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/r/battlestations suggested I post this here. A budget 3 monitor stand for under £25 (~$40 USD). (imgur.com)

submitted ago by optec

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[–]optec[S] 22 points23 points ago

Album updated with the finished product in the first image.

Parts List:

  • 1 x Unistrut P3300T Shallow Slotted Channel x 3m
  • 2 x Unistrut P1358 Flat Delta T Bracket
  • 2 x Unistrut P1074 45 Degree Long bracket 4 Holes
  • 15 x M10 25mm Bolts
  • 18 x M10 Washers
  • 15 x M10 Full Nuts
  • 10 x M10 Repair Washers
  • 12 x M4 Bolts (for the screens)
  • 1 x 450mm x 120mm x 18mm MDF or Chipboard

I got lots of spare washers and a few spare nuts. I used some of the washers to space the side monitors slightly off the mount so they were more in line with the main monitor (which is further forward).

This is my first DIY project like this :).

[–]retardrabbit 4 points5 points ago

Electronically, how do you have the monitors set up? Do you have some sort of splitter to create a single desktop out of the three or is it three desktops with the game window stretched across it?

I've trying to figure out a good multi-display set up recently and I'd love to hear about your process!

[–]optec[S] 16 points17 points ago

I used ATI Eyefinity, with later video cards you can attached three monitors (as long as one is on a display port, this requires an active adapter to connect to either HDMI or DVI). You can either set it up as effectively one massive monitor for games or use all three independently. I have it set up as one screen but make it so applications still full screen to each screen individually.

[–]gaedikus 0 points1 point ago

holy karma batman! glad this worked out! :D

[–]deltarob 27 points28 points ago

No re-enforcement on the cut sides?

That metal isn't THAT strong in that direction

[–]optec[S] 19 points20 points ago

I added brackets (in the photo on the workbench) but had to order these in later. I thought it might be ok without until I acyually built the thing and hung a monitor on it.

[–]PACitizen 5 points6 points ago

But no additional supports on the bottom struts? Wouldn't they be taking nearly the same amount of torque as the top ones?

[–]fe3o4 0 points1 point ago

I think the bottom should have some type of bracing as well, as it is actually bearing the weight of all three screens and the rest of the metal as well.

You can also get end caps for some of the size that will help avoid any cuts or scraps due to burrs.

[–]deltarob 4 points5 points ago

ah nice one, I used to work with this stuff all the time (in it's actual purpose) as an industrial electrician

[–]bassboat1 0 points1 point ago

it's a little hard to find if you're not in the trade... Graingers?

[–]fe3o4 0 points1 point ago

Big box stores often carry it as well. Otherwise: http://www.unistrut.com/

Once you get past the global screen, Under "contact us" there is a locator based on where you are.

[–]RESERVA42 0 points1 point ago

Amazon Supply also

[–]deltarob -1 points0 points ago

if you're in the UK look at wickes or screwfix (yeugh.)

[–]insufficient_funds 7 points8 points ago

What sort of screws did you use to attach the monitors to the wood? diameter/thread pitch?

[–]optec[S] 6 points7 points ago

M4 30mm bolts worked perfectly with the 18mm MDF. I put two sets of holes for the 100mm VESA and 75mm VESA standards.

[–]insufficient_funds 3 points4 points ago

Nice, that's exactly what I was looking for! I can totally build one of these for myself now.. and not have to carry a monitor into the hardware store to find the right size bolts..

[–]deltarob 2 points3 points ago

doesn't it say on the back of your monitor?

also measuring machine screw holes is super easy!

[–]insufficient_funds 3 points4 points ago

i honestly dont know if the back of the monitor says what the screw size is. however after asking i realized i could have probably just searched for vesa standard screw size and figured it out... also i dont know how to measure machine screws so...

[–]deltarob 0 points1 point ago

measure the diameter of the hole, then look up machine sizing

[–]bassboat1 5 points6 points ago

don't forget thread pitch (and if you're 'Murican, go back to the tool store again to buy a metric thread gauge)

[–]Keegsy 0 points1 point ago

Hurry up and build it! Make sure to post this! We need more battlestations in this subreddit

[–]M80IW 18 points19 points ago

Seems very tippy. Easy to knock over backwards.
Also, your tools are very pink.

[–]optec[S] 35 points36 points ago

All my tools are a manly pink colour.

[–]deltarob 10 points11 points ago

just out of interest do you work on site? We disassembled some of our dewalt stuff before and resprayed them neon pink so they were less attractive for other workmen to steal and so they were obviously ours

[–]optec[S] 12 points13 points ago

Unfortunately it's not that manly, my girlfriend was bought a car toolkit that was all pink and never used the tools. I didn't see the need to buy new ones.

[–]deltarob 3 points4 points ago

I thought I recognised them a little haha, my little sister got a similar set

[–]Talman 3 points4 points ago

I've heard of construction companies and subs doing this before. I found it amusing when my ex-brother in law used to have guys call his tools "faggot ass gay" and then he'd find them trying to steal them.

[–]merreborn 2 points3 points ago

resprayed them neon pink so they were less attractive for other workmen to steal

I've heard of people doing something similar to deter bike theft

[–]Joshislong 0 points1 point ago

Also: car stereo faceplates. My brother sprayed his gray primer after it was stole twice, and he never had a problem again.

[–]The_Nigger_General 1 point2 points ago

Why are they pink?

[–]BrotherSeamus 4 points5 points ago

Quick identification/theft prevention I would assume.

[–]optec[S] 10 points11 points ago

It's pretty hard to tip backwards when fully loaded and even forwards its stable.

[–]Feanux 3 points4 points ago

That's what I figured,. The weight alone from the monitors would weigh it forward (if anything), coupled with the way the frame is designed, it's not going anywhere.

[–]asdfman123 0 points1 point ago

The key to balancing stuff is keeping the center of gravity away from the edges of the base. The forward-angled monitors ensure the center of gravity is more, well, horizontally centered.

[–]exegesisClique 4 points5 points ago

Pink is a tint of RED which is the color of blood and death. Very manly.

[–]Dubstepic 4 points5 points ago

Pink is also the color of brains splattered on the ground in Borderlands 2. Very manly indeed.

[–]thetuckman 2 points3 points ago

your tools are very pink.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skivW4MqUwA&feature=player_detailpage#t=62s

[–]Mohgreen 0 points1 point ago

I was thinking the same thing, that it could tip over easily. Maybe if he added a 2nd frame w/ the legs pointed the opposite way on the bottom?

[–]hybaric -1 points0 points ago

first thing i noticed were the pink tools lol. i was also wondering about it tipping over backwards, i would probably want to put some sort of support back there

[–]THE_PUN_STOPS_HERE 8 points9 points ago

Very cool! Also, you might want to lower your borderlands 2 FOV. I've found that somewhere between 73 and 78 is ideal on my Nvidia Surround setup. It reduces peripheral distortion a lot.

[–]optec[S] 3 points4 points ago

Thanks for the tip about the Field of View. Using 78 now, looks much better.

[–]pyro2927 0 points1 point ago

What did you use to config it? I have a triple monitor setup and would love to play Borderlands2 with all three.

[–]optec[S] 2 points3 points ago

Either Nvidia surround or AMD Eyefinity. Borderlands 2 supports the ultrawide resolutions without any hacks required.

[–]youralpacasource 9 points10 points ago

Mandatory lotion bottle of /r/battlestations http://i.imgur.com/1CAGF.jpg

[–]optec[S] 7 points8 points ago

Dammit was hoping no one would notice that :p. I have eczema and it's a bottle of Doublebase gel.

[–]merreborn 6 points7 points ago

Sure, "eczema". Phallic eczema, no doubt.

I keed, I keed.

[–]fireinthesky7 0 points1 point ago

I cringed just thinking about that.

[–]tbuds 4 points5 points ago

I always start with a 3m length of Unistrut.

[–]CHALLNGEACCPTD 1 point2 points ago

That's what she....

[–]MaddVillain 4 points5 points ago

As someone who uses this stuff all day for work (commercial electrician) you should have cut and bent the unistrut the other one.

IE cut it like you did but cut 2 45's and then bend it in the opposite direction. Then you can use a 45 degree bracket with spring nuts and it will actually be enforced on both sides, because as you have it now all that is holding the bent pieces from shearing off is one side of the strut.

[–]Oxenfree 3 points4 points ago

I like your clamp table.

[–]willies_hat 0 points1 point ago

A heavier duty version.

[–]Oxenfree 2 points3 points ago

I've used that particular model at a friend's shop and it was a hunk of shit. Just like every other Black & Decker product.

[–]willies_hat 0 points1 point ago

Mine is quite a few years old and it is still pretty sturdy, but I know the newer ones are really not as good as the ycould be. That's why I'm looking to repalce mine with this.

[–]Oxenfree 0 points1 point ago

Yeah, that looks like a good one.

[–]iezugod 1 point2 points ago

Hmmm, I didn't know they had this. I have the smaller one and use it for almost every major project I do. Bigger would be better. (as she said)

[–]willies_hat 0 points1 point ago

They are good, but like seemingly everything we buy these days, it's made in china and not the best quality. Mine's performed adequtely, but it's nothing special.

[–]optec[S] 1 point2 points ago

It's only a £13 one from B&Q but it did the job :)

[–]Oxenfree -4 points-3 points ago

I know some of those words.

[–]Tom_Z 0 points1 point ago

I had one exactly like OP's and snapped the shit out of the shitty table part and bent one of the metal legs within two days.

[–]andyboylan 3 points4 points ago

god bless unistrutt

[–]blohkdu 3 points4 points ago

http://www.tykesupply.com/

Cheapest premades I've ever found.

[–]themapleboy 2 points3 points ago

Been thinking of making my own. but not sure how to figure out what angle to cut. Is there a recommended angle i should set up the monitors at?

[–]Maveric1984 2 points3 points ago

What is reinforcing the lower brackets at the angles?

[–]auronvi 3 points4 points ago

My only thought is, you by 3 monitors at 150 bucks and you cant splurge another 80 or so on a stand? Seems like more work than it's worth for me looks good though!

Edit: My bad, i didnt think they could be so expensive. Cheapest triple I found was 250.

[–]optec[S] 2 points3 points ago

Someone lonked some others that were slightly cheaper but when I was looking the cheapest I found was 250 too.

[–]xeonrage 0 points1 point ago

I have the same creative speakers.. they're pretty good.. though my sub crossover seems to be going flakey... but they've lasted ~8-9 years now.

[–]blkbox 2 points3 points ago

Could someone elaborate on what exactly is unistrut? Seems to be some kind of generic railing system.

I am asking because I've never heard of this particular brand, but if I knew a little more I could try and find the equivalent here in Canada.

[–]gehzumteufel 3 points4 points ago

Channel framing.

[–]fit4130 1 point2 points ago

Another name to search for is Super Strut.

[–]fe3o4 0 points1 point ago

Where in Canada... their main warehouse is in Ajax and they distribute all over Canada.

Mostly you need to contact Mechanical or Electrical supply houses, or big box stores. This stuff is everywhere.

[–]MaddVillain 1 point2 points ago

Umm I am an electrician in canada and we use a shitton of unistrut. Its very common up here.

[–]blkbox 0 points1 point ago

Can you get it from consumer stores (HomeDepot/Rona/Reno)?

[–]Pxtl 1 point2 points ago

Wait, is it really just two holes for a screen mount? I've been planning a custom one for a while but was planning on building out and then using an off-the-shelf flush mount between my lumber and the screen.

[–]insufficient_funds 1 point2 points ago

hmm, this is inspiring me... I want dual monitor stand that has them stacked, not side by side (to better fit my desk)... i could easily do something like this, I think...

[–]Gardimus 1 point2 points ago

How long have you had this setup for?

[–]optec[S] 0 points1 point ago

About two days :)

[–]duel007 1 point2 points ago

I like it, but I'd probably mount it to the desk to save space.

[–]nobody2000 1 point2 points ago

Bravo. Simple, sturdy, well documented. I will save this post because once I get my annual bonus, I'm going to probably drop some dough on a rig, including a multiple monitor solution.

[–]darthmaul4114 0 points1 point ago

135 degree angles ;)

[–]SPDHurricane 1 point2 points ago

i like ur pink tools. awesome. lol

[–]Hraboskyjr 1 point2 points ago

can anyone please export this to a pdf and allow me to save it forever?

[–]fe3o4 1 point2 points ago

Just print to a PDF and you've got it. ("cutepdf" is a good utility if you don't have the capability already, and there are many others)

[–]Internet_Lynch_Mob 1 point2 points ago

It's definitely a neat idea, although I think I personally won't do it just because I don't trust the weight of my monitors to it.

[–]DillPixel 1 point2 points ago

This is awesome. I have a surround setup as well and the legs of the monitors hang off the sides of the desk. I plan on building this soon. Where do you get unistrut?

[–]optec[S] 0 points1 point ago

Consttuction suppliers. If you are in the UK then www.fix8.com is good. Not sure about the US or anywhere else.

[–]JeremyKylesLovechild 1 point2 points ago

That Doublebase stuff is the good shit

[–]HarryLillis 1 point2 points ago

My girlfriend made the same perler bead companion cube.

[–]xxmidasxx 1 point2 points ago

very nice job, I will have make one myself.

[–]sedaak 1 point2 points ago

DIY and beautifully done with good instructions. A+++++

[–]bassinhound 1 point2 points ago

Awesome build and very creative!

[–]vicethal 1 point2 points ago

I had that same exact wallpaper. Damn shame there's so few 5760x1080 wallpapers.

[–]SavannahJ 1 point2 points ago

Have an Upvote for putting the final image first

[–]faildata 1 point2 points ago

Nice work.

[–]TrollDruid 1 point2 points ago

Are you sure you don't need the 45-degree brackets on the base to strengthen it as well?

[–]optec[S] 0 points1 point ago

It really doesn't need it. Not a lot of stress going through those joints.

[–]noxqcs808 0 points1 point ago

Props for a sick stand with pink tools.

[–]tamper 0 points1 point ago

Why not mount the bracket below or behind the desk? Wouldn't that look better and give you more room?

[–]jaka_juka 0 points1 point ago

Which games support this three-monitor-wide view?

[–]helium_farts 1 point2 points ago

http://support.amd.com/us/eyefinity/Pages/eyefinity-software.aspx

[–]xeonrage 0 points1 point ago

TIL Battlefield 3 is a RPG

[–]helium_farts 0 points1 point ago

Well, it is a Game, and you do Play a Role, so....

[–]Booman246 0 points1 point ago

That actually looks pretty nice, if you're into a rugged industrial style.

[–]fondupot 1 point2 points ago

spends hundreds of dollars on elite three monitor setup. Budget stands to hold them up.

[–]gemini86 1 point2 points ago

But built way better than anything you could buy for the money. If you don't need the frills, why pay for them?

[–]concretecoffeecups 0 points1 point ago

so you can tell all your friends how much you spent, and feel important, i suppose.

[–]DAngelo_Barksdale -1 points0 points ago

neat

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