Standing desks are all the rage these days and for good reason. Research shows sitting for long periods every day is detrimental to your health. And people are looking for an easy way to get a little more physical activity into their everyday routine. A standing desk riser turns any desk into a standing desk. Just put your laptop on it and get to work.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Pipe Cutter
- Cordless Drill or Screwdriver
- 3/4” Copper Pipe (Three 8’ Lengths)
- 3/4” 90 Degree Copper Elbow Joints (8)
- 3/4” Copper T-Joints (14)
- 3/4” Copper Pipe Straps (6)
- Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive
- 1/2” Panhead Wood Screws (12)
- 3/4” Baltic Plywood or MDF 22” x 15”
- 100 & 200 Grit Sandpaper
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
SAFETY GEAR
- Eye Protection
- Ear Protection
- Gloves
- Mask
STEP ONE
Cut the copper to length. Use a pipe cutter to cut the copper pipe to the lengths listed. Four pieces at 5-1/4 inches. Eight pieces at 6 inches. Four pieces at 4-3/8 inches. Five pieces at 16-1/2 inches. Eight pieces at 1-1/2 inches.
STEP TWO
Prepare the surfaces for gluing. Use 100 grit sandpaper or a brush cleaning tool to scuff up the edges of the pipe, giving the epoxy a better surface to adhere to.
STEP THREE
Dry fit the base. Assemble the base for a dry fit. Start with the bottom piece and attach a T-joint to each end. Then add a 1-1/2 inch connector piece to the end of each T-joint. Add a 90 degree elbow to the end of that piece. Add a vertical piece, a T-joint, and another vertical piece to each 90 degree elbow. Then repeat the process for the top of the first side. Repeat this process for the other side.
STEP FOUR
Join the sides. Connect two sides, joining them at the center T-joints using the five 16-1/2 inch pieces.
STEP FIVE
Fasten the joints. Once you’re happy with the design mix up some epoxy and use it to secure each joint, making sure to check for squareness along the way.
STEP SIX
Attach the top. While the epoxy is curing prepare your wooden top by sanding it lightly and adding your protective coat of Danish oil. When everything is dry place the riser top on a work surface, bottom side up and invert the base on to it. Center the base on the top then secure it with 3/4 inch pipe straps spaced evenly along the top rails. Secure each strap by drilling a pilot hole and attaching it using 1/2 inch Panhead screws. Turn everything right side up and get to work.
Looking for great tools to help get your project done? Shop Stanley, Black & Decker and DeWALT for everything you need!
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