Alvin and Co. Professional Drafting Table
A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to do a product review from CSN superstore. This offer could not have come at a better time, as I’m transitioning to working from home. My job requires a full day of computer time, and sitting passively in front of the computer all day somehow makes me simultaneously lethargic and distractible. With the transition to home, I was hoping to switch to a standing desk. I wasn’t sure if I could make the switch successfully (I have enough ergonomics experience to know this transition would have to be handled correctly, or I’d abandon my shiny new desk to sit on the couch all day), so I wanted an economical solution that I could try on for size.
My favorite part of the CSN shopping experience was the search capabilities. I really had no idea where to start, but was able to quickly narrow the field by selecting variables like Desk Height (the slider controlling price point was particularly helpful. Yes, there is a $5,000 desk available. No, I don’t need to know about it).
In the end, it was the diagram below that really let me hone in on the desk I wanted to try. I needed to make sure that a drafting desk would be able to give me a flat surface at a height high enough to meet my needs. The specifications provided for the Alvin and Co. Professional Drafting Table looked perfect, and at $144.00 (plus $13.93 shipping), the price was right.
Shipping was quick and painless, though assembly required a bit more effort than expected (it would have been nice for the description to include a list of required tools). Nothing outlandish was necessary, just a hammer and a screw driver, but I had a disproportionate feeling of handiness once all was said and done.
As the final product below shows, there is still some work to be done (a replacement for my book-tacular laptop lift, for one). After two productive days working from home, I am loving the new, less lethargic work-style. Now back to CSN to find a nice book shelf to rest my laptop on…
Description
The portable, versatile and durable Professional drafting table is ideal for children and adults, beginning artists and professionals. High quality backed by a lifetime guarantee ensures long-term use. Board angle adjusts from 0° to 45° with an adjustable height of 29 " to 45 " in the horizontal position. Base is 1 " heavy-gauge square steel tubing. Table folds quickly and easily into 4 " width.
Features:
Product Details
- Warp-free white Melamine® drawing board
- Angle adjustment from 0° to 45°
- Height adjusts from 29 " to 45 " in the horizontal position
- Folds quickly and easily to 4" width for portability
- Base is 1 " heavy-gauge square steel tubing
- Non-skid self-leveling feet
- Base in white or black powder coat finish
- Weight: 64 lbs
- Table top dimensions: 48 " (W) x 36" (D)
I started working from home a few years ago and gained about 40 lbs in the first year... yeah. So I went a step above your solution and got a trek desk, it is a standing desk you put over the top of your treadmill. I walk at 2mph for 7 hours out of my work day. I lost all the weight I gained and a bit more and have been able to eat pretty much whatever I want. My cholesterol went down and my back stopped aching (I think that was caused by the sitting but it could also have been the extra weight). It took a bit of getting used to in the beginning. For a long time I kept it at 1 mph but I was gradually able to increase it. I will say when I take a vacation it is hard to get back into doing it but once the first few days back are out of the way it is business as usual.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I had the some problem when I switched to a desk job, I'm hoping the standing desk will get my weight/energy trend moving back in the right direction. I *drool* over the Trek Desks, I'm completely jealous. How long did it take you to get used to 1 mph? I'm hoping that once I finish transitioning to the standing desk, I will either be able to justify buying a treadmill desk or be able to cobble together a "homemade" version.
ReplyDeleteJulia, I had the same idea of making my own "Trek Desk". I haven't been able to get the treadmill yet, but I did get the desk a couple months ago... I wanted to make sure it would go high enough for the treadmill to fit underneath, so I decided to go with this option because of the height range (22"-48") and the price: http://www.jaymil.com/Products/DetailView.php?p=431
ReplyDeleteI was going to go straight to a standing desk, but then I got advised to go for one that does both just in case I couldn't make the transition as easily as I wanted to.
Good luck!
Alvin drafting tables truly are an excellent value. I have purchased two over the years including the same model pictured. The table has help up very well and your post is right on the money.
ReplyDelete@Stephanie - Those desks look like a great option, especially for a reasonable price! I'm still working on the standing transition, how's it going for you?
ReplyDelete@Jax - I'm glad to know the Alvin is going to hold up, it's certainly going to have a lot of use over the next year.