Lift top hinges for convertible standing desk

[Administrator_JSVN]

I spend too much time sitting in a desk chair. Standing desks are a bit of a trend and I like the concept. So, I'm thinking about possibly constructing a desk that can convert from a sit-at desk to a standing desk using a lift top hinge, like you see on some coffee tables.

The hinges would need to support about 25 lbs. minimum of monitors in addition to the weight of the desk top itself. I guess, it would need to support resting my wrists on it and typing on it too. Ideally it would have about 16-18 inches of rise.

Anyone have any recommendations for hinges to use and the best source?

Thanks.

 

[duburban]

Are you going to do the treadmill too? I'm curious what you come up with for a modular system as I'm spending a lot of time at desks too.

 

[peter halle]

Because of the complexity and numerous hinge types, is there a way that you can snag an image(s) to show us what you want?

Peter

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Because of the complexity and numerous hinge types, is there a way that you can snag an image(s) to show us what you want?

I was thinking something similar to this, but using it for a desk. Alternatively, an electric motorized lift would be pretty bananas if I can find one. I'm just starting my search for hardware but thought I'd hit up the experts here.  [big grin]

I'll probably forego the treadmill at the desk. That's what outdoors is for. [wink]

Now, this is pretty neat and inspirational... (the mechanism, not the design) http://www.instructables.com/id/Electric-Height-Adjustable-Desk/?ALLSTEPS

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[peter halle]

I haven't found a link for holographical displays yet (  [poke] ), but an electric lift might be cool.  Here is a link.  If you read towards the end of the description you will see that shelves and other things are possible.  From what I hear the seller is pretty reputable.  http://www.leevalley.com/US/hardware/page.aspx?p=69065&cat=3,43597,43601

P

 

[nclemmons]

Here's an electric height adjustable desk base - might be a consideration.  And it's only $380, which is reasonable when you consider the cost of the mechanism and leg costs which you would have in a combined unit.

http://www.aliexpress.com/promotion/promotion_electric-height-adjustable-desk-promotion.html

I've seen these from the furniture manufacturers in offices and the employees like the ability to adjust for sitting and then stand for awhile with no major hassle.

neil

 

[mohrab]

Here is something else to consider:  http://www.adjustabench.com/video.asp

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Here is something else to consider:  http://www.adjustabench.com/video.asp

Think my monitors might end up in the floor with this one.  [scared]

Here's an electric height adjustable desk base - might be a consideration.  And it's only $380, which is reasonable when you consider the cost of the mechanism and leg costs which you would have in a combined unit.

http://www.aliexpress.com/promotion/promotion_electric-height-adjustable-desk-promotion.html

Interesting. Just wonder if this Made in China base would last...

EDIT: Doh! $900+ with shipping to the US.

 

[mohrab]

How about this one?  http://varidesk.com/shopping/products-3.html?utm_expid=71217051-3.W5gHArkvSM-isyNc_czbdg.3&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.varidesk.com%2Fvaridesk-pro

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

How about this one?  http://varidesk.com/shopping/products-3.html?utm_expid=71217051-3.W5gHArkvSM-isyNc_czbdg.3&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.varidesk.com%2Fvaridesk-pro

Funny, that's actually the product that got me thinking about this. I saw that one and like it. It may be a good option and would work with my existing desk. One thing I didn't like was having to move the keyboard and mouse on and off of it, but that's a minor thing with wireless peripherals. I need to take some measurements to see if my dual monitors will fit.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

How about making something using this concept? You could use a crank to raise and lower table height.

http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/bxzy6.923q5/v/vspfiles/photos/AD132-2.jpg?1363693129

 

[tjbnwi]

Make it a class project.

Tom

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Shane, I was thinking of your post today when designing a trunk/table with a very heavy lid 110cm X 80cm of 44mm thick red oak.  The first hinges that came to mind were coffin hinges. Spooky.  [eek]
I plan to call around and inquire at all the typical woodcraft sellers. 

 

[tbellemare]

It almost sounds like you're seeking the old, electric Hamiltons, Shane.

They are pretty slick for someone that wants to sit or stand.

Tom

 

[Fesnewb]

Electric shutter motor and scissors type lift.

Have a look at this video:

I'm not allowed post links yet so just paste this into the youtube search bar        v=ft6fMZkIyd8

(its the inset video image we are interested in)

I know you don't need this range of  vertical adjustment but its the principle behind the thing.

There is a steel cable tied to the top of one of the armatures where it meets the screen top. The cable runs down the top half of the armature and around the elbow joint and down the bottom half to a simple winder motor (like a shutter motor). As the motor winds up the cable it shortens obviously which applies force to the elbow causing the armature to straighten. The other armature is linked to the aforementioned one and operates without the need for a cable.

Electric shutter motor would have the strength to lift a heavy top with monitor etc and would come with a remote and/or manual rocker switch. Probably a heck of a lot cheaper than those other systems.

I'll be building a projection screen system based on this into a long custom designed credenza myself. Also going to build several 'end of bed' TV Lift units using the same principle. The former will use aluminium extrusions for the armatures and be hidden by black roller blinds on the back and sides. ie. as the screen material is pulled up off the roller as the screen raises, so too are the blackout blinds on the sides and back thus hiding the armatures/mechanism. The TV lifts will see the TV's mounted inside what for all intents and purposes is a drawer that pulls out vertically with the scissors lift underneath in effect pushing out the 'drawer' from the back/below. Mechanism will never be seen in this application.

For your plan, I don't see why one couldn't use wood for the armatures with the metal cable running inside a hole and elbow axle (for want of a better word) drilled through the lengths.