Prototype ✅ playDesk 3 Mini is ALIVE!
Hey everyone! Javier here.
In my last post, I gave you a sneak peek into the development of the playDesk 3 Mini, a project I was incredibly excited about as part of a new collaboration. Well, after weeks of digital design, fine-tuning, and a fantastic partnership with David at Virutas Uruguay, I’m thrilled to announce we’ve moved from the screen to the real world. We built the first prototype, and it is AWESOME.
Seriously, this thing is so robust I couldn’t resist putting it to my ultimate test: I sat my fat ass on it. Ok I lied, its skinny but my 78 kilos are heavier than your PC. The new height adjustment system, inherited from the Rockpit, and the expanded tilt mechanism both work perfectly. This sucker is officially ready for some serious gaming.
Of course, prototyping is all about learning. We found one tiny hole that needed a nudge in the DXF file—a perfect, real-world example of why this step is so crucial. With that quick fix, the design is now validated and battle-tested.
A new “Spin” on hardware
Now, you know my ex-love for hardware-free design. But as I mentioned in the last update, the playDesk 3 Mini was designed for hardcore, desk-punishing gamers. That’s why, based on feedback and the goal of creating truly rock-solid furniture, I’ve engineered this with 12 hardware extra anchor points, using 8 rock-solid Bolt+T-Nut combos + 4 Rafix connectors to keep a smooth, hardware-free, desk surface while keeping everything 100% 3-Axis CNC, free from edge-work.
Think of it as an evolution. It’s a direct response to making our designs even more versatile for pro makers who need uncompromising rigidity, whether they’re using premium birch ply or standard MDF.
Even more improvements:
- Optimized Nesting: I re-engineered the nesting, and you can now get two complete playDesk 3 Mini units from a single large 2750 x 1850 mm board!
- Premium Accessories: I’m finalizing a premium accessory pack that hooks directly onto the desk, including side brackets for a PC tower, a dedicated headphone hook, and a much-needed cup holder.
playDesk 3 Mini is not available to generate yet. We are “beta” testing it and we’ll make a small manufacturing run of units to gather feedback and pics from real world users.
From “Hardware Free” 2 “Select Connectors”
This new trend won’t end with playDesk 3 Mini, I’m full throttle adding connectors to my previous models, starting with Flex Table which is DONE ✅. Check out its updated ModMaker section, you’ll find a menu for a connectors set that defaults to Rafix and lets you select none if you are good with just inserts. I’m done with “hardware free”, all future models will leverage hardware connectors.
Finally.. I need your feedback!
Your engagement is everything. Just like that crucial bug report that led to our big DXF compatibility upgrade, and several requests for connectors that ended up with a way stronger playDesk 3 Mini (and won’t stop there) feedback is what pushes this platform forward. I’m pouring everything I have into making turnifure.com a success, not just as a business, but as a sustainable resource that truly serves the maker community. Your ideas, your builds, and your critiques are what will make that happen.
As always, happy milling!
Javier
8 Comments
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Hey Javier. Read your update on the new mini desk. I’ve actually been
eyeing the playDesk 2 for a while. The “smack-proof” claim is what got
my attention, haha. I’m not a maker myself, so I’d be finding a local
CNC service to get it cut. Just wondering how stable it actually is in
the real world when fully assembled, especially at the higher
settings? The screwless design is cool but I’m trying to picture if it
wobbles at all during intense gaming. Cheers.
Hey Marcus yeah that’s kind of my obsession. Not that smack-proof is such a life changing asset but given no one can compete in price with Asian imported RTA furniture, I wanted to make a clear edge with structural strength and smack-proof felt like a cool way of marketing it. It is rock solid, at all settings.
Hola Javier, Santiago from Bogotá. I’ve been following your work for a while, I love the functional style. I’m not a maker myself but I’m seriously tempted to buy a plan and find a local shop to cut it. That deskBed is awesome. Regarding this new playDesk3, the move to some hardware for strength makes a lot of sense. For someone new to this, is it usually hard to find a CNC shop that has these specific Rafix connectors and T-Nuts, or are they pretty standard for furniture makers? Just trying to understand the whole process. Saludos
Hola Santiago! Thanks for your support and feedback! Rafix connectors are pretty common, they’re a Hafele design and there are plenty of “similar” ones all over the world. If I got them here in Punta del Este, you’ll easily find them in Bogota. Same with t-nuts, just make sure you get the 1/4 in thread ones. Even if the maker doesn’t use them you’ll find both on Mercado Libre. 👋👋👋
Hello from Canada, Javier. Great progress. Quick question on the
nesting – you mention optimizing for a 2750 x 1850 mm board. That’s
not a common size for us here in North America, we’re mostly on 4×8 ft
(1220x2440mm). I know you said ModMaker isn’t ready for this model
yet, but do you foresee any issues with rearranging the parts to fit a
standard 4×8 sheet? Or would it require more than one sheet then? Just
trying to plan ahead. Thanks.
Hey Mat, didn’t know about that size lacking in North America. I designed it specifically to get 2 out of that sheet but I’m sure I’ll be able fit one into a 1220 x 2440 (like playDesk 2) and maybe 3 into 2 of those. I’ll get into that once I finish a few fixes and upgrades on the platform. Thanks for the heads up!
Hey Javier, Liam here from the UK. I’ve been looking at your designs for a bit. The move to hardware on the playDesk3 is interesting. You mention the T-Nuts and Rafix make it rock solid, which I get, but how does the assembly time compare to the fully press-fit version of the playDesk 2? I’m always weighing the trade-off between absolute strength and the speed my clients could assemble it themselves. Curious to hear your thoughts on that. Cheers.
Hey Liam! Good eye. It definitely takes a bit longer to assemble. We moved to hardware because press-fits can loosen over time, especially with MDF, and it also solves the problem of inconsistent material thickness from sheet to sheet. We decided the trade-off was worth it for a more durable and reliable desk in the long run!