DIY Lapboard Build Log

[Layer Cakes]

Note: wasn't sure where to put this as it's not a build log for a rig. Please correct me if i've chosen poorly

So, I wanted a nice wireless setup for TV gaming from my bed. Obvious choice is Corsair's new K63 lapboard and keyboard but at over £200 not including a mouse, this was just way too far out of budget. Plus, it's only blue LEDs..

So I picked up this bargain £35 wireless, mechanical RGB keyboard called the 'Drevo Calibur'.

Next was a trip to the local hardware store for some wood and I got to work

I added the channel at the top so I can charge the keyboard while it's on the board if need's be... And it was easier to cut that way :lol:

It fits!

I'm going for a sort of two layer design so the keyboard will will sit flush and to make sure it's not going to flex. Might end up being a bit heavy, but it doesn't matter too much as i'm not going to be taking it around with me or anything.

I'm waiting for the wood glue joining the top and bottom layer to dry, then i'll be painting it tomorrow, so stay tuned for the finished piece in the next couple of days.

~~ Lucy

 

[scubasteve]

Oh cool cant wait to see this finished

 

[Layer Cakes]

Oh cool cant wait to see this finished

Thanks! All i ned to do is sand the edges, give it a lick of paint and somehow attach the mouse mat.

Any ideas on how to glue a mouse mat to wood?

 

[scubasteve]

Hmmm do you really wana glue it ?
if you got one of them real big ones that will take up most of the right side just make some small 4-5mm edge going round the right side and top of the lapboard so the pad fits in , that way you can take mouse pad off and give it a wash if needed .
also while having it on your legs if it tips the mouse wont fly of the side

edit.. what you could also have underneath the mouse pad a strip of velco where you can attach a wrist rest if you want
, as if you sitting on the couch cos it be much lower than your desk it might be needed then if in bed and laying down you can peel it of to give you better movement when laying flat... lol dose that make sense or overthinking it

 

[Layer Cakes]

Hmmm do you really wana glue it ?
if you got one of them real big ones that will take up most of the right side just make some small 4-5mm edge going round the right side and top of the lapboard so the pad fits in , that way you can take mouse pad off and give it a wash if needed .
also while having it on your legs if it tips the mouse wont fly of the side

I've already got a pad the size of the entire board. Idea was to just cut out a rectangle for the keyboard. First thought was velcro, but then it will be bumpy. But now I'm thinking of using a spray adheisive so I can just peel it off and respray it if I need to. The pad cost less than a fiver anyway

 

[scubasteve]

ahh yer well that works like a charm then ... im bored overthinkin crap

 

[RobM]

Lazy girl gaming in bed
Seriously though this looks promising

 

[Layer Cakes]

Lazy girl gaming in bed
Seriously though this looks promising

I live in a shared house so only got the one room and no space for a desk! So no other option than to play in bed

 

[Layer Cakes]

The wood glue I used to hold the two pieces together is now dry, so time for some sanding

I'm actually pretty pleased with how well this is going, considering my woodwork experience is absolutely zero and i'm just working this out as I go along.
The cuts in the mouse pad are just rough for now, going to neaten it up once it's all ready to assemble.

Given it a few coats of the black stuff, just waiting for it to dry as I type this. Wasn't allowed to paint inside, but luckily it's a dry day for it. Then i'll hopefully be getting it all together this evening

 

[sheroo]

That poor old workbench could do with a lick of paint while you're at it.

 

[WYP]

Nice project. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[scubasteve]

well we waiting

 

[Warchild]

Thanks! All i ned to do is sand the edges, give it a lick of paint and somehow attach the mouse mat.

Any ideas on how to glue a mouse mat to wood?

What about a nice fabric cover? like black or dark blue felt. I always found my hands (since I live in Norway) can get cold sometimes placed on a cold surface.

There are many epoxy glues to use. Depends on the mouse mat you use. If you use a fabric mouse mat or rubber, then there could be considerable movement relative to each other.

 

[Layer Cakes]

Sorry about not posting this yesterday, ended up mega busy after finishing it, then had to get some kip. But it's done!

I definitely could have done a better job of cutting out the mouse pad, even slipped and put a sort of scratch on it. But it was only a couple of quid and i'll have the replacement one tomorrow.

I know that it's in no way up to the standard that a lot of the moders here work to, but it's my first time doing a project like this, and for a first shot I'm pretty pleased! Edges may be a little messy, but i've created something functional and i'm actually quite proud :lol:

 

[scubasteve]

for a first shot I'm pretty pleased! Edges may be a little messy, but i've created something functional and i'm actually quite proud :lol:

And why not i say !! Well Done !!

looks great once you get to use it if you see anything that needs touching you can have at it , excellent pat yourself on the back

 

[RobM]

That has turned rather well Lucy, are you putting anything underneath like mini beanbag so it settles on your lap?.
When you get the replacement mat remember measure twice, cut once

 

[SPS]

Looks like it does the job nicely

 

[Layer Cakes]

That has turned rather well Lucy, are you putting anything underneath like mini beanbag so it settles on your lap?.
When you get the replacement mat remember measure twice, cut once

That's the plan, probably some sort of foam i'll then cover in a black fabric. I'll be using this one I messed up as a template this time, so should be okay

And why not i say !! Well Done !!

looks great once you get to use it if you see anything that needs touching you can have at it , excellent pat yourself on the back

Looks like it does the job nicely

Thank you! Hopefully come the summer i'll be able to do a few more weekend projects like this. Really enjoyed doing it actually

 

[WYP]

Looks ideal for the job. Looking forward to seeing what you do next.

The MKII Lapboard should look great if this first attempt is anything to go by. I might have to make my own if the final lapboard turns out well.

 

[RobM]

That's the plan, probably some sort of foam i'll then cover in a black fabric. I'll be using this one I messed up as a template this time, so should be okay





Thank you! Hopefully come the summer i'll be able to do a few more weekend projects like this. Really enjoyed doing it actually

Use something with the little polystyrene balls in as it shapes better then foam