I've decided that I want an adjustable height desk for my laptop (and maybe one for my DAW if this goes OK.) (I mean one you can move up and down to either sit or stand, so it has to be quite adjustable...not just a few inches.)   I've spent awhile looking online to see where you can buy the hardware to make the legs, something like this:
 
http://www.closet-masters.net/consetheightadjustablemotorizedtwin501-17.aspx
 
I found plans for an all-wooden one, but I think metal would be easier to use and by far easier to build.  Anyone know where I could find something similar for under $100 (or far less, if possible?) 

My coffee table in the living room - the one I'm using right now with my laptop, has a spring loaded top that raises about 18+ inches.  it's fairly big, too, but it doesn't have an opening for your legs.  of course when the table top is up it's not needed.  I bought it a few years ago from lazy boy dealer.  I don't remember how much we paid, but it was probably more than $100 and probably less than $300.

http://www.la-z-boy.com/Furniture/Tables/

the one in the picture is a lift table, but it's not like ours - on ours the whole top comes up.

I can't figure out why in the world you'd need a coffee table to do that, but it looks pretty cool. :-)

I think I/we will have to build this one, cause it's going in a closet, so not every desk will fit. 

Check into drafting tables.
I have an old wooden one that is adjustable over 8" in height, as well as the tilt top.
Man, if I had my tools here, I could build one for you in a few hours.
The key component is the slotted riser legs.
If you know someone with a router, they are easy to make.
Probably not a good chainsaw project.

I already told you.  to use the laptop in the living room.  my back would kill me if I didn't have this table top up nearer to my chest.


that and to eat in the living room! 

I wish you had your tools too, but not just so you could build me a desk.  But I sure do appreciate the offer!  :-)

I saw a pattern for a wooden one online but it looks a bit complicated.  Even with a chain saw.  I figured if I could get the metal part the table top wouldn't be that difficult.

But then, that's what I thought about Sonar and composing too.  lol

Oh you did, didn't you.  I read that too fast.  Yeah, this laptop-wherever-I-find-a-place-to-land is killing my shoulders. 

Janet


I've decided that I want an adjustable height desk for my laptop (and maybe one for my DAW if this goes OK.) (I mean one you can move up and down to either sit or stand, so it has to be quite adjustable...not just a few inches.)   I've spent awhile looking online to see where you can buy the hardware to make the legs, something like this:
 
http://www.closet-masters.net/consetheightadjustablemotorizedtwin501-17.aspx
 
I found plans for an all-wooden one, but I think metal would be easier to use and by far easier to build.  Anyone know where I could find something similar for under $100 (or far less, if possible?) 

Pretty pricey stuff there. Building your own will cost you more than $100. There is hardware avaible on sites such as Rockler and other wood working sites but it ain't cheap.

Thanks Craig. I'll keep looking.  :-)