Mac keyboard and trackpad holder

[sgryd]

I wanted a keyboard & trackpad configuration that would stay the same when switching between desktop- and laptop-work. I.e. the trackpad needs to sit flat in front of the keyboard as on the MacBook.

This is my solution which I'm really happy with. I'm using teak at work and cherry at home.
//Michael

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[Jasonj888]

Great work, I really like this piece. I've often wanted a piece just like this - but I'm not a trackpad user (other than on my MacBook Pro). I think this item has some great potential to be produced and sold.

As a side note, I look at Apple as the Festool of the computing world.

Are the spaces CNC cut?

 

[sgryd]

CNC.. I can only wish.

I made an MDF template with the help of Festool MFS. After routing out the two rectangular spaces with the big template I have two MDF blocks that fit inside of the routed area. These blocks forms a template for routing the through holes where the battery compartment of the keyboard/trackpad sits. Another template is used for the outer shape. I then form the sloped edges with the Rotex and a sanding disk. From a plain board to finished (oiled) piece it takes less than an hour with the templates.

Trimming in the templates for a perfect fit did take some time and a couple of test runs with MDF (instead of teak).

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[Jasonj888]

Very clever. I like that the templates make the process precise and repeatable.

 

[wow]

VERY nicely done!

As a longtime Mac guy, I think I'd pay you to make me one of those it wouldn't cost so damn much to ship over here.

 

[sgryd]

How nice to say that  [embarassed]

I wouldn't dare sending one of these to anyone as they seem to demand some tendering. One of them bent ever so slightly, which is bad for a thing which is sitting flat on a flat surface. That was easily fixed in the planer. The other got too tight after a while so I had to go over one of the openings with a chisel. They are made with quite small tolerance (for wood). Maybe too small tolerance.

I will try to make one in black MDF (Valchromat). That stuff gets really nice when oiled, and it's stable. I have thought of making some more for selling, but I realise that I don't have time for it. Anyone with a CNC might want to pick up the design and try to make some business out of it. Feel free.. It would be cool to have one of these in aluminum.

//Michael

 

[RC]

Here's my version of the same for use in my home theatre for my MacMini & AppleTV:
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Made with a router running against a makeshift guide clamped around the piece and finished with hand chisels & sand paper. Not as clean or neat as Michaels, but does the job nicely. Finished with Liberon Finishing Oil.

As you might notice the Apple remote slot was made for the original plastic remote which died recently and I haven't had time to reshape the hole to accommodate the new aluminum one properly.

 

[chrismorrow]

I had the same idea a couple of years ago.

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[wow]

As you might notice the Apple remote slot was made for the original plastic remote which died recently and I haven't had time to reshape the hole to accommodate the new aluminum one properly.

If you need a white one let me know - I have a few brand new ones on my office.

 

[RC]

Thanks Wow, but I think the postage to Finland would cost more than a new remote  [wink]

 

[Deansocial]

Nice, I just have mine clipped together with the magic wand

 

[Tony_Fletcher]

I wanted a keyboard & trackpad configuration that would stay the same when switching between desktop- and laptop-work. I.e. the trackpad needs to sit flat in front of the keyboard as on the MacBook.

This is my solution which I'm really happy with. I'm using teak at work and cherry at home.
//Michael

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Wow! That is super cool. Beautiful job!