Keep knocking feet/legs on desk back panel

JaseUK · 11 Apr 2021 at 17:55

Hi,
Got myself a nice corner desk but there's one issue that's bothering me. The back panel sits about 11" from the back of the desk and I keep knocking my legs & feet on it. Annoying as I like to stretch out a bit. I have thought about getting my jigsaw out and cutting an arch in it. I wouldn't want to remove too much wood as I don't want to affect the structure of the desk. I could then glue some edging on to tidy it up.
Any thoughts?

Megahurtz400 · 11 Apr 2021 at 19:00

I don’t think cutting a hole like you mentioned would affect the stability enough to be noticeable really

theone8181 · 11 Apr 2021 at 19:47

Tbf if you use a jigsaw that's how straight the cuts will be :cry:

. I'd round the bottom edges too otherwise you can guarantee you'll catch your leg on there. Can't imagine it falling apart as long as you don't go too crazy, could always put some metal crossbraces on if you're worried.

JaseUK · 11 Apr 2021 at 20:18

Thanks for the replies. I'll get myself a new jigsaw blade, mark it up and cut it. Its quite well hidden so any imperfections will not really be noticeable. Good tip about rounding the edges off too. I've ordered some veneer edging.
I'll report back once complete.

watercooledman · 11 Apr 2021 at 20:20

Take the panel off and do a proper job

JaseUK · 11 Apr 2021 at 20:21

watercooledman said:
Take the panel off and do a proper job

I ought to really.

KompuKare · 11 Apr 2021 at 20:41

Doubt a jigsaw would ever do a good job there.
It might do a job a router could later clean up though.
What material is it?
Laminated or veneered chipboard?
In which case it was hardly ever structurally strong, so I wonder if you could invest in some timber, or get a DIY shop to cut you some 18mm or thicker plywood and only replace the top 20cm or so (what ever you need to stretch your legs) leaving the bottom part without anything?
If you're worried about the strength afterwards, you could always run some timber almost at ground level as a reinforcement and foot rest?

JaseUK · 12 Apr 2021 at 09:27

KompuKare said:
Doubt a jigsaw would ever do a good job there.
It might do a job a router could later clean up though.
What material is it?
Laminated or veneered chipboard?
In which case it was hardly ever structurally strong, so I wonder if you could invest in some timber, or get a DIY shop to cut you some 18mm or thicker plywood and only replace the top 20cm or so (what ever you need to stretch your legs) leaving the bottom part without anything?
If you're worried about the strength afterwards, you could always run some timber almost at ground level as a reinforcement and foot rest?

Great advice, thank you