My High Tech Radio Desk
I decided to try my hand at designing and constructing a desk specifically to make operating amateur radio more convenient.
Desired features list for the desk:
a. For those times when needed to access back of the amateur equipment, I have mounted the equipment shelf at approximately a 45° angle.
b. Red or green LED lighting will be provided under the equipment shelf. Night vision will be maintained.
c. The back of one of the legs (prefereably the left leg) a copper panel will be attached for RF grounding.
d. The right pedestal will have shallow drawers for logbooks, QSL cards, etc.
e. Above the equipment shelf will be a bracket to hold a second LCD display connected to a desktop computer. This display can be used for DX spotting, etc.
f.
g.
e.
![](images/Desk/desk0005.jpg)
Left side of desktop
The desk top measures 32" deep and 72" long. It is made of 3/4" thick white oak plywood. The cutout in the back is a cable pass-thru.
![](images/Desk/desk0000.jpg)
Right side of desktop
The cutout in the front is the computer keyboard recess.
![](images/Desk/desk0003.jpg)
Equipment shelf before routing the kerf
The equipment shelf measures 16" deep and 36" long.
![](images/Desk/desk0004.jpg)
Routed kerf
The kerf is 1/16" wide x 1/2" deep. I used a 3-flute router bit and a plunge router adjusted to place the kerf exactly in the center of the plywood thickness.
![](images/Desk/desk0006.jpg)
Installing vinyl "T" molding
The tan vinyl "T" is available from Rockler Woodworking & Hardware. Rockler P/N is 27110. Their web site is http://www.rockler.com
![](images/Desk/desk0002.jpg)
Equipment shelf with edging installation completed
![](images/Desk/desk0008.jpg)
After 3 applications of polyurethane finish
I used a clear semi-gloss indoor/outdoor MINWAX "Helmsman" Spar Urethane. The initial surface was sanded with 150 grit sand paper using an orbital finishing sander. After several days of "curring", I sanded using 220 grit sandpaper. It is very important to properly remove the sanding dust between each application with a quality tack cloth.
![](images/Desk/desk0011.jpg)
Mounting spacers installed
Each spacer is a 1" diameter oak dowel 2 3/4" long. Each spacer is press fit into a 1" diameter x 3/8" deep blind hole. The blind holes are made using a 1" diameter Forestner Cutter. Before final assembly, each dowel will be secured using Gorilla Glue.
![](images/Desk/desk0012.jpg)
Trial placement of equipment shelf to check form, fit, & function
This view shows the transceiver on the equipment shelf that is placed on the left end of the desk top.