So the work table arrived a day early, and I got right to it. Maybe 30 minutes in total of work, the instructions were clearly drawn and the parts all fit properly. Attached the lamp arm easily enough to the back of the table, plugged it into one of the USB outlets. The only issue was the spare monitor stand I had from my computer desk - the brackets were spaced thinner than the wood top of the table, so I needed to order a set of cheap chisels to thin out the wood on the back. The downside is this will permanently deface the underside of the wood. The upsides are the surface of the table will remain unmarred, and the monitor stand will have a slotted position to be even more secure.
This is the part where I start using the things I have learned from all the videos I have watched, namely making templates from cardboard, tracing and scoring the wood before the chisel even touches the surface. Eyeballing it, we are looking at 3/16" needing to get taken off, and the brackets are 1/2" spacing, so 11/16" thickness on the wood top is crazy sturdy (and where 33 of the 40 pounds of weight went).
Luckily the outlets are on the right side like I wanted. I also thought up ANOTHER PROJECT just assembling the table, and that would be using the cross beams on the bottoms of the legs to build a shelf that supports both tool cases AND the computer tower for streaming from the table. Which also means I need to add a pullout drawer underneath the table for the keyboard and mouse. Not the worst thing in the world to have to buy, but still a pain in the ass. That can be the weekend's problem after the table is setup and properly facing - I should have the floor panels by then as well, so that's another issue averted.
Thinking of placing the computer tower outside, off the floor, to the right of the table - the keyboard and mouse would be able to easily reach from that side, and the monitor stand would be mounted on the back there. Webcam mounted on the ring light, easily reaches over the center of the table. Computer, monitor, standing lamp and wifi router only require a power strip. The power box on the table takes the other grounded outlet, and there's a cutoff switch on the power box so I don't leave anything running when not in use.
Already took the measurements of the underside of the table. Originally I had wanted to make a pullout bench, but seeing there were mounting holes in the cross bars on the legs, a better idea presented itself. I take two lengths of 1" x 2" board, mount them into the holes, then take additional planks and mount them across the length of the table underneath. Leave spaces between the planks for style points. Also thinking it would be a good time to add Danish oil to the new lumber to learn that as well. Drop cloth over the table, latex gloves, shop cloth (or old shirt), wipe on, set, wipe off.
Until I acquire power tools, I only have the one tool bag to store, so we can make the computer storage part modular in time. The biggest concern will be sawdust, followed by heat and ventilation for the tower, so it's possible a custom casing will need to be made from basswood panels and a small exhaust fan. Thankfully the tower is slim, 12" x 12" x 4", so it won't take up precious real estate underneath.
For now, however, chisel and mounting for tomorrow.
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