Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Epyx on November 15, 2008, 04:09:16 pm

Title: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: Epyx on November 15, 2008, 04:09:16 pm
Has anyone thought or tried to use one of these to rotate an LCD monitor?

http://www.instawares.com/standard-bar-stool-replacement.280-1056.0.7.htm

My next project after my custom CP will be a bartop (using left over parts and lots of things I learned with this project).  I was thinking this with a combination of magnetic locks and a stop mechanism would work great.  Not only is the part cheap but the ball bearing design could easily handle the weight of an LCD monitor.

In other words the monitor would rotate only once clockwise (from horizontal to vertical) then lock in place with the magnet and a stop that prevented it from rotating further. You could then turn it back once counterclockwise to horizontal. Again a magnet to hold it and a stop to prevent further counter clockwise turning.

Any thoughts on viability?
Title: Re: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: Bleagh on November 15, 2008, 05:18:47 pm
That sounds like a really good idea to me.  It can withstand 300 lbs of person, so I'm sure an lcd would cause no problem.

Title: Re: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: nox771 on November 15, 2008, 05:52:08 pm
You would probably need an adapter plate to go between the monitor's vesa mount and the swivel.  It looks like the swivel's screw hole dimensions are 4-7/8” to 5-1/2” (12.4cm to 13.9cm), while the standard vesa mount is something like 10cm x 10cm (about 4" x 4").

Here are some vesa mount patterns:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Display_Mounting_Interface (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Display_Mounting_Interface)
http://www.mountcenter.com/VESA-Mount-Standards-s/367.htm (http://www.mountcenter.com/VESA-Mount-Standards-s/367.htm)

Otherwise should work.  One thing though, the design (being a barstool) probably has the bearings taking the load when used normally (horizontally), while if used vertically the center pin might be taking extra stress.  Probably won't be an issue, especially for a small bartop panel, but something to think about.
Title: Re: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: crzywolf on November 15, 2008, 05:59:42 pm
Try you local hardware store for a "LAZY SUSAN " turntable . It may save some money and time.
Title: Re: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: Epyx on November 15, 2008, 06:12:19 pm
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Agreed for an LCD the normally horizontal load requirements shifted vertically shouldn't be a huge issue.  I will also take a look at the lazy susan suggestion and the vesa mount patterns.

Also, the load will be at a bit of an angle so a little less vertical stress on the center pin that way too. Interesting...ill do some more planning before a prototype...damn this addicting hobby! ;)
Title: Re: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: solderguy1 on November 16, 2008, 01:38:54 am
In a similar vein, I found a caster that was the perfect width for a 2x4 when the wheel was removed.  It worked great for freely rotating,  just need to get back to the motorized part of the project.
(http://www94.pair.com/jsoper/caster2.JPG)
Title: Re: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: Epyx on November 16, 2008, 02:22:49 am
Ya the motorized part would be nice. A few here have done that but for this go that will likely not materialize, Ill settle for a nice efficient manual method for myself first :)
Title: Re: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: Benevolance on November 17, 2008, 12:45:37 pm
I had planned on using something like this Vesa flat-panel wall mount (http://www.ergomart.com/LCD_WALL_MOUNTS/lcd_wall_mount9135.htm) in my next cabinet.
Title: Re: Part from Bar Stool for rotating monitor?
Post by: Epyx on November 18, 2008, 07:17:31 pm
Agreed that is very nice although a bit pricey at $60 imo...still it will work without any kind of adapter plate for me...hmm more food for thought! ;)