Popular Woodworking 2006-08 № 156, страница 43

WOODWORKING

ESSENTIALS

BY DAVID THIEL

Casework Construction

Over the past six chapters of this primer on Casework Construction we've focused on how case pieces are built: the joinery, materials and construction techniques that are unique to this type of woodworking. And we've also looked at the doors, drawers and

hardware that make case construction both decorative and functional.

In this final chapter we get to wander away from the ordinary and take a look at some of the special applications for which casework is used. In particular we'll discuss casework for computer and

audio/visual (A/V) applications, and we'll take a look at some special storage considerations for clothing and small kitchen appliances.

Computers and Audio/Visual

Since the first stereos, televisions and home computers were sold, there's been a constant struggle to store them in the home so that the components are convenient, but not in the way. Heck, remember console televisions? The whole idea was to build the television (and sometimes the stereo) into an attractive piece of furniture.

Beyond the physical presence of the components, there are issues of connecting the pieces (wire management) without running cables all over the place. Additionally, there is the concern of keeping the components cool during operation.

We're going to look at computers and A/V equipment simultaneously. While there are some different requirements between the two categories, there are many more similarities.

This computer armoire has a slide-out keyboard tray that brings the working surface to the user. Storage is provided for the printer, monitor and paper products, as well as drawers for CDs and storage of other peripherals. When the computer is not in use, the doors can be shut and all the untidiness is hidden away. Plans for this project were featured in the June 2003 issue (#134).