Workshops can be messy dirty places to keep computers. KingUnicorn’s post earlier today got me to thinking about this. I struggled with this for a while and finally came up with a good solution a few years ago in my old shop. Having a computer in the shop can be a great resource in so many ways I can hardly do without it.
I had an old shuttle XPC that had built in wireless that I put on a shelf behind the wall you see where the LCD is.
I then mounted the LCD on the wall up high.
I ran the keyboard and mouse cables through the wall, I put small zip ties on the cords to make loops in them. I put a sheet rock screw half way up the wall so I could hang the mouse and keyboard on the wall when not in use. I also connected speakers to the XPC so I could have music in the shop and listen to my MP3 collection when I wanted to. The speakers hung on the wall.
The only real issue I ran into was the keyboard getting gunked up. I read the toolmonger blog weekly and they had a post a while back about A shop proof keyboard
http://toolmonger.com/2009/08/04/adesso-shop-proof-keyboard/
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I wish I had a workshop, I wish I had a workshop, I wish I had a workshop… very creative idea… I think I will book it away for the day I can use it….
Short of space to sculpt & use the computer, I’ve recently mounted the monitor & speakers above the bench on an old skateboard, (Short of shelves too). Wireless keyboard & mouse have made it easier, but the crap-free keyboard is looking pretty good to me now too!
Now that’s a proper workshop computer solution!
I know laptops (and now netbooks) dominate a lot of homes, and I’m always pushing to keep those high-priced items out of the way. I’ve heard some terrible stories about people splattering turpenoid or paints across the only system they have. But with the mounting scheme you’ve showcased, even a portable computer can be rigged safely out of the way to provide Web access/entertainment/resources.
I should’ve known you would have that sorted out in some clever fashion. Looks like I’ll be blocking in some time tomorrow to hang the spare monitor while projects dry out.
Awesome. The best mousing surface I found on the workbench was a scrap of laminate flooring. I have a contractor friend who saves them for me. The smooth durable surfaces have many uses in the shop.
My computer is in my living room, which is where I create the larger creations. My craft room, which is going to get re-organized very soon, can only sustain the smaller, drafting table sized props and does not have a computer. When I am working in there I do find myself popping out to the living room to check this or that on the computer.
I have seen, and played with, the roll up keyboards. You can get them for around $20.