Which Wood To Use

[pdlandgang]

Below are some pictures of a prototype of a lap top desk that my father requested.  I need some help in choosing the right type of wood for the project.  The test piece is made of 3/4 MDF and the total material requirements are 54"x36".  The dimensions and design are pretty much set (my dad is very specific).  The main function of the piece is for his laptop to sit one when he is sitting in his recliner.

What I need help with is which type of wood I should use to make the final project.  The catch is that my dad has had recent shoulder surgery and his other shoulder is in need of replacement.  As a result he cannot lift more than 5 – 10 lbs.  I was thinking of using 1/2 or 5/8 material to help with some of the weight, but was wondering which type of wood I could use that would be both attractive, durable and somewhat “light-weight”.  Any thoughts would be helpful.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Does it have to be wood or could you cut it out of a sheet of plastic?  That would be lighter.  You could glue on thick plastic ribs on the underside of a sheet of plastic instead of boxing them out with the wood.

 

[mouppe]

I think you could use a 1/4" thick piece of maple, and reinforce it with 1/2" ribs on the underside. Strong and light. You could also hinge the sides so that it could be easily slid out of the way and your father would not have to lift it.

 

[Chrisem]

What about Paulownia? It's very light and easily be strong enough. They make surfboards with it.

 

[spikfot]

Alder, if it's available

 

[festoller]

Have you thought about buying one? I am all for DIY, but it seems in this case functionality and weight is more important.

I have this Logitech Lapdesk (US$ 35):

[attachimg=1]

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-939-000091-Comfort-Lapdesk/dp/B001NJ0WCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286092237&sr=8-1

and it's extremely light, ridgid and due to the form (angle) and fabric you can work for hours without any problem.

 

[jmbfestool]

Have you thought about buying one? I am all for DIY, but it seems in this case functionality and weight is more important.

I have this Logitech Lapdesk (US$ 35):

[attachimg=1]

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-939-000091-Comfort-Lapdesk/dp/B001NJ0WCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286092237&sr=8-1

and it's extremely light, ridgid and due to the form (angle) and fabric you can work for hours without any problem.

I like it! Looks good might buy one!

 

[Jonhilgen]

Take a look at this product, kerfcore.  Lightweight, strong.  Most likely pricey though.
http://www.kerfkore.com/index_files/Page3967.htm

 

[RONWEN]

I made one with those similar dimensions for my recliner from 1/2" Baltic birch ply & trimmed all four edges with 1/2" x 3/4" maple applied with Dominos.  I haven't weighed it but it's well under 10 pounds.  It's nice to have a fairly large surface on each side of the PC for books, papers, etc.

 

[pdlandgang]

Take a look at this product, kerfcore.  Lightweight, strong.  Most likely pricey though.
http://www.kerfkore.com/index_files/Page3967.htm

Just checked on this product.  Priced anywhere from $180 - $270 for a 4x8 sheet.

 

[pdlandgang]

I made one with those similar dimensions for my recliner from 1/2" Baltic birch ply & trimmed all four edges with 1/2" x 3/4" maple applied with Dominos.  I haven't weighed it but it's well under 10 pounds.  It's nice to have a fairly large surface on each side of the PC for books, papers, etc.

Thanks.  Sounds close to what I was thinking.  I am assuming you are using the new smaller dominoes to apply the edge banding.

 

[RONWEN]

I made one with those similar dimensions for my recliner from 1/2" Baltic birch ply & trimmed all four edges with 1/2" x 3/4" maple applied with Dominos.  I haven't weighed it but it's well under 10 pounds.  It's nice to have a fairly large surface on each side of the PC for books, papers, etc.

Thanks.  Sounds close to what I was thinking.  I am assuming you are using the new smaller dominoes to apply the edge banding.

Correct, they open up a whole new world!

I also routed almost full radii on all of the edges so that it's comfortable on your arms where they contact it.