was coming apart. I'm planning to replace that with something a little thicker.
2. The monitor will be wall-mounted to this back piece, so I'll regain that real estate where the stand currently is.
3. I will be outfitting LED strip lighting throughout, so the Ott-Lite will go away too....more real estate.
4. Planning to order a 24x36 cutting mat which will cover 3/4 of the work area. Also will have a smaller mat on the "keyboard drawer" area which will be where most of the actual work will take place since there is no leg room underneath the other area. Eventually will have compact keyboard and mouse that are also wireless so I can tuck them out of the way.
5. Yes, I have some touch-up and finish stain-painting the bottom areas. I will do this at the same time that I stain-paint the back piece. I'm using this stain that has gray paint mixed in that makes sort of a "wash" so the original wood grain and color still bleeds through. It's not a quality finish by any stretch, but looks good for a workbench in a mancave, and eons better than the "late 80's/early 90's yellow/maple" color.
6. You may also notice a horizontal gap on each side about 3 inches up from the work surface. I had to cut the top off of the hutch to get it into the room. It would not make the turn in the hallway in one piece.
