First Project: Wall mounted dropdown desk.

Well, here's another "first project" post.

So, the wife and I have been working from home since about March (2020). My wife still has to go into the office 2-3 times a week but I've been working from home 100%. Since that's the case, I my desk setup in our bedroom and she's been using our dining room table. Our home is 4 bedrooms (occupied) and a loft that I converted into a small extra guest bedroom. The wife wanted to purchase a wall mounted dropdown desk but I jumped in and said the ever so famous words, "I can make it for you!".....So, here we are. Took about a month of working on this thing on and off. I tell you, I learned a lot on this small project. Some good things and some things that I would definitely change if I did it all over again.

Finished Product: Wall mounted dropdown desk.

Tools: I do not have access to table saws, planers, bandsaws or anything what could help provide me with more accurate straight cuts. The big cuts were made with a circular saw. Anything smaller was done with a jigsaw and details with a cordless DeWalt router. Oh and DeWalt palm sander....Sanding, lots of sanding!

Wood: With some uncertainty, I chose to use 3/4" pine plywood. My thoughts were to build solid but use cost effective materials. Thinking back now, I would think that using plywood for the desk and rear plane would have been fine, but could have used pine (or other type) boards for the shelf and frame. I think pine still because the wife wanted the finish product to be painted.

Fasteners (screws): To assemble the desk I used GRK Fasteners (screws). I chose these mainly because I already had a stash of them and seemed strong.

Hinges: When it comes to the hinge, or hinges, I waivered back and forth and in the end, I feel like it was a mistake. The wife had this idea of how the decorative aspect would look so I appeased her request. Happy wife, happy life. Right?. What I ended up used is two outdoor gate hinges. The look is good, but going back, I would have supplemented these hinges with a continuous hinge. I would just feel better knowing that the desk is supported across the seam.

Desk Dropdown Supports: Here's where I feel like I had most problems. The depth of the desk is about 6.5". I was wanting to make sure that I could place the support in near the middle of the desk edge so I could feel assured that it was supported well. Initially, I used lid support hinges. As you can see from the photo, that didn't work. So then I researched a little more and thought, "that's a cool support" when I found the hettich flap stay. So, ordered and installed! Well, after going on the recommendations of the website on sizing, I did not like the support. From the side of the interior of the desk frame, the support bracket that attached to the desk was all of about 6" out and provided very sketchy support. Back to the drawing board. In the end, I used steel rope and steel rope loop. I was able to secure the desk where I wanted to and secured the other end to the back plane. I added a small steel plate to the back side of the back plane where the rope loop attached, for extra peace of mind. I just routed out a small section so it would sit flush.

Paint: Well, just used some paints that we had already.

Also sat with a glass of whiskey at times, wondering how I would correct or address issues. Maybe more often than I should have.

Final thoughts and faults: Cuts weren't perfect and this drives me craxzy.. I didn't account for paint adding to the dimensions to the desk and wouldn't close. I had to sand the edge of the desk and leave it unpainted. The steel rope needs to be accounted for when closing up. It wants to pop out on the sides. Depth may be too shallow for my liking. The desk is mounted to the wall by two lag bolts secured to the studs. On the bottom of the desk, I mounted a piece of aluminum angle for support. I think the desk works fine. Seems to support what is needed.

Aaaand, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.