Type of wood to support a tv

[SithMaster]

looking to do something like this


the tv weighs around 50-60lbs though im certain its around 60 but i will check again since the last time i weighed it was a year ago.  i was debating wood vs metal and i figure the wood would be easier for me to work with and be more flexible (not bending but allow more changes).

has anyone here tried something like this?  I measured and it seems i would have to have the crossmember be one inch wide but i can have it be three inches thick which seems like it could work.  i was going to make a test build using something around the weight of the tv and have it suspended off the floor by a few inches and seeing if the crossmember bends at all.  i dont plan on moving the cab around alot just normal movement when in use and if i decide to move it i would remove the monitor.

thanks.

edit-i am using a sony trinitron tv not sure on the model number but i wanted to have the monitor mounted hanging from the wood on top and then use the same bolt to hold the tv case from the bottom so i dont have to remove the circuit board from the case.  though i was thinking of removing the tv speakers since they dont work.

[btp2k2]

I mounted a 27" JVC TV in a cabinet using shelves made out of 3/4" MDF with 1x2 support beams running along the front and the back of the bottom, and I also used another beam across the top to provide a little more rigidity as well as something to stop the TV from sliding back....

It's been in the cab for over 2 years and hasn't sagged a bit

[SithMaster]

You say you used shelves which i cant do in this situation.  the monitor has to hang unless i misunderstood you your setup has the monitor sitting on a piece of wood with supports under it.

i have to have the monitor hanging off the beam.  its for a pac cab im working on that is really a galaga i think.  not sure which way i want to go but first things first is the monitor.

but if i use mdf it might work.  how sturdy is mdf?  silly question ill just drop by lowes and see for myself.

thanks btp2k2

[Kaytrim]

IMHO sheet wood (MDF, Plywood, particleboard, etc) would not be the stuff to use in this case.  It would sag over time.  You would be better off using solid wood. A normal pine 2x2 or 2x4 board should do the trick but avoid any warped pieces.  If you can afford it go with hardwood boards like oak.  That way you can use a thinner piece without loosing the support and less chance of warpage.

If you really want support without worry go with angle iron or a U channel.  You can drill the holes you need to match the monitor mount holes and then use bolts to connect them.

[WaRpEd]

Your going to need to brace the underside of shelf or it will sag.
MDF is good for alot of uses but Good plywood is stronger especially when used on it's edge, also takes nails better without spliting.
I would recommend either 3/4 inch plywood for the horizontal brace or 1" by 2" poplar wood and glue the brace to the shelf for strength.
Cheers

[SithMaster]

i was going to go with the iron but i figured it wouldnt work out since it would require me to drill new holes so that the crossmembers arent as far apart.  otherwise i would need to add a strip of metal to extend the member out to hang the monitor. hmmm i guess i could drill two holes to mount it.  any idea on thinkness (guessing the thickest they have and i should try to bend it and see).

the side rails are braced already though i do have some metal angled brackets i could use for more support.

thanks guys for the suggestions.

[Dervacumen]

If you can afford it go with hardwood boards like oak.  That way you can use a thinner piece without loosing the support and less chance of warpage.

I second that.