Replies

1. 
   cscwem | Jun 23, 2006 04:56pm | #1

   my first reaction is "what is he thinking"...to me it sounds like way to much of a contradiction...big screen tv next to grandfather clock all wrapped up in built-in casework...too much going on there for me...

   But everyone has different taste, if you think the design has merit and it is something you want to build then by all means build and enjoy it.

   i would definately be interested to see any design drawings you may have and photos of the piece once it is completed.  it could quite possibly look much better than it sounds...

2. 
   mikeniner | Jun 28, 2006 07:55am | #2

   Go to New Yankee Worksop and get Norm Abrams video and plans for thesecustom room wall units.  Its a simple plan you can follow and make as fancy and/or expensive as you want.

    
   It's on my menu for a computer small bedroom project this fall.

                                       Mike

                                       Bakersfield,Ca.

3. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jun 28, 2006 08:12am | #3

   The old concept of entertainment unit doesn't fit the new flat screens very well.   The screens are 4" deep or so.  The electronic components which accompany it (AV amp, cable box,  DVD player, etc) are all much deeper -- like 20" or so when you add cables to the back.  If you build one entertainment unit to hold both the flat screen and the electronics, you consume lots more space in the room than if you build two cabinets.  One is deep enough to house the electronics.    The other houses the screen.  (Or maybe you don't even house the screen.  Some people like to just hang it on the wall.)

   Depending on its dimensions, the clock probably would better be associated with the electronics cabinet, not the flat-screen cabinet.

4. 
   JeffHeath | Jun 29, 2006 05:55pm | #4

   Ron

   I pretty much design and build these for a living.  I say "pretty much" because as I'd much rather be building "furniture", all my latest commissions have been cabinet/entertainment units.

   Balance is the key.  Although I admire your desire to fit the grandfather clock into the scheme of things, I think that you'll be happier if you leave it out, and let it stand alone elsewhere in the room, as they are designed to be.

   Dealing with todays new thinner tv's is not an issue at all.  I build the cabinet system deep enough to handle components, 18" to 20" is usually good, and then, in the center space where the tv will go, you can fashion a false wall as the backdrop.  With some thought, you can make it easily removeable, and you can hide all the cable work for today's electronics junky out of sight.  I put plug in jacks (called head ends) in them, for a super clean wiring set up.

   Have fun.  If it's for you, nobody really needs to like it except you  (unless you're married)!

   Jeff

1. 
   RonT | Jun 29, 2006 06:09pm | #5

   Jeff

   Thanks for your input; the ideal was actually hers. I am wall space limited so I thought the ideal was pretty good. What I may do is design with the thought in mind of convert back if it doesn't look good.

   Do you have a pretty good market for your projects? I have thought of doing the same on the side. Just don't want to fill my garage with stuff I can't sell.

   Thanks again.

   Ron

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jun 30, 2006 12:18am | #6

   Ron

   I build nothing on speculation.  Every build is for a specific customer, designed to fit a specific space.  I have been lucky in that I have all the work I want.

   Jeff