Replies

1. 
   douglas2cats | Apr 05, 2005 02:18pm | #1

   I built a computer hutch last year to replace one of those store-bought veneered particle-board ones that was falling apart after many years. Mostly I liked the overall shape and design of the old one so I modeled the new one after it and used some of the hardware from the old one. For the pullout surface they used some vinyl rollers. They're smooth and easy to install.
   I ended up buying a pack of new ones as a few of the old ones couldn't be removed without damaging them. Don't remember where I got mine, but found this source when trying to find somewhere with a pic
   http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=910-710

   Theirs are black. The ones I bought were white. The ones from my original hutch were brown. So if you want a specific color, look around.
   The pic shows a hardwood stop on the back of the pullout. My pullout is completely flat. The stops are small pins (from my old unit) that are inserted into holes drilled in the underside that run up against the roller to stop the travel.

    

   Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?

1. 
   dfg | Apr 05, 2005 04:17pm | #2

   Thanks these look like they would work. Does this slide out feel solid enough to use as a writing surface and a desktop or do you only use it for a keyboard tray? When the tray is fully extended, how much of it is back still being held by the rollers?Thanks for the good advice,
   Dave

1. 
   douglas2cats | Apr 05, 2005 04:39pm | #3

   I'm actually not using it for a keyboard tray. My keyboard sets on a slanted surface immediately above the pullout shelf. I don't think the pullout could stand real heavy use, but I'm frequently resting my elbows on it while screen-gazing and don't notice any sag to speak of. It's sort of my catch-all mousepad, writing, reading surface. As far as how much extends back behind the rollers, that's pretty much dependant on you, and where you locate the stop pins and the farthest rearward roller. Also, you can put as many rollers under it for support as you want. My pullout is fairly deep (cant remember the exact dimension at the moment) and I think I've got 3 rollers below, and 2 rollers above the shelf. No reason you couldn't put more under it if you're worried about support. The trickiest part of the whole install was locating the rollers and pins in the right location to get the forward and rearward stop limits where I wanted them. My hutch is an open backed one, so I had to be concerned about stopping the rearward travel too.

    

    Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?

2. 
   Lilshaver | Apr 05, 2005 05:53pm | #4

   There are slides available that are marketed for cutting boards. (Woodcraft Supply and others) These have a locking mechanism that keeps them open. This is a feature that seems desirable for a writing surface used by small children. I'd be careful about the "pinch" factor.

   But you really ought to seriously consider the low tech solution: a piece of painted mdf or ply that slides out on wood runners. If fitted properly, a shelf such as this can pull out quite far and still be well supported.

   Another idea as I type..... Perhaps the shelf could be used on both sides with one side being for pencils, etc. and the other as a chalkboard. Now there's a nice dusty mess near your computer! (just trying to help)

   Jeff

1. 
   brink | Apr 06, 2005 06:47am | #5

   I just finished building a three draw desk with a  slide out for our laptop above the top drawer. I used a full extension roller drawer slide from woodcraft, mounted on a 34 piece of oak ply. Works just great and would be plenty strong for a writing surface. A flip down door  hides opening when not in use.