Hey there everyone!
Today, I’m excited to show you through the process of how I made the TV stands for my flight simulator. If you’re looking to build a flight simulator similar to mine, or just need some extra table top space, this cheap and simple build guide is for you.
How Did I Measure and Prepare the PVC Pipes?
To begin, I used a tape measure to figure out the lengths of the pieces I needed. The frame’s dimensions were determined based on my height when sitting in the cockpit, ensuring the side TVs sit just below my shoulders. This is about the same height of the windows when I’m sitting inside most general aviation aircraft.
- Frame Height: 34 inches
- Frame Length: 48 inches (same as the shelf and 55” TVs)
- Frame Width: 12 inches (matching the shelf width)
The PVC joints add about 2 inches, so I accounted for this in my measurements:
- Length: (4) 44” pieces
- Legs: (4) 30” pieces
- Width: (4) 8” pieces
What Tools Did I Use for Cutting?
After marking the measurements, it was time to start cutting. I used PVC cutters designed for ½” PVC pipe, which made the process a bit challenging since I was cutting 1” pipe. I recommend using cutters made for thicker PVC, which you can easily find on Amazon. Despite the struggle, I made it work with the tools I had.
How Did I Assemble the TV Stands?
With all the pieces cut, the frame was ready for assembly. Here’s how I did it:
- 1
Connecting Elbow Joints: Start by connecting four elbow joints to each end of two 44” pipes.
- 2
Securing the Frame: Hammer down each corner in every direction to ensure the frame is sturdy. Flip it over to get all three sides in every corner.
- 3
Reinforcing Corners: Use self-drilling screws to reinforce the corners. These screws are easier to use on PVC since they don’t require pre-drilling. I used three screws per corner.
Once the frame was secure, I placed the shelf on top and screwed it down into the PVC to prevent it from falling off.
What Customizations Did I Make?
The basic frame was functional, but I wanted to personalize it further. Here’s what I did:
How Did I Assemble the Middle TV Stand?
Here’s the step-by-step process for the middle TV stand assembly:
- 1
Initial Connections: Connect (4) 3-inch pieces to both ends of (2) T fittings. Attach a three-way corner fitting to both ends of those pieces.
- 2
Adding Elbows: Connect the last two three-way corner fittings to one end of the 8-inch pipes and attach the two elbow fittings to the other end.
- 3
Forming Corners: These will be the top and bottom corners.
- 4
Bottom Frame: Ensure the elbow fittings face up and spread out the pieces with the three-way corners inward. Connect (2) 28-inch pipes with a T fitting in the middle, facing up.
- 5
Adding Legs: Insert the (5) 30-inch pipes for the legs.
- 6
Top Frame: Fit the earlier pieces onto the ends of the legs, put a T fitting on the middle leg, and attach a 28-inch pipe to the frame.
- 7
Completing the Frame: Attach the remaining 28-inch pipes with a T fitting in the middle, facing down.
Final Adjustments and Use
The completed frame allowed me to slide a portion of my desk underneath it. This setup brought the front TV closer, creating an overlap that prevented the TV from leaning forward. The open end of the T fitting rests on the desk, ensuring stability.
