How To Build A Home Recording Studio Desk - Step-by-step
Desk Instructions
The desktop measures 70 1/4" x 27".
The top of the hutch measures 60 3/16" x 12". This will allow for the three openings to measure exactly 19 1/16" to accommodate rack-mounted gear.
The hutch dividers measure 5 3/4" x 12". This allows for 3 rack-mounted units stacked in each opening.
The long 2"x6" measures 68 3/4" and should be flush with the back of the desktop. It should be held in 3/4" from the ends of the desktop. This allows for the top of the cabinet to cover the 2"x6" framework, as well as a lip edge on both ends that the desktop will rest on (See 1:50 to 2:00).
The four 2"x6" under the desktop measure 25 1/2" to the long-point of a 45° cut.
Each cabinet side measures 30 1/4" x 21 1/2" (See 4:34 to 4:44). With the 3/4" plywood on top, your desk will be 31" tall. You can change the long measurement here if you want the desk taller or shorter than 31".
For the framing at the bottom of each cabinet (See 10:32 to 10:49), I cut four pieces of 1x4. Two pieces 19 3/4" and two pieces 12". At the bottom of each cabinet, measure in 3/4" from the back, and 1 1/2" from the front. Put the long 1x4 on the marks, flush with the bottom of the cabinet, and attach using six #8 1 1/4" wood screws (See 4:55 to 5:03).
Nail the 12" pieces to the two 19 3/4" pieces you just attached (See 5:08 to 5:20) using three #8 finish nails. You should drill pilot holes for these nails. I use finish nails here because using screws near the end of 1x4 material can cause it to split.
For the middle shelf, I cut two pieces of 1x2 measuring 21 1/2". Attach one to each side, using three #8 1 1/4" wood screws. You can place this shelf about midway, or at whatever height is best for you. You could probably leave one middle shelf out, but they do tend to stabilize the desk fairly well.
Cut two shelves measuring 12" x 21 1/2" from your remaining plywood. Drill pilot holes, countersink optional, and attach through the cabinet side to the shelf using three #8 1 1/4" wood screws.
You will need to cut a 1 9/16" x 5 9/16" notch on the upper, back corner, on the inside of each cabinet (See 10:25 to 10:29). This is to allow the long 2x6 to be flush with the outside of each cabinet. You can also see this notch here (9:31) and here (See 10:01 to 10:07). After you align the cabinets, you can rest the desktop on this notch before you ease it down into place.
Secure the lower shelf using the instructions for securing the middle shelf above. You will do all of this twice, once for each cabinet.
You will need to cut a 1 9/16" x 5 9/16" notch on the upper corner, on the inside of each cabinet (See 10:25 to 10:29). This is to allow the long 2x6 to be flush with the outside of each cabinet. You can also see this notch here (9:31) and here (See 10:01 to 10:07). You can rest the top here before you flip it down.
I lowered the keyboard to accommodate my Oxygen49 MIDI controller. I did this by cutting eight blocks of wood from my remaining plywood. You can use any one-by material that is 3/4" wide. The blocks measure 2" x 5".
For the keyboard shelf, determine the location of your glide brackets (See 12:37) under the desk. Attach four blocks under the desk, centered for the glide brackets to be attached to, using #8 1 1/4" wood screws. Attach another block to the first blocks, using the same type wood screws (See 12:46) This will give you an additional 1 1/2" of clearance.
You could also get the kinds of runner/glides that attach to the sides of each cabinet for a bit more clearance if you want. I liked the looks of the brackets is why I used them.
Energy3
Nice Post mate :gsmile:
Looney4Clooney
screens at wrong height. Monitors on desk.
I don't see why people up these simple concepts. If your monitors are at the same height as your screens, you are doing something wrong.
Originally posted by Looney4Clooney
screens at wrong height. Monitors on desk.
I don't see why people up these simple concepts. If your monitors are at the same height as your screens, you are doing something wrong.
A lot of desks are that way inclined which is odd then based on what your saying. I did think at first I would remove the middle section to shift screens down also.
