DIY Compact Portable Magnetic Laptop Shelf Build Instructions
Page 6: Photos of Portable Magnetic Laptop / Utility Shelves in use
Page 1: Overview & Step 1: Drill Holes
Page 2: Step 2: Mount Brackets
Page 3: Step 3: Glue Magnets
Page 4: Step 4: Add Anti-Slip
Page 5: Options & Variations
Page 6: Photos of Shelf in Use (IUEC)
Page 7: Read More, FAQ, Recipient List
It’s a Push Button how difficult could it be?
Elevator push buttons were once simple.
Not any more but we have Fabian Bravo the button programming wizard with the tools and the know how.
Stewart Spencer “Stew-Baby” is so important that his phone calls get put on speaker for everyone to hear and has a dedicated shelf.
Why won’t this old elevator run?!?
Wait…. should that motor somehow be coupled to the gearbox?
Something doesn’t look right… better plug up the computer!
Well that doesn’t happen everyday. Thats how you know you’re on an old cab, its magnetic.
Well that and the pull gate
Makes a nice utility shelf but I wish it were a recessed top.
I hate to have to repeatedly grab tools & material off the floor, even before I had a bad back.
And I hate to have a bad back because I like the active life.
Thats why I like my back saving carts and shelves!
I have found that I use these shelves much more for manuals, prints and material than for laptops.
Considering how useful this Portable Magnetic Utility Shelf if for holding material, I now recommend using 6 magnets on the top for the option to hold heavier material including Milwaukee Organizers.
Even though the elevator cab is not magnetic, the Portable Utility Shelf brackets fit between the handrail and cab creating an elevator shelf.
I don’t do the same task everyday so I need manuals and prints.
I have always had deep admiration for people like my supervisor who didn’t need manuals or prints when in the field.
I would be a millionaire if I had that miracle talent!
Oh snap, Fabian got the UPGRADE!
We added a Velcro Cable Bag to Fabian’s Standard V2 Laptop Shelf
And he got a companion shelf for a set.
Its gonna get jelly around 32.
Yeah, why not?
In Connor MacLeod voice
“There can be only 15”
Only 15 made by me at least, not counting prototype & full magnet demo model. *See note
- KTFG_001_: David Luther – Gray Recessed Top w Cable Bag
- KTFG_002_: Kevin Gittemeier – Red Flat Top
- KTFG_003_: Eric King – Aqua Recessed Top
- KTFG_004_: Fabian Bravo – Gray Flat Top w Cable Bag 1/2
- KTFG_005W: Fabian Bravo – Gray Flat Top Wide Hinges 2/2
- KTFG_006_: Andrew Sauer – Gray Recessed Top
- KTFG_007_: [ ? ? ? ] – White Flat/Flat Faberware
- KTFG_008_: [ ? ? ? ] – White Flat/Flat Faberware
- KTFG_009_: Kevin Gittemeier – Gray Flat Top w Cable Bag 1/2
- KTFG_010W: Kevin Gittemeier – Gray Flat Top Wide Hinges 2/2
- KTFG_011_: Travis Hutcherson – Gray Flat Top w Cable Bag 1/2
- KTFG_012W: Travis Hutcherson – Gray Flat Top Wide Hinges 2/2
- KTFG_013_: [ ? ? ? ] – White Flat Top w Cable Bag
- KTFG_014_: Raul Ramos – Red Recessed Top
- KTFG_015_: [ ? ? ? ]- White Flat Top
- Edit 2020_10 *See note
- KTFG_016_: Bud Oneal – Gray Recessed Top/Tool Holder mod
- KTFG_017_: Jimmy Jones – Red Recessed Top
- KTFG_018_: [ ? ? ? ] – Details to follow
- KTFG_019_: [ ? ? ? ] – Details to follow
- KTFG_020_: [ ? ? ? ] – Details to follow
- Prototype: Red with Cup Magnets
- Full Magnet Experiment Model Red
I built several to test out different variations and have sold some to co-workers to help recoup my expenses but I have no intention of building and selling these. I want people to build their own and customize to their needs and preferences and send photos if they would like them featured on website and YouTube video.
*Edit Note, ok so I built some more variations to compare and maybe I will sell off the extras but they won’t be cheap because I’m not cheap!
$200+ depending on model. Email if interested Contact Page
Version 1 Laptop Shelf from original idea in year 2000.
I made the prototype then 4 additional variations for co-workers, each better than the last.
The Fifth and final one turned out excellent and I really would like to make one for myself but didn’t because Version 2 is superior and easier to make.
Recipients of Version 1
- V1 Prototype: Kevin Gittemeier
- V1 KG001: Erik Ross
- V1 KG002: Stacy Manus
- V1 KG003: Eric King
- V1 KG004: James “Bud” O’Neill
What about Version 3?
Magnetic Laptop Version 3 will put Versions 1 and 2 to shame. It will be more than than just a Laptop Shelf or Utility Shelf yet Version 3 will be thinner, lighter and more compact.
I have to complete some other projects before starting Magnetic Laptop Shelf Version 3 but I am optimistic I will complete V3 before the Cole-Bar ships!
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totalElement is my magnet supplier and their magnets can be seen in many of my builds and science projects. totalElement offers great prices, fast shipping and excellent customers service.
https://totalelement.com/
- Most commonly requested magnets:
- 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/16 Block Magnet: buy here
- 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/32 Block Magnet: buy here
- Strong HD Magnetic Push Pins: buy here
- Magnetic Swivel Hook HD 55lbs: buy here
- Mounting Magnets Page: shop here
- Magnet Sale Page: shop here
Page 1: Overview & Step 1: Drill Holes
Page 2: Step 2: Mount Brackets
Page 3: Step 3: Glue Magnets
Page 4: Step 4: Add Anti-Slip
Page 5: Options & Variations
Page 6: Photos of Shelf in Use (IUEC)
Page 7: Read More, FAQ, Recipient List
*Edit Note, ok so I built some more variations to compare and maybe I will sell off the extras but they won’t be cheap because I’m not cheap!
$200+ depending on model. Email if interested Contact Page
Hey Kevin, how is version 3 coming along? I can’t imagine what your plans are for making it “thinner, lighter and more compact.” I’ve been a lurker for a while as I was going to make my own invention just as you have done, but you have done a ton of the trial and error as well research into making your shelf.
I came up with the same idea a year ago when I saw a shelf like it mounted with screws in a PLC console and I told the tech I was working with that it would be awesome to mount one of those with strong magnets and have it moveable around all of our different work areas and sites… they just shrugged and I stayed busy with work as I was the FNG. Finally with a little more down time and days of research several months ago, I saw that you had the same drive as I for a product/project like the one you have created. Anyhow, great work thus far on your personal project, I hope to order the materials soon so that I can have a couple of shelves lying around in my laptop bags/work truck.
Thanks,
Version 3 won’t start for a while as I have other projects to complete first.
Version 1 took me nearly 20 years to complete when I found the half started project while cleaning my basement and finally finished it. Version 2 had been in my head for years but took that long to find the proper hinges.
The key to Version 2 is the low profile hinges and the magnet configuration. I will explain the science behind the magnet config in a future update but its important to do the magnets exactly as I have, alternating the poles.
I have one model that uses 1/32″ thick magnets and holds very strong. Yes 1/32″ paper thin magnets. The key is the alternating poles.
I will update this post in the future with more info but time is very limited and I make little to no money off these posts (1-3% off amazon links) so its hard to justify the time.
Good luck and remember you can help support this website and YouTube channel by Subscribing, hitting Like & Commenting on videos.
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Kevin thank you so much……it works great it’s perfect for relay testing on switch gear.
I changed it a bit and used clear acrylic instead …it’s better for me
Thank you
Chris
That’s awesome! If you like email some photos and I will post them on a dedicated section to display peoples variations.
Did you use acrylic or Lexan? I have found in my experience Lexan is easy to cut and drill than acrylic. For example I used Lexan on this panel mount build https://youtu.be/a826q0I0a_Y buy used acrylic on a previous build https://youtu.be/YOzw9btb–k
Hello Kevin,
Fantastic Idea and thanks for sharing with everyone. My question is about the magnet. Does the magnet can damage hard hard drive or any other parts on the laptop? How strong the magnet should be to effect and damage the hard drive?
Thanks,
Thanks, and good question.
Anything is possible but practically, no. Remember powerful magnets are in hard drives but fields are shunted. Just don’t store the laptop shelf magnet side touching the laptop (likely would still be fine but just to be on safe side). Store it cutting board side towards laptop. I will make an edit fully explaining the magnetic shielding, concerns etc later today but it’s important to use the magnets I specify and alternate poles.
I’ll post my edit as a reply here as well.
Dude. Can I please just buy a version two from you ? Email me please. Kevdok13@gmail.com
I do fire alarm programming a lot and am always struggling with my tablet. This is amazing but I want it to be top quality and you seem to have all the small bugs worked out beautifully. If so let me know
Sure for enough money but once you add my price + shipping cost you may just want to build your own for around $50 in material.
I would be willing to sell some of the versions I already have built for $150 + shipping. I have no idea what shipping would cost but if you are interested I will find out. The remaining models are listed on page 6 towards the bottom: https://www.kevingittemeier.com/magnetic-shelf-v2/6/
I understand the struggle! Having a portable shelf can be a life saver.
Hey Kevin,
Have you ever tried this with a wooden board? I don’t see any draw backs.
I have not.
I like to use these cutting boards because they are light weight, inexpensive, durable, readily available and most of all suite the task perfectly.
A wooden board would look very nice and work well but not ideal for a hard use application in the field like I use mine. I have thought about making a nice wooden one just as an example though and posting video and pics.
Keep a lookout on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/KGittemeier
Do you have another source for hinges that you like? As I type this, Amazon only has one of the 8″ brackets of the type you recommend in stock.
Or even an alternate hinge?
I have no acceptable alternate (I have tried many) and I have not been able to find that hinge anywhere else. Keep in mind that they are sold in pairs so that “1” in stock will allow you to make a shelf. They come in and out of stock often so keep checking if you want more.
When I see them in stock I buy several bc more and more co-workers keep wanting to buy shelves from me rather than build it.
Also note that I just added a page 7 with more info. More pics and info coming soon about “Pro Version”.
What kind of glue do you use? Also if that was a little wider I could clean a fish on it
Elmer’s Glue, and it’s plenty big enough to clean your gold fish crackers.
Thank you for this DIY, the details are awesome. I plan to make my own, only bigger. I have a 17″ laptop that is 16″ wide. I also have a laptop top tray that I use when sitting in a chair or bed at home. So, I plan to buy a cutting board that is 24″ by 14″ by 1/2′ thick. My question is, how thick are the boards that you use? I need to know the thickness of your board in comparison to the bolts you use so I can size bolts for my application. How far do your bolts stick out from the bottom of your board? (thickness of board + how far the bolts stick out should = the total length of bolt needed).
Also, in your opinion, do you think a 14″ board (front to back) would be OK with the hinges and amount of magnets you use? Or, do you think there may be an issue with magnetic attraction to the surface due to the additional leverage from the longer board?
The Mainstay/Dexas boards I use are about 1/4” thick with 3/8” edges because they have a recessed top so a lip around the edges. With this board, 12mm screws recessed works well. You will need it to be about 3/16″ passed the board to pass through folding hinge and thread the nut but too long interferes with hinge closure. Be sure to account for recess if you plan to recess your screws.
A 24” x 14” by 1/2” thick is a big heavy board. I would try to make do with something a little smaller. I have seen the plastic cutting boards like mine, bigger than my dimension but still about same thickness and light weight. I believe the linked bracket will work will a smaller lighter board.
For your board you will likely need a larger bracket (larger B measurement in diagram on link) The magnets are plenty strong enough but the leverage will be the issue. At one time they sold a lager hinge on the same link but I don’t think the B measurement was any longer, only the A measurement.
Good luck and let me know how it goes.