The IKEAhacked adjustable angle drawing table by akoithra
image056.jpg
This hack uses a VIKA BLECKET table top, two VIKA ARTUR trestles, four EKBY STILIG shelf brackets, some wooden pegs, nuts and bolts, a power drill, some thick double sided tape, and my Dad.



 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: The problem with angled surfaces

step2.jpg
The motivation behind this IKEAHack was the need to keep coffee cups from falling off my drawing table. My table is a set of VIKA ARTUR trestles and a VIKA BLECKET drawing table top – they’ve been set up at an angle for drawing and design work. Since I work both on paper and digitally, my graphic tablet and keyboard are also on this table, but can be moved out of the way easily for more space. I mounted my monitor on a wall bracket to keep it off the table so that I could angle the table without moving the monitor.

Now here’s the problem – the VIKA ARTUR trestles, while very aesthetically pleasing and ‘drawing-desk-y’, are a pain in the posterior to adjust. Changing the angle of the table involves loosening the 4 thumb screws that hold the upper section of the trestles in place, popping out the 4 pegs that support it, changing the angle of the table (on both trestles) and then putting back the pegs and tightening the screws. As you might imagine, I just kept the table angled all the time – and kept replacing my coffee cups as they fell off one by one. 
RestlessMuse says: Aug 8, 2012. 1:26 PM
OMGosh...this is so particle and very, very nice looking. I can't build for crap, but i am willing to take a swing at this one. You and your father should make and sell these....lol
Windsbro says: Jun 26, 2012. 10:47 PM
This is great! I have the same problem with my current drawing table, which I paint on and often need to adjust the angle to get the paint to flow in the right direction. The adjustable (and very cheaply made) knobs have broken, and I've resorted to using clamps to adjust the angle. Surprisingly easier than those stupid knobs, but not ideal. You've inspired me to craft my own, hopefully to be my first instructable post.
Perhaps I'll even integrate a coffee mug holder on a gimble...
Thank you, sir!
jvoelk20 says: Jun 6, 2012. 10:50 AM
Thank you so much!! It works beautifully! It does make the height of the table taller when the table is flat so now I need invest in a drafting chair but still well worth it. Until then Ill just sit on a couple of pillows. :)
Your father is awesome!
youn_link says: Jun 30, 2010. 6:26 PM
I like the idea :D
Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

PDF Downloads
As a Pro member, you will gain access to download any Instructable in the PDF format. You also have the ability to customize your PDF download.

Upgrade to Pro today!