Rambling Obsession
January 19, 2005
|
Posted by Aubrey Turner
The cleanup I mentioned in the previous posting has extended itself far beyond its original scope. I went back into that closet and pulled out four more boxes, three of which had old software in the original boxes. It took up a lot of space so I took the manuals and CDs I wanted to keep out of the boxes and threw the rest away. I also threw out even more obsolete computer junk as well as a bunch of catalogs and magazines that had piled up. In all I put out seven big trash bags of junk and I’ve got a bunch of old phone books to put out Friday when the recycling truck comes by (it doesn’t help that at least three competing companies cover this area, all of whom leave monster phone books on my door; it seems really wasteful as I hardly ever use a phone book anymore, instead using online search tools to find phone numbers).
It really pained me to throw out some of that software, since I spent so much on it. For example I had four obsolete copies of SuSE Linux Professional Edition (6.1, 7.1, 8.0, and 8.1; the current version is 9.2), each of which cost approximately $70.00 when new. Unfortunately, this kind of software gets stale really quickly because of security updates and other changes, so it really wouldn’t do me much good to install an older version since it would be so far behind (especially in terms of security updates).
Then on Monday I went crazy in my office and pulled out a large table I’d been using for a computer desk as well as a large bookshelf. I mounted some shelves on the wall to store a lot of the stuff from the bookshelf and rearranged the remaining furniture, which opened up a lot of space. Unfortunately, all this activity has aggravated my back, which started giving me trouble just after Christmas.
Now that I’ve got some space I’m looking into creating some sort of workbench/workcenter. At present I’ve been working on computers at the dining table, which is annoying for several reasons (not the optimum height, have to string a long ethernet cable to connect it, have to drag all the peripherals in there for testing) not to mention messy. I’ve also been cleaning my guns in the living room on the coffee table, which is very bad ergonomically (and makes my back problems worse).
I haven’t seen anything that I really like so far, so I’ve been considering custom building something (I have some rudimentary woodworking skills, but this would be something of a stretch for me).
This whole organization kick is turning into an obesssion of sorts. Between it and work it’s been taking up all my time. I just hope my back can hold out.
Ack. As soon as I came up with the title to this post that damn Animotion song started playing in my head. Crap. Now it’s going to be there all day.
Categories: Personal Life Stuff
Building a workbench or Desk is extremely easy.
I could give ya a hand if you like.
Me and the wife made a somewhat U shaped desk for me and her somewhat like what you would see in a double cube setup.
Now mind you, it aint exactly pretty, but it is quite functional.
Thanks for the offer. I’m going to do a bit more searching before I undertake a building project. However, I am leaning that direction.
My problem is that I’ve got some pretty specific space constraints and I’d like to use the space as efficiently as possible, so a custom built solution would probably be best. I’m thinking of putting in some kind of cabinet with drawers on the left side and building a counter-top that is supported on the right by one leg that is almost in the center of that side so that there will be plenty of empty space under it. This will allow me to move a chair under it freely and also prevent stubbed toes as I walk close to it (there’s a closet door to the right and I want to be careful not to obstruct the approach to the door too much).
So I’m thinking I’d build a frame that attached to the wall on the back and sat on top of the cabinet (with the one leg on the center right). The frame would be curved on the right side around the edge (I’d have to go look at some carpentry books to see exactly how to do this, but I’ve seen it done before). The counter top would be fairly thick plywood, cut as a single piece to fit. Then I’d cover the whole thing with formica (or some similar finish).
The point is to make it look like it was built-in and originally part of the house.
Go for a sit-stand desk. Your back will love it. I have one at home (counter-balanced unit made by Hon) and at work (old 70s vintage electronic drafting table) and stand about half the day. Very effective at reducing back pain due to constant sitting.
Also need to consider a quality chair. I use a Hag Credo but the saddle seat looks promising as well < http://www.bambach.com.au/wr/products.htm >.
********************************
“God gave us the gift of life. It is the most precious gift ever. To be unarmed is to be helpless to protect that gift. That is outright irresponsible.” Ted Nugent-Sept 04
********************************
Mike,
Thanks for the suggestions. I did some looking on Hon’s site and didn’t see anything like that (at least with some rudimentary searches). However, I did find this unit, which looks interesting. I’m going to do some more research to see if I can find something adjustable like this that fits the space I’ve got available.
Oh, I almost forgot—the saddle seat looks like it might actually be comfortable.
As for standing at the desk, I didn’t think about it, but it might be more comfortable. I just now realized that I tend to stand a lot during other parts of the day. In fact, I tend to eat all my meals standing in front of my bar/counter rather than at the table (which is why it doesn’t cause me much inconvenience to have a bunch of computer junk strewn on it).
Aubrey,
Here’s some more info. I’m 6’ and need a sit to stand desktop height that spans 27” to 44” to be comfortable. I place the keyboard on the desktop (hate keyboard trays) and use a riser or two to elevate a 21” monitor about 4”.
My Hag Credo chair
< http://www.hag.no/hag_us.nsf/pages/hag_h04 >
Mayline sit-stand desks (former employer bought one of these for me)
< http://www.mayline.com/showcase/adjwrk/classic/index.html >
This company has a large selection of ergonomic possibilities
< http://www.officeorganix.com/solutions.htm >
Ergonomic recommendations
< http://www.geekbooks.com/ergonomic-seating.htm >
Don’t forget computer/monitor glasses once you hit 45!
< http://www.mdsupport.org/library/cvs.html >
*****************************
What range do you use?
Yeah me and Cinomed could help you out. I’m a decent woodworker and have some decent tools. Let us know if you wan tto make something.
Thanks, sheepdog.
Mike,
Thanks for the additional info. I did some further searching and found an adjustable Hon computer workstation that might do what I want that’s a lot less expensive than the other options. But I will take a closer look at those links (a cursory glance at the Mayline was promising). I’m not as tall as you so I wouldn’t need quite as much height.
As for the glasses, I’ve already got that covered. I’m farsighted which means that I have to wear bifocals. I always have the doctor adjust the prescription such that the bifocal line sits pretty high for computer work (otherwise I’d have to sit with my head tilted too far back to be comfortable). I also like to have my monitor kind of low.
The range I use is the one at Bass Pro in Grapevine.