Ham Radio Desks
 

Anyone know of a maker/distributor for exclusive-built ham radio desk
stations? All suggestions appreciated. Many radios, shortwaves, scanners, HF
& Vhf transceivers, and 2 computers.

http://www.apgcases.com/frontier_consoles.htm

On Sun, 16 May 2004 22:59:24 GMT, "hamzio"
wrote:

Anyone know of a maker/distributor for exclusive-built ham radio desk
stations? All suggestions appreciated. Many radios, shortwaves, scanners, HF
& Vhf transceivers, and 2 computers.

Very nice consoles, but a little bit more heavy duty than what I am looking
for. Heavy pine is what I had in mind, almost like a work bench type table
with a matching hutch/console. But thanks for the reply and the link!



"David" wrote in message
...
http://www.apgcases.com/frontier_consoles.htm

On Sun, 16 May 2004 22:59:24 GMT, "hamzio"
wrote:

Anyone know of a maker/distributor for exclusive-built ham radio desk
stations? All suggestions appreciated. Many radios, shortwaves, scanners,
HF
& Vhf transceivers, and 2 computers.

On Sun, 16 May 2004 18:52:50 -0500, hamzio wrote
(in article ):

Very nice consoles, but a little bit more heavy duty than what I am looking
for. Heavy pine is what I had in mind, almost like a work bench type table
with a matching hutch/console. But thanks for the reply and the link!


In many cases, having a woodworker build a desk to your specs
isn't more - or, at least, very much more than buying a
well-built commercial desk.

There are a couple of features that you could "build in". One
would be adjustable shelves and another might be either
laminating between two pieces of the desk or simply "surfacing
the various pieves with sheet copper which could be tied together
and grounded.

I've never tried that but it could be "interesting".

Also, you could have have the rear of the "desk top" tilted
slightly for ease of use.

Also (grin), you can build your AC distribution in. I have done
that and it /really/ beats "the usual mess".

The same thing can be done by building in antenna inputs/outputs.

And it's a chance to have two very nice speakers built into the
desk.

Want any more suggestions [bwg]?



Gray Shockley
----------------
DX-392 DX-398
RX-320 DX-399
CCradio+ w/RS Loop
Justice AM Antenna
Torus Tuner (3-13 MHz)
Select-A-Tenna
---------------------
Vicksburg, MS US

ha - yes, I've actually thought about custom-built and what I would want,
and considered all you mentioned, actually. I think I feel a trip to Home
Depot coming on

"Gray Shockley" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 16 May 2004 18:52:50 -0500, hamzio wrote
(in article ):

Very nice consoles, but a little bit more heavy duty than what I am
looking
for. Heavy pine is what I had in mind, almost like a work bench type
table
with a matching hutch/console. But thanks for the reply and the link!


In many cases, having a woodworker build a desk to your specs
isn't more - or, at least, very much more than buying a
well-built commercial desk.

There are a couple of features that you could "build in". One
would be adjustable shelves and another might be either
laminating between two pieces of the desk or simply "surfacing
the various pieves with sheet copper which could be tied together
and grounded.

I've never tried that but it could be "interesting".

Also, you could have have the rear of the "desk top" tilted
slightly for ease of use.

Also (grin), you can build your AC distribution in. I have done
that and it /really/ beats "the usual mess".

The same thing can be done by building in antenna inputs/outputs.

And it's a chance to have two very nice speakers built into the
desk.

Want any more suggestions [bwg]?



Gray Shockley
----------------
DX-392 DX-398
RX-320 DX-399
CCradio+ w/RS Loop
Justice AM Antenna
Torus Tuner (3-13 MHz)
Select-A-Tenna
---------------------
Vicksburg, MS US

"hamzio" wrote in message
...

Anyone know of a maker/distributor for exclusive-built ham radio desk

Find a contractor that updates kitchens and pick up two or three old base
cabinets (the ones with drawers) that he has removed while installing new
cabinets. Bridge them (adjust the height of bridge between cabinets to desk
height, aprox 28 /30 in.) to fit your space with plywood or MDF,
paint/finish to suit your self, cover with plastic laminate. Start calling
CQ. RM~

PS, If you are located in large city/town, look for a business that deals in
surplus building material, they sometimes have real good prices on surplus
plastic laminate.

Just finished my new operating bench. 2x4's from Home Depot, and Menards has
wood grained laminated shelving of various sizes that makes a great top. Just
nail 'er up. 12 feet long with a shelf to boot. I bolted the back legs into the
basement wall, and it's super sturdy. I've got each 3 ft section dedicated to
a different specialty ... HF, VHF, project building, and computer/books. Cost
.... about $100.

jw
K9RZZ

Yeah I guess if you want something done right, do it yourself. I've
downloaded some workbench plans and will improvise on those. Need heavy duty
wood tho - lots of radios and a huge old ART13 military transmitter that
weighs 80+ lbs, so I'm thinking 2X8s, pressure treated. Home Depot said if I
have all the measurements they will cut the wood for me. Going with pine and
will add some corner plates to it - should look good and be nice and sturdy.
My wife is jumping in on the project, too - going to run each piece thru her
arts and crafts room and take a butane torch to it and bring out the grain
and stain it nice. Not only will I have it the way I want, but I think it
will be more affordable as well. Looks like a good weekend project - thanks
all for the suggestions. I'm off to Home Depot:)


"hamzio" wrote in message
...
Anyone know of a maker/distributor for exclusive-built ham radio desk
stations? All suggestions appreciated. Many radios, shortwaves, scanners,
HF
& Vhf transceivers, and 2 computers.

In article ,
says...
I'm thinking 2X8s, pressure treated

Holy crap thats getting carried away.
--
-----------
Dwayne
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BC895/

Not only will I have it the way I want, but I think it
will be more affordable as well.

Heck, even if it did end up costing more (fat chance though!) you'd still have
something exactly to your specs, which would be worth the extra cash layout.
Sounds like it will be great, maybe when you get it done there'd be a way for
some of us to get a look at it online somewhere? :-)
I love DIY projects, particularly radio/station associated projects.
Linus

I built my Ham Desk into a 8 foot closet. First removed the sliding double
doors from the closet
then used a regular unfinished room door for the desk top -- installed into
the closet. Secured door to studs in the closet wall and used three legs to
support the front.

Covered the desk top with wall paneling. Nice appearance

Advantage -- this makes a wide desk -- plenty of room to hide cables in the
back of the rigs.

Next I built 3 shelves above the desk top. And added drawers underneath the
desk top.

This arrangement put all my Ham gear and test equipment. computers etc all
in one neat desk with plenty of space for books etc on the upper shelf

Cost is low compared to a 8 foot piece of furniture which most are not wide
enough for a good Ham Desk.

One of these days I may come out of the closet -- hi hi
--
Caveat Lector Ya All

Amateur Radio is the best back-up
communications system in the world,
and that's the way it is. Walter Cronkite

On Mon, 17 May 2004 12:57:23 -0500, Caveat Lector wrote
(in article 727qc.7208$65.3909@lakeread06):

I built my Ham Desk into a 8 foot closet. First removed the sliding double
doors from the closet
then used a regular unfinished room door for the desk top -- installed into
the closet. Secured door to studs in the closet wall and used three legs to
support the front.

Covered the desk top with wall paneling. Nice appearance

Advantage -- this makes a wide desk -- plenty of room to hide cables in the
back of the rigs.

Next I built 3 shelves above the desk top. And added drawers underneath the
desk top.

This arrangement put all my Ham gear and test equipment. computers etc all
in one neat desk with plenty of space for books etc on the upper shelf

Cost is low compared to a 8 foot piece of furniture which most are not wide
enough for a good Ham Desk.

One of these days I may come out of the closet -- hi hi
--
Caveat Lector Ya All

Amateur Radio is the best back-up
communications system in the world,
and that's the way it is. Walter Cronkite




There's also the old tried and true "quicky" instant-desk:

Get two full-suspension (for strength and depth (usually))
file cabinets and pot a door across them.

I used one like that when I was in school and it sure is great
for moving; much easier to move than most other desks ('cept for
my WW2 conference table).

Gray

"hamzio" wrote in message
...

so I'm thinking 2X8s, pressure treated.

2X8's? Pressure treated? Tell me your kidding. RM~ :-(

Well the piece of wood I have the ART13 on is 11" wide, about 1 1/4" thick,
and as long as the hutch (54"), and it doesn't sag in the middle. 2x4 sagged
in the middle with no support. Pressboard is out of the question. This is
the only piece of wood I found strong enough to support almost a 100 lbs of
radio and computer monitor on top shelf of hutch...

"-=jd=-" wrote in message
...
On Mon 17 May 2004 04:38:45p, "Rob Mills" wrote in
message
news:6o9qc.53508$Z%5.10352@okepread01:


"hamzio" wrote in message
...

so I'm thinking 2X8s, pressure treated.

2X8's? Pressure treated? Tell me your kidding. RM~ :-(




2x4's and 1/2" ply built with common sense would hold as many people as
you
could stand on it. There's nothing wrong with 2x8's if you already have
them,
but it seems a bit of over-engineering otherwise. Still nothing wrong with
them though - to each his own...

-=jd=-
--
My Current Disposable Email:

(Remove YOUR HAT to reply directly)

"hamzio" wrote in message
...

2x4 sagged in the middle with no support.

Your right about the support. I've built benches that would support a lot of
weight using nothing bigger than 1X's and 3/4 in MDF and plywood but have
used plenty of support, aprox every 18 in. under the top surface. Regardless
of the structure that you choose, I'd skip the pressure treated stuff for
indoor use. They don't recommend it for anything other than out door use
(decks, fences and etc.). You have to use either hot dipped galvanized or
stainless steel fasteners, anything else will rot out the newer pressure
treated stuff. Also some of the chemicals used for treating can be a hazard,
particularly when burned.

Good Luck, Rob Mills

I know too little about wood - I sure do appreciate the tips on the
pressure-treated boards. I won't go with those. Thanks a million! :)

"Rob Mills" wrote in message
news:5Qeqc.53614$Z%5.14190@okepread01...

"hamzio" wrote in message
...

2x4 sagged in the middle with no support.

Your right about the support. I've built benches that would support a lot
of
weight using nothing bigger than 1X's and 3/4 in MDF and plywood but have
used plenty of support, aprox every 18 in. under the top surface.
Regardless
of the structure that you choose, I'd skip the pressure treated stuff for
indoor use. They don't recommend it for anything other than out door use
(decks, fences and etc.). You have to use either hot dipped galvanized or
stainless steel fasteners, anything else will rot out the newer pressure
treated stuff. Also some of the chemicals used for treating can be a
hazard,
particularly when burned.

Good Luck, Rob Mills

And make sure to leave a 2-3" gap between the door and the back wall to
allow cable routing behind rather then on top of the desktop.


"Caveat Lector" wrote in message
news:727qc.7208$65.3909@lakeread06...
I built my Ham Desk into a 8 foot closet. First removed the sliding double
doors from the closet
then used a regular unfinished room door for the desk top -- installed
into
the closet. Secured door to studs in the closet wall and used three legs
to
support the front.

Covered the desk top with wall paneling. Nice appearance

Advantage -- this makes a wide desk -- plenty of room to hide cables in
the
back of the rigs.

Next I built 3 shelves above the desk top. And added drawers underneath
the
desk top.

This arrangement put all my Ham gear and test equipment. computers etc all
in one neat desk with plenty of space for books etc on the upper shelf

Cost is low compared to a 8 foot piece of furniture which most are not
wide
enough for a good Ham Desk.

One of these days I may come out of the closet -- hi hi
--
Caveat Lector Ya All

Amateur Radio is the best back-up
communications system in the world,
and that's the way it is. Walter Cronkite

On Sun, 16 May 2004 22:59:24 GMT, "hamzio"
wrote:

Anyone know of a maker/distributor for exclusive-built ham radio desk
stations?
Look for used dispatch consoles from your local agencies. They
usually sell them for scrap.