The Accidental Great Idea

[Don Grubish]

A while back I swapped out my desktop computer for a laptop. I'm very happy with this decision, and kept my laptop on my desk in the other room for months. Recently, however, my roommate opted for wireless Internet and set it up. Now that my laptop can utilize his remote hub, I can take my computer into my room for more privacy, and I found I love this. The only problem I faced now was the fact that my laptop can get really hot on my thigh when I rested it on my lap. I knew I needed to build something to keep the uncomfortable heat off my thigh.

So... I went into my garage and took out some scrap plywood I had stacked up with my other scrap wood. I quickly devised some measurements and started cutting away with my table saw. Turns out I had just enough plywood to make this project work. I cut the table tray legs to an 80 degree slant, and also the underside supports too. I Kreg Jigged the supports to the legs, and then the legs to the table surface. This makes for an extremely strong structure that I formed in my head and put it to fruition. After a coat of stain and two coats of finish later, I have what you see below.

Now, bear with me, as I used my camera phone. I really need to opt for my digital camera instead. Well, anyway, I couldn't be happier. This invention keeps the laptop off my thighs and is a great height for surfing the Web or writing my novel. I even allowed for extra table surface should I eventually get a mouse for the computer.

And now, for the great idea that came after I built it.

So one night I get done surfing the Internet and chatting with my friend from California, and set my computer on my night stand. I then took the new table tray and set it on end alonside my bed. I fell asleep that night and woke the next morning looking at my tray. I noticed how the one leg of the tray was at a slight angle (80 degrees, remember), kind of like an orchestra music stand. It got me thinking...

What if I set the laptop on the tray leg and used it that way instead?

Well, as you can see in the pictures above, it works GREAT! I had no intention of using the tray this way too when I built it, but low and behold it works wonderfully on its side too. This is a great tool for when I'm surfing the NFL scores and my fantasy league while watching my Packers play. It holds my laptop as if I meant to do it like that, and I have no fear of the computer falling over on it's side, or the tray leg snapping off. The Kreg screws make for a VERY strong bond. I now have two trays in one, by accident!

Who'da thunk it??? Pretty cool, huh?

Here are the plans for this table:

[Ken Darga]

Don,

A very novel idea---

neat idea---

and so simple, too.

Thanks for sharing.

 

I'm sure many have said to themselves--- ''why didn't i think of that''.

[Dusty DeBerry]

Great idea! I plan to build one and will add a swing-out shelf on one of the legs because I prefer a bluetooth or USB mouse instead of my touchpad.

[Curt Barrett]

as they say necessity is the mother of invention

[Don Grubish]

As I write this, I'm seated at the side of my bed. Sure, I have to lean over a bit, but it's ok. I don't really use it this way for long periods of time. It's also nice in that it's high enough to see clearly while laying in bed if I throw a DVD into it and watch a movie that way.

[KregRep]

Excellent project, Don!

[Don Grubish]

As a matter of fact, I did test it out as a step stool and it's strong enough to hold my weight without a problem. Never creaked at all. I may end up building another one to go into our photo studio at work. Sometimes we need to bring the camera tripod all the way up, and then it's too tall to see through the lens before taking a picture. A step stool like this could be invaluable.