Figuring Out Angles to Build a Desk

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction of a desk, specifically focusing on determining the angles for support beams and the necessary lengths for cutting the beams. Participants are sharing insights on measurements and construction techniques, with an emphasis on understanding the problem-solving process for future reference.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to understand the angles needed for support beams and the length of the beam before cutting, indicating a desire for both answers and a method to solve similar problems in the future.
  • Another participant questions the use of standard 2x4s, noting that their actual dimensions differ from nominal sizes, which could affect measurements.
  • A third participant clarifies that there are no horizontal members in the design, only diagonal ones, and provides additional context about the desk's height.
  • A later reply corrects the terminology used, stating there are horizontal members and providing specific adjustments to measurements based on the dimensions of the 2x4s.
  • One participant offers a calculation method for adjusting vertical and horizontal measurements based on the dimensions of the 2x4s, but notes a mistake in the orientation of a horizontal member.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the terminology used to describe the desk's structure and the implications of using standard lumber sizes. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact angles and lengths needed for the construction.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of the design, particularly in the labeling of members and the specific measurements involved, which may affect the calculations discussed.

Bsxed
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Trying to build a desk. Have all the standard measurements but having issues figuring out what the angles I need for the support beams I have attached a drawing the blue circles are the angles that I need to figure out. Also I need to know how long my beam has to be before being cut(green line). I don't just want the answer, although it will be appreciated but I also want to know how to solve this problem in the future. Thanks in advance for all your help.
 

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Two Questions:

1) Are you using standard 2x4s? It's important to note that they aren't really 2" x 4".

2) Your horizontal members are not sufficiently labeled. Are they the same size as the diagonal members?
 
tkhunny said:
Two Questions:

1) Are you using standard 2x4s? It's important to note that they aren't really 2" x 4".

2) Your horizontal members are not sufficiently labeled. Are they the same size as the diagonal members?
Standard 2x4s and there are no horizontal members just the diagonal I just added the one on the left to show that the desks height will be 26 inches when completed. Thanks for the reply.
 
There seems to be a small language problem. There are no VERTICAL members. There ARE Horizontal members.

2x4s tend to measure around 1½" x 3½". Sometimes, they are a bit larger. You must adjust your construction unless you are willing to plane to exact.

From your vertical 26", subtract a 2x4 from each end, (2x3.5") leaving 19" for the total Vertical Measurement of the crossed supports.

From your horizontal 18", subtract 2" from each end, leaving 14" for the total Horizontal Measurement of the crossed supports.

Okay, let's stop there and see if you are following.

Edit: I had the horizontal 2x4 turned the wrong direction. It's taller, now.
 
Last edited:

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