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