Suggestion on How to Cut out Piece from a Plywood Table to Install Mount

I got this study desk. however, it doesn't have any space to be able to look install a mount for monitors. I tried to reverse the table but then doesn't work as keyboard is too high.

Just curious if anyone has tips on what tool to use to be able to cut 80mm height and 100mm tall hole as shown in photo.

Table is made in plywood.

This is really just a one off thing. would one use hole saw bit on drill and make the hole?

Comments

  • i got this new study desk

    That's a NEW study desk??? Where did you get it from? lol

    • Yes, zoom in on the manufacture date.

      • +2

        I tried that earlier - i think it says "rubbish"!

        I can't even tell what's top and what's bottom..(or what's left and what's right!)

        • +1

          Looks like it is made from formply
          .

        • yes

    • not new

  • +2

    Why don't you mount your monitors using the existing hole?

    • can you get a mount that would work in that hole?

  • +11

    A jigsaw and a drill to start the hole.

    • +2

      Or a jab saw if don't like power tools
      https://www.mitre10.com.au/stanley-fatmax-folding-jab-saw
      .

      • +1

        That’s for plasterboard. But I suppose if you have time to kill.

        • listed as able to cut wood
          "Designed for drywall, wood, & plastic work"
          .

          • @Nugs: It wouldn't be fun cutting anything this thick with those teeth.

            If you wanted to use a hand tool, I'd be taking the back panel off (it looks like it's in 2 halves) and making a rectangular cut off the corner with a hand saw.

    • +2

      Or a multitool (although it'll probably chew out the blade completely.)

    • thanks a lot. looks like jigsaw is way to go

      • Or just a whole lotta drill holes if you don't care what it looks like and don't own a jigsaw.

        • Or a heap of hole saw holes.

    • +2

      Never to late to start a ozito/Ryobi collection

    • +1

      This!

      If you really want to bodge it, you could try a 115/125mm universal master key but it won't be as pretty and may get a bit smokey.

  • +8

    Use a rectangular holesaw.

    • +3

      They don't come in metric sizes, unless you use a LH one and reverse it. A lot of stuffing around

    • +1

      Could just use a square hole saw; drill with centres offset to get a wreck-tangle.

    • Is there a left handed version?
      Asking for a friend.

  • +1

    Not clear. You want to cut a hole in the rear vertical panel, so monitor mounts can be clamped to back of desktop?

    If so, remove screws, remove rear panel if possible (if not glued on well), and remove section from top with a jigsaw.
    Or, you could just lower the whole rear panel by 10cm. A gap on top will not matter.

  • +3

    Chainsaw.Then carve your initials on the top, with it.Upload photos after

    • There did used to be competitions in NZ as to who could build the best coffee table with a chain-saw - along with peeling hard-boiled eggs with a back-hoe.

      The results were surprisingly good. One group in particular a long history of carving the local timbers used to excel, creating products ready for varnishing…

      • +1

        Crikey. I can't even dig a hole with a back hoe

  • +2

    buying all the tools and put in all the efforts with the possibility of ruining the desk in the process, you might as well try to sell it and buy one that will fit your purpose…

  • +6

    Most monitor mount kits I've bought will allow you to install it with a small hole (like 10mm wide) with a bolt running through. Way easier and more stable than using the clamps too.

    • +3

      was going to post something similar and you explained better than what I would.

    • They don't neccessarily get thrown out with the arm during the annual council feral garage sale\house-hold recycling events.

  • +1

    Drill a hole, cut with a coping / fret saw or electric jigsaw

  • +3

    OP, it's going to be MUCH easier for you to find a clamp that goes through the grommet you already have on the desk than to cut a hole in the back of that desk. Really, what would help is to see how that clamp fits together rather than the space on the desk where another clamp should go. If you can show us that clamp, we can probably give you better advice.

    • It's going to be much easier to get someone with a practical mind or tradie to sort it.
      Looks like a carton job at most

    • thanks a lot.
      looks like i have a solution.

      this might use designed for grommet:

      https://amzn.asia/d/ab65swW

      • Yep, that looks much more workable. The grommet mount would be easier and neater to fit.

        • thanks

  • $40

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/xu1-220w-multi-function-tool_p62…

    Won't be pretty, but it'll do the job.

    Make sure to mask up properly.

  • Drill many holes until you get a rectangle.

    Bonus muscle workout by filing post drilling.

    • yeah. that's a backup. i do have holesaw

  • 80mm holesaw then enlarge to suit.

  • From your description, you are after a rectangular hole 80mm by 100mm.

    Mark out the hole you want on the panel
    Drill 4 holes on each corner
    Use a jigsaw to cut from one corner to another

    • Thanks for suggestion That would work as backup. For now, i've got mount designed from grommet. Lets see how that goes. If that fails, i'll have to do this.

  • If you have to ask on a bargain forum, you shouldn’t be attempting this.

    Otherwise, get on YouTube and see what others do and then choose your method from a few options.

  • +1

    Why not just mark where you want to hole and unscrew the panel to be cut. Use a jig saw or hand saw or whatever tools you already have… where there is a will and all.
    It's going to be at the back of the desk against a wall right??

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