For a while now, I’ve been wanting to have a dedicated shop computer so that I didn’t have to bring my laptop into the shop and cover it with dust. Dust is definitely one of the biggest problems with having a computer of any type in the shop, so I decided to skip that problem completely..
For the computer, I bought a used Mac Mini on Ebay and instead of putting it in my shop, I put it in my office (which shares a wall with my shop). I poked a small hole through the drywall and fed through an HDMI and USB cable. The audio and video come through the [easyazon_link identifier=”B000AA2RCY” locale=”US” tag=”ilik-20″]HDMI[/easyazon_link], and the USB connects to a small USB hub which I mounted to the back side of the monitor.
Having the USB hub allows me to connect things in the shop like a webcam (possibly for live streaming from the shop?) and my X-carve (cnc machine), which is the main reason that I wanted a computer in the shop anyway.
For a keyboard and mouse solution, I’m using a small Apple keyboard and an Apple Magic Track pad (I prefer it to a mouse) both of which are Bluetooth. I cover the keyboard with a silicone cover, attached with some clear tape, to keep out dust.
Another option for the computer would be a Raspberry Pi, a small inexpensive linux computer. It would be great for surfing the web, listening to music and watching video. Unfortunately, it won’t run the software I need for for running CNC, so it wasn’t an option for me.
Concerning the monitor itself, I’m using a 24″ Acer, which only weighs 6 lbs. If you have a monitor that has considerably more weight, this type of mount will probably not be strong enough. my monitor is REALLY light and thin, so this works fine for me.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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The monitor has an oddly shaped post for it’s stand.
I traced the shape of the post into a 2×4.
The 2×4 was trimmed with about 2″ on each side of the shape.
I used the bandsaw to cut out the shape from the 2×4.
I set the fully “leaned back” angle of the post.
I matched the angle to the table saw blade.
I cut the angle onto the backside of the 2×4.
I cut two panels of pine whose width add up to half the width of the monitor.
The pieces are connected with 2 1/2″ hinges.
I added strap hinges to help carry the weight and attach the swing arm to the wall.
I traced the 2×4 onto the panel for placement.
I drilled 4 holes at roughly the same angle as the 2×4.
I added glue to the marked off area.
I set the 2×4 back in place and lined it up.
The screws were added from the back side.
Finally the post was slid into its slot.
The strap hinges were screwed directly into a wall stud.
Lastly, the monitor was attached to it’s post.
All done! The video above has info on the computer portion.
