August 04, 2025
I built a custom desktop on a CNC router. It's a 3-layer stack of 1/2" MDF. It has recessed areas for my split keyboard and coffee mug. Cables can tunnel through the middle layer of the desk. No this is not a desktop PC, it's literally the top of a desk.
Project Goals
- Replace my add-on forearm rests with a single desktop
- Recess my split keyboard into the desk surface for straighter wrist ergonomics
- Give my coffee a bit more of a spill-resistant setup
- route cabling within channels inside the desktop interior
- Especially for the cable connecting the halves of the split keyboard
- learn enough CNC for this project
- Get experience building with and painting MDF
A slow learning curve
This was my first CNC project. It took months of calendar time to come to fruition - mostly due to scheduling and tooling overhead accessing the CNCs I had access to.
Getting this project done took several months, learning a total of 4 CAD/CAM software processes across 3 operating systems, loading a full sheet of MDF into my van about 4 extra times, and juggling CNC schedules. The details are so boring that I can't even bring myself to type them out. Let's just say "hey, that looks like a great CNC project" does not articulate the requisite overhead.
3D-printed inserts
I used basic rounded rectangles in the actual MDF with the idea of potentially wanting different inserts over time. So I modeled up inserts for my keyboard's PCB shape using files exported from the ergogen process I used to make my keyboard. In addition to a pocket for the PCB to fit into, I needed to clear space for the cables to be connected and a hole so cables could be routed via the desktop layer 2 tunnels.
I also made a coffee holder for my favorite coffee mug. And before you point out how silly and limiting this is - don't you worry - I made an adapter so my second-favorite coffee mug fits too!
Key Photos
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Full Photo Gallery of Build Process