MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I bought an iPad last week and have decided to install Plex on my laptop to act as Media Hub and use the ipad as controller.
What I'm looking to do is build a cradle to vertically mount the laptop behind the TV. It needs to be lightweight, secure and easly reach over to remove the laptop when needed.
I've seen a few ideas on how to do this online, but none I'm entirely happy with. I'll be looking to bolt the cradle into the VESA mounts [actaully it appears Sony have deviated from the VESA standard as the holes are 300mm from each other, in a square configuration].
I'm looking for ideas on how to build the cradle, dexion/punched angle is an option, but I just don't know where might stock it locally. I'd have to cut it down with a hacksaw too, I'm not sure how difficult that would be. Probably heavy/overkill.
I reckon [metal] meccano would be good, but I haven't managed to find any good sources for what I need. eBay mostly seems to be odds and sods or the newer plastic stuff. I don't want to buy a ton of stuff I'll never need again.
I'm really just looking for ideas for materials I could use for a small project like this. Ideally something that could be bolted together with minimum fuss.
An alternative/less desirable solution is a mesh basket bolted to the vesa mounts, but I've been struggling to find something to fit a 15" laptop.
So STW bodgers, any suggestions?
B&Q sell a whole load of angled aluminium. You should be able to bodge something reasonably lightweight out of that.
Some examples here - but usually worth looking in store.
http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/hardware/ironmongery/sheet_metal___tubing
I'd probably use 9mm ply wood and glue or screw something but I've got the right tools and plenty of off cuts. If you don't you could work out a design then buy the wood and get it cut at B&Q, they offer free cutting although accuracy is a bit random. Or how about a leaflet holder? You might be able to find one big enough then just line it up and drill through
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I have plenty of tools for woodworking for that might be an option. The document holder might be an option if I can find one big enough bolted through some ply as suggested. Something similar in mesh would be ideal for heat dissipation.
My loacl B&Q isn't the greatest so haven't noticed too much in the way metal angles tubing etc, and I'd kind of discounted them, but maybe I'll go up and wander the aisles. I take is alu is fairly easy to drill as it's relatively soft?