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General MKB => Projects => Topic started by: FUBAR on March 23, 2014, 09:24:37 pm

Title: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on March 23, 2014, 09:24:37 pm
I've decided that I want to build myself a custom desk for PC Gaming, this is going to tie in over the next year with my next PC upgrade and also playing some new games in a more 'sim' kind of genre, I've recently decided to play Star Citizen when that comes out, and with Next Car game coming out as well this year I will also be buying a steering wheel setup for the PC.

So this led to thoughts of building a more Sim-Cockpit kind of desk to accommodate these extra game controllers.

The flight controller I bought is this one:
(http://www.simhq.com/_technology2/images/technology_104a_001.jpg)

and I intend to buy a decent steering wheel setup later this year so the desk needs to be compatible with both Flying and Driving controllers as well as for normal Mouse & Keyboard PC use as FPS games.

It also needs to be capable of taking a Triple-monitor setup incas that's what I decide to bung a ton of money on in the future!

<u>So Step one: The Chair</u>
Everyone tends to use Recaro style racing seats for these sort of things, but I wanted something more comfortable as the chair will be integrated into the Corner desk.  I also didn't want a Leather seat because after a few hrs of gaming the threat of Betty Swollocks will be too high.

What I got was this: A 1/2 Leather Passenger Seat from a 2001 Peugeot 306 Meridian (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)  Its comfy, looks good and is in good condition for its age because its a Passenger seat, cost? £35
Bargain!

<a href=\"http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/GamingDesk1_zps958f4650.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"> (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/GamingDesk1_zps958f4650.jpg\" border=\"0\"  alt=\"\" width=150></a>Here it is sat on the mocked up stand I've made for it, This will not be seen once the desk is completed, and has space for a Subwoofer underneath [img]http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/beavisnbutthead.gif).

<u>Step 2: The overall design</u>
I've taken some design inspiration from this guy:
<a href=\"http://insidesimracing.tv/forums/topic/12122-terryreds-race-flight-simpit-with-a-rotating-console-three-42-inch-tvs-27-inch-accessory-display-logitech-g25-saitek-x52pro-freetrack-etc/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://insidesimracing.tv/forums/topic/12122-terryreds-race-flight-simpit-with-a-rotating-console-three-42-inch-tvs-27-inch-accessory-display-logitech-g25-saitek-x52pro-freetrack-etc/</a>

But I want it to be a bit smaller than this and also be one complete unit.
This is my initial design:

<a href=\"http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Design_zps9df1bff3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"> (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Design_zps9df1bff3.jpg\" border=\"0\"  alt=\"\" width=150></a>This will move my PC from the Living room into the spare room of my house, which is fine, this is a very "Man-Cave"  / "My-Taste" piece of furniture so even though its just me at the moment I would like to think that in the long run the Living Room is not the right place to have something like this.  It would also take over the dining area part of the room stopping me using the dining table properly which is a no-no.The chair is surrounded by the lower of the 2 desk surfaces so you step onto this surface to get into the chair.  The lower desk surface for the flight controller & gear shifter will be somewhere around 450-500mm off the floor (I haven't fully decided yet) with the seat recessed slightly lower in the middle to give it that 'Cockpit' sort of feel.This allows for ikea drawers and other shelves to be built into the sides for storage and also for the PC Tower (A Corsair 750D) to be recessed into the desk so that it does not clash space with the monitors.the Monitor desk surface will then be about 150mm higher, this is partially  to give the desk a nic design, but also as seen in the other guys design I linked above this is about the right height for mounting the steering wheel, and also for using the keyboard & Mouse.I'm also trying to find a way to integrate one of these:<a href=\"http://www.drinkstuff.com/products/product.asp?ID=8585&catID=935&name=Frostbite+Mini+Fridge+Black\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.drinkstuff.com/products/product.asp?ID=8585&catID=935&name=Frostbite+Mini+Fridge+Black</a>if I can manage this the only thing this desk won't have is a Toilet!! [img]http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/shame.gif) (No that's not happening!!) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Cunning Plan on March 23, 2014, 09:31:48 pm
Nice (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/thumbsup.gif)

Keep us updated.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 23, 2014, 09:37:33 pm
One thing I do need, for as cheap as possible, is 3 or 4 3m lengths of 38mm Kitchen worktops to make the desk surfaces with.  

something like this:
http://www.wickes.co.uk/worktop-grey-slate-granite-3m/invt/213092/

but not £124 each!!
I only need that many of them because of where the nice rounded edges need to be.
If anyone has any ideas where I can get these cheaper that would be much appreciated.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: ianjpage on March 23, 2014, 10:22:51 pm
looks a fun, interesting project!!! (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/beavisnbutthead.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 23, 2014, 11:07:59 pm
Looking at this bit of kit as well, these are the same type of kit they fit in D-Box style cinema seats for "That 4D experience"...

http://www.buttkickergear.com/ButtKicker_Simulation_Kit_p/bk-sk.htm

(http://cdn3.volusion.com/an29r.wmrz3/v/vspfiles/photos/BK-SK-2.jpg)

this would mean that I wouldn't need to put the subwoofer under the chair meaning I can make the whole desk a bit lower.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Roadkill on March 24, 2014, 08:53:13 am
Quoting: FUBAR
One thing I do need, for as cheap as possible, is 3 or 4 3m lengths of 38mm Kitchen worktops to make the desk surfaces with.


Quoting: FUBAR
I only need that many of them because of where the nice rounded edges need to be.


I had a quick look at the sketch and saw maybe 3.  I got ours for the kitchen in B&Q (I hate B&Q) but they worked out cheaper . . . plus on Wednesday evenings OAP's get 10% off.

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/wink.gif)

You won't get much cheaper.  I'm quoting a job at the moment for work where I might've been able to loose 1-2 lengths but I know the customer wants a lighter colour than that.

Looking at the sketch, you've got the outer dimensions at 1.6m . . . if I'm reading that right, of course . . . If you reduce them to 1.5m that'd be the main surface (from what I understand) out of one bit.  

Also -

Look at splash-backs : http://www.diy.com/nav/rooms/kitchens/kitchen-splashbacks/laminate_splashbacks for the sides (maybe).

The boards are thinner so would work in places where you only need the flat surface for show - (like in-filling) and they work out cheaper per m2.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: EDGE on March 24, 2014, 09:25:08 am
ikea do great worktops, worth looking at :)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 24, 2014, 09:39:07 pm
Well I've done a bit of checking at B&Q today & the lower desk height is now set at 490mm

This is because they're Maple coloured contiboard which I will make the verticals from on the base is 450mm wide & will then have the 40mm worktops on it.  So with that decided I adjusted the stand i'd mocked up for the chair and fixed it all together.

The stand is 240mm high.  I've put it next to one of my dining chairs for comparison:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Chairmounted_zps99748465.jpg)

Now I have a question for anyone who knows lots about Audio setups:
I mentioned before about the Buttkickers I found out about.  This would be pretty cool.  So these things work by taking the subwoofer channel and using that to generate 'force feedback'

These are cheaper:
http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/ce/en/product/378979/Sinustec-ST-BS-100-cm-Ohm

& they do amps like this that I can mount in the desk somewhere:
http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/ce/en/product/300518/Conrad-Active-150W-Integrated-amplifier-module

This is sort of what I think might work, but I want to know if its possible, any ideas on hardware needed and the costs.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Buttkickerssetup_zps9d8061d3.jpg)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Cunning Plan on March 25, 2014, 09:03:07 am
Is a 'Receiver' the same as an amp / AV Receiver? (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/dontknow.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Andy on March 25, 2014, 09:37:49 am
Interesting project!

My mates goal when he buys a house is to convert one room into a full blown flight sim, hopefully being as realistic as possible.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 25, 2014, 01:06:44 pm
Quoting: Cunning Plan
Is a 'Receiver' the same as an amp / AV Receiver?



Sorry yes, probably just my bad jargon.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Cunning Plan on March 26, 2014, 09:18:15 am
Okay!

That was going to be my first suggestion, but you are already using one (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/thumbsup.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 26, 2014, 01:08:52 pm
I deleted the original content of this post because I figured it out..

Here's how i'm going to run the sound & force feedback system.

The 5.1 Optical output from the PC is going to go into this little box:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/CYP-AU-D2-Digital-Coaxial-Converter/dp/B00261SOMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395860600&sr=8-2&keywords=cyp+coaxial+to+optical

This takes the optical input signal and outputs both a 5.1 Digital coaxial signal and a 5.1 Optical signal.  Its essentially a splitter (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/grin.gif)

The 5.1 Optical signal then goes to a surround amplifier sort of like this:
http://www.richersounds.com/product/home-cinema-systems/yamaha/yht-199/yama-yht199 and behaves totally normally.

The 5.1 Digital coaxial signal then goes to this little box:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Keedox-5-1-Channel-Theater-Decoder-Digital/dp/B00CTJ42UY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395860576&sr=8-1&keywords=%27Keedox+5.1-Channel+DTS%2FAC-3+Home+Theater+Audio+Decoder

Which splits it out into its 6 individual channels, each with its own Phono Output.  I then only connect the Subwoofer output via a Phono Cable to a different Buttkicker amplifier which runs the force feedback Transducers.
Done

This will give me separate control of the Speaker Volume and the Transducer Intensity and will also allow me to use the force feedback when i'm using headphones. (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/cool.gif)

The only downside?  This system requires a 4-Gang extension lead all to itself as both "boxes of tricks" and both amps need plugging in!! (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/shame.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Incursus on March 28, 2014, 10:20:49 am
I don't see a beer cooler in those specs!! Not even a cup holder! (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rtfm.gif)

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/wink.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 28, 2014, 02:04:28 pm
Quoting: Incursus
I don't see a beer cooler in those specs!! Not even a cup holder!  


Quoting: FUBAR
I'm also trying to find a way to integrate one of these:
http://www.drinkstuff.com/products/product.asp?ID=8585&catID=935&name=Frostbite+Mini+Fridge+Black
if I can manage this the only thing this desk won't have is a Toilet!!  (No that's not happening!!)


(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/wink.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Incursus on March 28, 2014, 07:56:57 pm
(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 30, 2014, 10:12:04 pm
Ok, I changed the design a bit to make this fit in with the existing furniture that's in the spare room already.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/DeskPlan-extended2_zps737954e7.jpg)

This is to scale, 1 pixel = 1mm ((http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif)) although this pic is not full size.
The only thing that I haven't finalised yet is exactly how far the chair will be from the higher desk surface, this will require some "playtesting" to get right.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Cunning Plan on March 31, 2014, 10:32:54 am
So, can you spin around on the chair and be surrounded on three sides by a desk?

What goes on the left and right desks? (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/dontknow.gif)

Tissues on the right side, bin on the left? (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 31, 2014, 11:35:48 am
Quoting: Cunning Plan
Tissues on the right side, bin on the left?


No, the other way around. (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rolleyes.gif)

Quoting: Cunning Plan
So, can you spin around on the chair and be surrounded on three sides by a desk?


The chair doesn't spin, to "get in" you have to step up & over the lower desk then down into the "cockpit area" (unless you're my parent's Westie in which case you sneek in under the chair... she needs somewhere to hide from fireworks!! (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif))

The alternative would be to mount the chair on rollers so it can slide in & out, however this would need to be lockable so you don't slide around when using the various pedal setups.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Titsy on March 31, 2014, 11:45:39 am
Would you have enough room for a rail under the seat that extends backward? Effectively like adjusting a car seat but uber long so that it goes far enough back to clear the desk...
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Cunning Plan on March 31, 2014, 02:26:51 pm
Quoting: Titsy
Would you have enough room for a rail under the seat that extends backward? Effectively like adjusting a car seat but uber long so that it goes far enough back to clear the desk...


(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/plusone.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/dontknow.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 31, 2014, 05:03:56 pm
The standard rails are still on the seat itself so it has 21cm of adjustment.  I tested my current desk and from the mocked up "Simulator" position I moved my seat 17cm forward to be in the right position for typing / playing FPS games.

Its default position is all the way back, to allow better access to the "cockpit" area.

The reason for the "up & over" access method was purely down to this guy from the link I put in the original post:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Baj5jWFpU64

Although his setup is lower than mine will be I think, 49cm is quite a step up.

I'll see, I'd rather not have the seat sliding in & out all the time as the carpet will wear out very quick (default builders carpet is Shit!) & having any tracks / rails / rotating combo is a bit too "Gerry Anderson" for my liking.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: EDGE on April 02, 2014, 06:40:38 pm
how about one of these matey :)

(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/13586491445_b31d1dd3c4.jpg)

I made it a few years back but it's for sale now ;)

It's a proper OMP seat mounted to a £350 office chair's frame!  It has the arms still and adjusts more ways than a cheap hooker!  Still has the full compliment of wheels too so would negate the need for long rails but you could take them off or figure a clamp to hold the chair still once in position.

How do you fancy that?

the chair... not a cheap hooker... although.... why choose.... anyway, that's for another thread!
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on April 02, 2014, 11:13:34 pm
Convenient you had this for sale when you saw my thread (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/wink.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)

Seriously though, I'm pretty happy with the chair I've got TBH, i'll fettle with it & it'll work out pretty good I reckon.

On a separate note I've taken some advise from a friend at the pub who spent 40 years building train carriages in Wolverton & i'm now going to make the desk surfaces out of 2 sheets of ply (to get the thickness) & Formica laminate it myself.  will be tricky but I have an expert I can borrow (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/cool.gif) and will mean I wont need to make the complex shapes out of jointed Pre-made worktop sections (which would be a nightmare!!)

Link dump:
http://www.topclasscarpentry.com/category/Laminate%20Sheets/1/
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Cunning Plan on April 16, 2014, 05:24:55 pm
Found this on Reddit today:

(http://i.imgur.com/bm1JgAl.jpg)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on April 16, 2014, 05:28:07 pm
I like the pedal board idea (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/chiny.gif)... still not 100% sure what i'm going to do in that respect, but that's something that can be worried about later.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on April 19, 2014, 04:21:09 pm
This is now well & truly on hold until I've costed up sorting out the IROC.  Real cars absolutely must take priority over computer generated ones. (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rtfm.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: art b on April 22, 2014, 08:15:47 pm
(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/postcount.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on April 22, 2014, 09:06:06 pm
(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/postwhore1.gif)

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rolleyes.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Roadkill on May 01, 2014, 10:10:52 am
Ryan.  

I may be able to acquire some brand new worktop for you - FOC for this project.

Give me a call as soon as you can and I'll see what I can do but may be able to squeeze in 1-2 full lengths . . . definitely will be off-cuts . . . you'll need to make a cutting list and I'll see if I can tailor what I'm doing to suit you.
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on May 01, 2014, 08:29:40 pm
(http://khinteriorsltd.co.uk/image/cache/data/worktop/grey%20slate-500x500.jpg)

Like my kitchen
(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/security.gif)
Title: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: Roadkill on May 02, 2014, 03:34:44 pm
I'll be ordering materials when I get back from holiday (the 12th) so will give you a call then . . .
Title: Re: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: FUBAR on March 11, 2015, 11:13:40 pm
Ok, bit of an update on this, the original plan for the corner desk which was very flight sim orientated and a little awkward has been scrapped, completely.  Mainly because it was a very single-use Behemoth of a creation and I decided it was a bit too "specialised".
Since then its now just got rather pricey...

Today the wheels have been properly set in motion for the redecoration and revamping of my spare room into my hobby room, spending has been rapid this evening, but I get my bonus next week so all is well.  This thread should probably be renamed Project - Man cave now!!


This was today... wallet is now crying a bit  :'(

Still to come is the purchase of a very large Breakfast bar worktop from http://www.laminatekitchenworktops.co.uk/ which is another £290 including delivery to make the desk surface.  I can't use a normal worktop because I want it to be a very deep desk and trying to find worktops deeper than 600mm is nigh-on impossible, especially when a 750mm depth is called for.  So when this is delivered I've got to spend a lot of time measuring & cutting it up.
Then there's the rest of the decorating costs, emulsion & gloss paint, rollers, beers etc.

The end result will be a split-level desk / workbench which will nicely house my PC and RC Car hobbies and give me a great workspace for getting back into building my Plastic model kits of Muscle cars  :up:
My PC will also then be out of my living room giving me a proper dining area and my Die-cast cabinet moved into this area where it will actually get seen and enjoyed.

Schedule?  I'm hoping this will all be completed by April.
Title: Re: Project - Gaming Desk
Post by: ianjpage on March 12, 2015, 08:51:14 am
Cool sounds like a few weeks of fun for ya there :up:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: Roadkill on March 12, 2015, 11:50:20 am
Quote from: FUBAR on March 11, 2015, 11:13:40 pm
This thread should probably be renamed Project - Man cave now!!

Done.

Sounds cool.  Every man needs a cave . . .
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on March 13, 2015, 02:00:07 pm
Worktop has been ordered today for delivery on the 26th, and the electrical stuff has arrived as well today, so i'm going to have a busy weekend building this lot at the end of the month!
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: ianjpage on March 13, 2015, 03:59:51 pm
:up: shout if you need a hand!
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on March 29, 2015, 12:17:49 pm
A before Pic:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Before_zps8ehp5d8b.jpg)

Well now the project is well & truly under way, nearly all of the decorating is done, just a bit of undercoating & glossing to do on the bits of the room not affected by the desk build, so door and window.
All the sockets have been changed for Chrome & Black faceplates to match the network plates I added when I moved in, new LED spotlight has been wired in and the "Feature Wall" painted a nice purple colour :cool:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Desk%20Construction_zpseq0nkfiy.jpg)

The core of the new desk is built and the modifications are now being done to accommodate the 750mm deep worktop.  This includes wiring conduits behind the desk which are being made from 68mm guttering sections and mounted with downpipe clips to the back of the desk.  I also needed some extra wood in the same colour to fill 2 sides in this extra depth so popped to Ikea to buy the cabinet legs I forgot to order, luckily they had a single door in their bargain bin area that was the right colour, £2, job done :)

I've also started cutting the worktop sections, a BIG thankyou to Dean for lending me his Circular saw to do this job, its working brilliantly and has saved me a Hugh amount of time and back-ache!! :) :up:
I need to finish all the desk mods before I can do the last cut, so need to borrow the saw for a bit longer if that's ok?

More to come...
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: Roadkill on March 29, 2015, 12:48:40 pm
Quote from: FUBAR on March 29, 2015, 12:17:49 pm
so need to borrow the saw for a bit longer if that's ok?

I may need it back before but can drop it off again, after . . . I'll let you know if I'm desperate for it.  :)
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on March 29, 2015, 04:43:16 pm
Ducting is now completed, & the desk is ready to move into its permanent position:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Wire%20Conduits%201_zpsytkju48o.jpg)

Never fitted guttering to furniture before... or a house for that matter :rofls:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: art b on March 29, 2015, 11:18:29 pm
Like..
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on March 30, 2015, 09:09:34 pm
Getting there:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Nearly%20there_zps8ucksixy.jpg)

but not quite done yet, cable holes need to be drilled in the back of the worktop, edging strip needs to be glued on, Lighting needs wiring up and a power socket added and plinths need fitting.

+ I've still got to undercoat and gloss the inside of the door and the window, and put up the new curtains.
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: ianjpage on March 31, 2015, 07:09:38 am
looking really good :up:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on March 31, 2015, 10:56:28 pm
I have a choice to make and as a result a question...
I want to wall mount my monitor, I have the bracket to do this but have 2 options for running the cables to this and a light mounted under the shelf which will be above it:

1: The easy option is to run a D-Line conduit straight down from the middle of the screen/shelf and into the desk to hide the cables, this can either be white and then painted to match the wall, which is probably not going to be a durable finish.  Or can be a black plastic conduit which will be obvious but durable.

2: The more difficult option is to run the cables inside the wall.  This will be very tricky to install but the end result would be a lot neater.

I'm 100% certain the wall is hollow.
I'm 90% certain there's not a vertical beam in the exact centre of the footwell, but there will be one, or very possibly 2 in there somewhere because I *think* these are put in by builders at 600mm centres and the footwell is 955mm wide.
This leads me to my question, what is the best way to find out if there are any horizontal braces in this section of wall without cutting it all open?

I have an idea... but want to know if there's a better way:
I'd drill a small hole in the wall under the desk where cables would exit (this is mostly hidden and could be patched with little consequence if the plan doesn't work) I could then shine a very bright bicycle light through this hole. Then, up in the loft the top of the wall structure is easily accessible, measuring carefully I could drill a hole through the top of the wall beam and peek through, if I can see light, there's no horizontals in that section :up:, if I can't there is one in there somewhere so it's a No-go :down:...

will this work?

*If* that works whats the best way to pull cables through? anyone got any top tips?
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on April 01, 2015, 05:56:26 pm
My method worked but not how I would have liked, there is a Horizontal brace in the way, so cable will have to be run on the outside :sad: oh well.
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on April 01, 2015, 08:35:52 pm
Tasks done this evening:

I got the wall inspected, as above.
I put up the shelf above the monitor and fitted the ultra low-profile LED lighting strip to the underside of it (Pics later) I also moved in my 2 model cars to sit on their new shelf :up:
The electrics are now fitted to the desk on the single unit on the RHS, these will be under the desk surface:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Electrics%2012_zpssx2hlfrf.jpg)

The power socket is just to have some handy power under the desk, good for soldering irons, dremels etc while making model kits :)
The light switch is plugged into the wall and controls 2 different sets of optional LED lighting, the 'work light' mounted under the shelf and some blue LED plinth lights around the base of the desk, just for pimpin' factor :)
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on April 07, 2015, 10:01:27 am
Well, Its nearly finished:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/ryanbudd/Nearly%20finished_zpsonrykbnv.jpg)

Few jobs left to do but the bulk of it is there now and the desk is useable :cool::up:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: ianjpage on April 07, 2015, 12:16:49 pm
That looks really good - nice home for the Baja :up:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: Incursus on April 07, 2015, 12:47:18 pm
Like.  :up:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: Cunning Plan on April 07, 2015, 04:15:01 pm
Really good dude!

But what is the green plate under the cabinet as I have labelled below? Is the skirting-board missing? ???

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/v8_nate/Misc/Nearly%20finished_zpsonrykbnv.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: FUBAR on April 07, 2015, 06:53:49 pm
That is a Cutting Mat stored down the side of the unit.  I also think someone has hacked my PC, I don't remember having that as my background pic... :tongue:

I have still got plinth sections to cut & add which will block in the bottom of the units.
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: art b on April 07, 2015, 07:00:12 pm
Quote from: Cunning Plan on April 07, 2015, 04:15:01 pm
Really good dude!

But what is the green plate under the cabinet as I have labelled below? Is the skirting-board missing? ???

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/v8_nate/Misc/Nearly%20finished_zpsonrykbnv.jpg~original)


Lol .....like
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: Cunning Plan on April 07, 2015, 07:23:16 pm
Quote from: FUBAR on April 07, 2015, 06:53:49 pm
I also think someone has hacked my PC, I don't remember having that as my background pic
  :whistle:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: Incursus on April 07, 2015, 07:28:52 pm
:funny:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: Jo on April 08, 2015, 05:07:58 am
Looks really good  :up:
Title: Re: Project - Man Cave
Post by: Roadkill on April 08, 2015, 09:16:16 am
C.P, whatever you do for a living, your talents are being wasted !    :lol:

Ryan, looks good, you've not left yourself much room for future models on that shelf, though have you ?

:chiny: