Y Stands
Y Stands
Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
Monitors can be mounted many ways:
Free Standing Bases
Edge Mounting Bracket on Desks
Through Mounting on Desks / other material
Wall Mounting
Floor Mounting
Other methods
For this webpage, we are going to focus on Free Standing Bases which can be relevant for desktop or floor mount systems and we are going to focus on Y stand bases for those given they are the most modular and versatile. The edgemount and through mount options are often less relevant when this design is understood.
Due to the modularity of these systems, lower cost solutions can be implemented and then upgraded in stages, if cost prevents a person from buying the ideal system at this time. These should be thought of as "tools" and "assets" more than "products".
Y Stands - Executive Summary
Y Stands - Executive Summary
The first go to design for a free standing system should be the Tubular Y base with tubular post. If there is a reason this will not work, then consider others.
In the page below I compare various material options to ascertain the absolute lowest cost design possible as well as others that may be better or more attractive if money permits.
Cost Summary (based on material only)
$3.00 - Lowest material cost stand. All PVC system
$13.00 - Highest material cost for an all metal system. The all metal is never needed other than for aesthetics.
$7.00 - A hybrid PVC and metal stand is likely the sweet spot for function and form.
Due to the modularity of these systems, lower cost solutions can be implemented and then upgraded in stages, if cost prevents a person from buying the ideal system at this time. These should be thought of as "tools" and "assets" more than "products".
If someone had published this information 30 years ago, it would have saved 100+ hours of tinkering over two decades and $1,000+ dollars.
It would also have made me feel more confident about scaling my computer systems and shop fabrication facilities faster, which comes at an opportunity cost that is impossible to calculate.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Free Standing Bases >> "Y" Tubuler ( $1 to $4.30)
Free Standing Bases >> "Y" Tubuler ( $1 to $4.30)
Lowest Cost -- if a school with tiny budget was trying to do this...
White PVC 3 way T's plus white PVC > $1 total for T fitting and material for feet
Lowest Cost for Metal Option if buying in bulk
3 way metal T and pipe > $4.30 for T and pipe
The first choice to make is related to the T.
If buying in quantities of 4 to 24, cost ranges from 0.66 each for the white PVC if you buy 24 to $3.50 each for the 5 way metal if only buying 4.
1/2" T Examples and Pricing
PVC 3 Way T - $1.50/ea for 4 to $0.66/ea for 24 to view
PVC 5 Way T - $2.00/ea for 4 to $1.20/ea for 12 view
Metal 3 Way T - $3.25/ea for 4 to $2.00/ea for 10 view
Metal 5 Way T - $3.50/ea for 4 to $2.40/ea for 10 view
Tubular Feet Options
PVC - 1/2" white pvc = $3.50/foot >> $0.35 for 1 foot of material // Schedule 40 grey > 6.50/foot >> $0.65 for 1 foot of material // Schedule 80 grey > 8.00/ft >> $0.80/foot of material
PVC nipples - range from 0.85/ea to $2.00 each
Black Pipe Nipples - 1/2" black pipe nipples > $1.50 to $4.50 each
EMT- requires 1/2" emt and 1/2 emt end fittings. $6/10' stick plus 0.40 cents to 0.75 cents per fitting x 2 fittings. 6" to 8" feet depending on bracket in use for a 21" monitor -- >> Total >> $1.50 to $2.00 for tubes and $0,80 to 1.50 for connectors >> $2.30 to 3.50
Upright ($1.00 to $4.00)
Upright ($1.00 to $4.00)
Lowest Cost -- if a school with tiny budget was trying to do this...
1/2" PVC > $0.60 to $1.20 per stand
Lowest Cost for Metal Option
Non Telescoping > $1.50/stand Telescoping > $4/stand
PVC - $0.40 to $0.80/foot > 1 to 1.5' for most applications. The Schedule 80 is suggested unless monitors are tiny as the other will flex some. > $0.60 to $1.20 per stand
Metal (non telescoping) - $0.60/foot + Coupling for bottom ($0.50 + requires grinding) > $1.50/stand
Metal (Telescoping) - $0.60/ft + $1.00/ft + coupling for bottom ($0.50 +requires grinding) and coupling for telescoping (also recommend thumb screws that require rethreading) > $4/stand
The metal posts are preferred over plastic. Over years they will fair better -- and the telescoping is ideal and should last a lifetime but for very budget conscious, just start with PVC and try it out.
Bracket ($0.75 to $4.00 )
Bracket ($0.75 to $4.00 )
Lowest Cost -- if a school with tiny budget was trying to do this...
$0.75
Higher Cost
$4.00
These are #0 , 1/2" EMT pipe hangers repurposed for this use. The latest design requires no modifications of the bracket and it's "just two brackets put together' with a spacer and wash for the added pivot option.
At volume these are in the $0.40 cent each range but we highly suggest thum screws and you need mounting hardware.
Low end > $0.75 single bracket no thumb screw, and requirement mounting hadware for plate
Hi end > $4.00 for double bracket, thum screw, mounting hardware for plate and locking bolt in rear.
Mounting Plate ($0.25 to $1.00)
Mounting Plate ($0.25 to $1.00)
Lowest Cost -- if a school with tiny budget was trying to do this...
$0.25
Higher Cost
$1.00
This can be made from emt cover plates redrilled, or scrap metal the right gauge, or thin plywood or a very useful aluminum composite sign material. If you can get the sign material it's worth using and possibly not that much more than other purchased items.
Plywood Material - $0.25 to $50
EMT cover plate - $1.50 each
Aluminum composit - $1.00 ( at $48 per 4x8 sheet)
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