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Computer table with a lift mechanism ???'s

9K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  woodbutcherbynight 
#1 ·
Computer table with a lift mechanism ???'s

In looking at the sewing table my Mother gave me I had an idea to use a lift mechanism either electric or manual to use for my computer table. My idea is to be able to store the computer when the kids come over, company, or when on vacation. Anyone have any ideas? In checking with some websites these electric lift kits are upwards of 550 USD. They are nice but do I really want to spend that much money for such a simple project? Manual is fine as I am not a weakling and I expect the table to hold a max load of 50 lbs. Just enough for the keyboard, mouse and 22" flatscreen monitor. Any comments most welcome including ones telling me I am living in a fantasyland. LOL
 
#2 ·
What I can visualize would be a top piece with a piano hinge on the back so it can lift up and set in a vertical
position. The internal shelf, or lift table could use drawer slides (as heavy duty as your wished) to guide it up
and down, or be free floating and rely on muscle coordination to guide it. When it reaches the top you could
have a spring loaded piece on each side that could flip in to hold it in position, you would have to either hook
these to a pulley arrangement with a lever to hold them back to lower it, or put a hole slot in each side so you
could hold the supports back by hand to lower it. Another alternative would be gas shocks like those used
on car trunks and tailgates to help bring it up, some of these are very strong, and are available at auto parts
stores, the screw support studs, should be available also. The front would have to have doors of some type
to cover the computer in the lowered position, but that could open to give you knee room when you set
at the computer. That is all I can think of off the top of my head, have fun in the workshop building it. You
did mention an electric lift, I do not know of any inexpensive scissor lifts, other than car jacks available at auto
stores or wrecking/ recycling yards. These could be powered by a small electric reversible motor that would
have to run through a reducing set of pulleys on a jack shaft, this could get expensive, or you could simply
run a small shaft to the side with a crank or fancy wheel on it to raise and lower it by hand. Some of the
lumberjocks have done a similar setup on their router lifts, and there are plenty of these on this site. Thank
you for your service to our country. My youngest son is also a Marine and spent tours in both Iraq and
Afghanistan.
 
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