Background
SCRAP Humboldt, a division of SCRAP, is a non-profit organization that works with the community to reuse waste material in ways that are creative and environmentally sustainable. They are currently opening a new workshop "Maker-Space" in the Arcata area that will be used to produce up-cycled art projects for the community. These projects will range from small to very large in physical size, and having a proper place to work on them is critical. The Community Tinker Desk is a perfect solution to this dilemma.
Problem statement and criteria
The list below describes the criteria, constraints, and weights of the criterion chosen for the Community Tinker Desk.
| Criteria | Constraints | Weights |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | The ability to use the Community Tinker Desk in a variety of projects is critical. | 10 |
| Cost | The total cost should not exceed $300. | 10 |
| Strength | The final product should be sturdy and able to withstand moderate-to-heavy use. | 8 |
| Source of Materials | A minimum of 75% up-cycled materials was a requirement for this project. | 7 |
| Aesthetics | The final product should be appealing and integrate well with its intended environment. | 7 |
Description of final project
The Tinker Desk is the ultimate up-cycled workbench. It was designed to be used as a workspace for up to six users simultaneously while maintaining a low-cost model that is easy to reproduce. Some key features of this workbench lie in the roll resistant design of the benches provided, the splintering-free engineering of the edges, and a stabilizing brace that keeps the workbench stable during use. The legs of the bench have a triangular design that prevents the bench from rolling or tipping when users lean forwards or backwards. The bench and desk was designed for ample leg room for optimal amount of comfort when using the desk. The edges of the trim have been cut at angles to prevent fabrics and other materials from getting caught and splintering the wood. The legs of the table and benches also have fitted rubber feet to sit on to prevent wear on the feet of the workbench. The brace acts as the backbone to the design. The brace holds both legs of the workbench table and benches together and strengthens the structure to prevent swaying.
Costs
| Quantity | Material | Source | Cost ($) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Solid Core Doors | Industrial Re-Used | 10.00 | 50.00 |
| 2 | Redwood Fence Post | Luders Woodworking | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 8 | 3/8"x12" Lag Bolts | Garrett Hardware | 1.99 | 15.92 |
| 1 | Varnish Varathane S-G Qt. | Garrett Hardware | 15.34 | 15.34 |
| 4 | 1/2"X12" Lag Bolts | Garrett Hardware | 3.69 | 14.76 |
| 1 | Drill Bit 1/4"X12" | Garrett Hardware | 12.99 | 12.99 |
| 1 | Cobalt Drill Bit 3/16"X4" | Hensel's Ace Hardware | 6.29 | 6.29 |
| 3 | Aluminum L-Bar Scrap | Arcata Scrap and Salvage | 2.00 | 6.00 |
| 1 | Washer Head Screws L8 1 1/4" Box 100 | Hensel's Ace Hardware | 4.94 | 4.94 |
| 2 | Foam Brush (10 Pack) | Garrett Hardware | 1.99 | 3.98 |
| 1 | Titebond ll Wood Glue | Luders Woodworking | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| 1 | 18 Gauge 1 1/2" Brad Nails | Luders Woodworking | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| 1 | Sand Paper | Luders Woodworking | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| 8 | 3/8" Washers | Garrett Hardware | .19 | 1.52 |
| 4 | 1/2" Washers | Garrett Hardware | .27 | 1.08 |
| Total Cost | $138.82 | |||
Testing Results
How to build
See the Community Tinker Desk build instructions at SCRAP Humboldt community tinker desk instructions.