Lego Monitor Stand
I wanted to set up dual monitors at my work station and decided to connect a 22 inch LG Monitor to my iMac. The only problem is that the LG does not have an adjustable stand, and I wanted to raise it enough to align the top and bottom of the screens of both devices.
I searched around for suitable (free) materials, such as a stack of books or blocks of wood. But it was difficult to stack books to the exact height and I didn't have enough wood or other materials to raise the monitor where I wanted it to be.
It suddenly occurred to me that I could easily make the stand with Lego. Lego is a sturdy building material, offers flexibility, customization, and lots of options for design and pattern. I also realized that I could construct the stand in such a way to create an interior chamber for storage of cords or a hard drive.
I searched around for suitable (free) materials, such as a stack of books or blocks of wood. But it was difficult to stack books to the exact height and I didn't have enough wood or other materials to raise the monitor where I wanted it to be.
It suddenly occurred to me that I could easily make the stand with Lego. Lego is a sturdy building material, offers flexibility, customization, and lots of options for design and pattern. I also realized that I could construct the stand in such a way to create an interior chamber for storage of cords or a hard drive.
Measure the Footprint of the Base of the Stand
Each stand has a different footprint and shape. The base of this stand is rectangular and measures around 8 3/4 by 6 1/4 inches.
This model has four points of contact. I realized that as long as I built sturdy walls, I could also design an open structure that could hold other things such as cords or a hard drive.
I also decided that the height should be about 2 1/4 inches but I could refine the height as I got closer to the finished piece.
This model has four points of contact. I realized that as long as I built sturdy walls, I could also design an open structure that could hold other things such as cords or a hard drive.
I also decided that the height should be about 2 1/4 inches but I could refine the height as I got closer to the finished piece.
Gather Your Lego
You will need a combination of different plates, enough to create 2 layers for the bottom.
This will create a strong floor and the walls will be built around the edge.
You will also need a variety of bricks. Your needs will vary depending on the footprint of your stand and whether or not you want to create a chamber for cords, etc.
For this project I used bricks, plates, and tiles of various sizes and colors. Basically, I worked with what I had in stock.
You can also buy individual pieces here. http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Pick-A-Brick-ByTheme
This will create a strong floor and the walls will be built around the edge.
You will also need a variety of bricks. Your needs will vary depending on the footprint of your stand and whether or not you want to create a chamber for cords, etc.
For this project I used bricks, plates, and tiles of various sizes and colors. Basically, I worked with what I had in stock.
You can also buy individual pieces here. http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Pick-A-Brick-ByTheme
Build the Base Layer
On a flat surface, arrange the first layer to the footprint of the base of the stand.
Assemble another layer and connect it to the first layer, making sure that the bricks overlap each other where ever possible. This will insure a strong base to construct the walls upon.
Assemble another layer and connect it to the first layer, making sure that the bricks overlap each other where ever possible. This will insure a strong base to construct the walls upon.
Construct the Walls
I used a combination of variously sized bricks to build a 2 x wall. I also decided to create a random facade (Tetris-like) pattern with open spaces here and there.
I used plates along the top edge to secure everything together.
I used plates along the top edge to secure everything together.
Complete the Back
For the back wall, I braced the corners with an extra vertical row of Lego bricks, built a center column, and then created a top strip of Lego bricks and plates to add strength and support to the structure.
The Completed Stand
Looking a little Tetris. ;-)
As you can see the back wall is open to allow for the storage of cords and the interior will easily hold an external hard drive or other items.
The tiles on the top edge are optional but do add a nice finish to the walls.
As you can see the back wall is open to allow for the storage of cords and the interior will easily hold an external hard drive or other items.
The tiles on the top edge are optional but do add a nice finish to the walls.