Summer building projects announced!
I’ve got a few major upcoming projects this summer that will hopefully be a good time. 
I’ve been itchin’ to get out my saws and such…but won’t be able to until at least mid-May, but more realistically, June.
On the list of things to do (or build, rather) this summer (not yet in priority order):
Refurbished Computer/Printer/Storage Rack:
This is a piece which currently sits to the right of my desk, about 4.5 feet high, and has outlived its useful life. It worked much better under the old setup of the room, but now (with the addition of other equipment) it just doesn’t work as well as it should. Namely, I’ve removed the server monitor (since I rarely need it anymore thanks to SSH and VNC and generally just hook up my good flat panel when I do need a monitor) and replaced it with a small TV which we use for entertainment in the back room. Secondly, the HP LaserJet 5 (with all its attachments) rises to almost 6′ in height as the only place for it is where I had my old LaserJet IIIP — on the top shelf. I’m not worried about the weight breaking anything (that’s the least of my concerns), but it’s kinda in the way and if ever there’s a paper jam, it’s a pain in the ass to fix. Lastly (of the big things), the Mac monitor is just too large (and always was) for its location.
The refurb plan is to do the following: leave the lower portion pretty much as-is since it works very well, but change the upper portion in the following ways:
- Cut back the depth about 6″, leaving a ‘stepped look’ to it from the side (when both pieces are put together).
- Raise the height about 3-4″, leaving more room in the lower cavity for monitors and TV — possibly allowing for inclusion of keyboard room as upper shelf is stepped back.
The lower portion will stay the same, except I will trim off the lips on the sides of the tabletop (which were there originally to prevent things falling off — but really are unnecessary in its current position) and extend the right-hand side about 18″ — enough to accomodate the LaserJet 5, thusly taking it off the top shelf and putting it in a more reachable and user-friendly place.
New Home Entertainment Center:
Shortly after we moved in to our apartment (two years ago), I purchased a Home Theater system for use with the three-disc DVD/CD player and our other equipment. As the receiver (especially with inclusion of aforementioned CD player) works as a radio/stereo system, we’ve literally got the entire setup going. About a year ago, I purchased a new 32″ TV which went on top of the current entertainment center I’d built for use in the dorm room. The TV is far bigger than the box it resides on, which has bugged me for some time. Furthermore, we’re currently limited to keeping the movies in our bedroom on a shelf…and real estate is becoming high-priced and rare in our apartment.
The solution: build a new entertainment center.
I’ve drawn some very basic plans (on paper and in my head) as to how this will look. Currently, it will be a three-piece unit: One center unit which will house all the A/V equipment and also the TV and center speaker; two matching/adjustible bookshelves to go on either side of the unit (where we can keep movies/books and the main L/R speakers). I haven’t yet decided where to put the subwoofer, but that’s alright. I need to do some layout and such before finalizing the design.
I originally figured I’d create a ‘corner cabinet’ where the center unit would be at 45 degree angle to each wall (e.g. in the corner) and each bookshelf would be flush with its appropriate wall. This was also to be one unit, not three.
Quickly I decided against that, mostly because in the current setup, the TV is more at a 60-30 degree angle (facing more in one direction than another) than at a 45-45 degree angle…and needs to be that way in order to maximize ‘good seats’ when viewing. Furthermore, we will have to move this beast when the time comes…so portability came into mind. Such came the three-piece design…where we can independently set the center unit at a correct angle (or keep it flush with a wall) in future living areas.
Simple Shelf/Drawer Unit:
This is a request for build. Somewhat of a long story, but a two or three-shelf unit (with a small drawer at the bottom) on which miscellaneous stuff can be placed — pictures, books, etc. Kinda like one of those $20 Wal-Mart pressboard bookshelf things you can buy, except better. This item is more decorative than anything (meaning it’s not boxy and will have decorative additions to enhance the aesthetic of the room) and will probably be built en masse (currently at least three will have to be made).
This post was upgraded to the MZ Online Blog on 8/20/07