Hello everyone. I decided that it was time for me to type up my first Instructable, and here it is. I am in the process of starting my own DJ business but like most of us, I am strapped for cash. I searched the inter-web and found several professional type stands, but they were way too expensive. Some running upwards of $200! So, I pulled my search engine (Google) and researched some DIY projects for what I needed, which was a stand that can support my laptop while I'm standing, and also support my mixer. My laptop is a huge Dell Latitude D830 (I know, a dinosaur) and my mixer is a Numark Mixtrack (not the Pro version). I thought of using regular iron pipes, but that would be heavy and probably expensive. So I deciced on PVC piping. It is easy to work with, easy to cut and easy to paint if I wanted to do so. So sit back, relax, grab some popcorn and check out my first Instructable.

Step 1: Supplies

For this project, I would go and hit your local Home Depot or Lowes or wherever you can find inexpensive PVC pipe. For this project, you will need:

2 X 14 inches of 3/4" PVC pipe
2 X 11 inches of 3/4" PVC pipe.
2 X 9 inches of 3/4" PVC pipe.
2 X 6 inches of 3/4" PVC pipe.
2 X 4 inches of 3/4" PVC pipe
4 X 2 inches of 3/4" PVC pipe

You will also need the following joints:

4 X 3/4" T-Joint
4 X 3/4" End cap
6 X 3/4" 90 degree elbow

To make it easy, Home Depot sells the 3/4" PVC pipe in 2 feet lengths. I think I got four of them and I had just enough. My measurements were for my laptop and mixer, so you might need more. Measure twice, cut once. I decided to go with 3/4" PVC pipe because it is not too big that it becomes cumbersome, and not too small that it is weak.

Step 2: Tools

To construct your project, you will need the following tools.

Gorilla Glue (You can go and use PVC plumbers glue, but that stuff dries instantly. Gorilla Glue will give you a few minutes of set time. This can be a lifesaver in the event you make a mistake, like I did.)
Measuring tape (Any will do)
PVC cutters (These will make your job of cutting the PVC much easier than using a hacksaw, plus your lines will be straighter. If you end up doing a lot of PVC projects, this tool is fantastic)
Sharpie Marker (Not shown, so that you can place your cut mark on the pipe.)
Sand paper (This is to sand off the shiny surfaces of the PVC. This will help the paint stick to the PVC in case you wish to paint it.)
Paint (Optional, your choice of color scheme.
Rubber mallet (Not shown, this tool will ensure that your pipes are correctly seated in the joints. If you don't have one, you can use a regular hammer with a scrap piece of wood. This will protect your plastic pipe from the metal hammer.)

Step 3: Assembly - Upper Arms

After you have cut all your pipe, start your construct. For the upper arms, you will need:

2 X 11" PVC pipe
2 X 2" PVC pipe
2 X End Cap
4 X 90 degree elbow

Allright, folks time to grab your Gorilla Glue and get to gluing. Assemble the arms as shown. The end caps are attached to the 90 degree elbow via the 2" piece of pipe. When you apply the glue, apply it to the inside of the joints and not the pipe. If you do, you glue will squirt out and run down the outside of the pipe. This will cause issues if you want to paint your construct. Apply two drops to the inside of the joints, then use the rubber mallet to ensure they are both joined properly. To make sure the elbows are straight, you can lie the arms on the floor and gently use the mallet to seat them.

Step 4: Assembly - Lower Arms

For this step, you will need:

2 X 14" pipe
2 X 2" pipe
2 X End cap

This step pretty much follows the previous step when it comes to gluing and using the mallet.

Step 5: Assembly - Rear Spine

For this part you will need:

2 X 14" pipe
2 X 6" pipe
2 X 4" pipe
4 X T-Joint

This is where it gets tricky and where using the Gorilla Glue will save you from starting over and buying more supplies. I made a mistake and used the mallet to disassemble the parts and restart. Using PVC plumbers glue would have meant that I would have to by more pipe and joints. Apply the glue to the inside of the joints as previously stated, and assemble as pictured. Take your time with this. If you do make a mistake, the mallet will come in handy to disassemble and redo.

Step 6: Final Assembly?

I know you are all excited about your new construct, but make sure you let the Gorilla Glue cure properly for about two hours or so. The stuff is strong and will last a long time. But now comes a tough question: Do I make it fold-able or do I make it a permanent setup? To make it fold-able and portable, do not use Gorilla Glue when assembling the lower legs and upper arms to the rear spine. This will let you fold it away and take it to your gig. But you might need to drill some holes in the joints between the lower legs. Then use a couple of bolts to secure it so that it doesn't fall down.The upper arms can also be placed without glue, but you won't need bolts as the weight of the laptop will keep it firm. To make it permanent, apply the glue to the remaining joints and let the glue set.

Step 7: Enjoy

And there you have it, your very own DJ laptop and mixer stand. If you wish to paint it, you will need to use the sandpaper to remove all the shine from the pipe. If you have a handheld sander or finishing sander, make sure to wear a mask as you will have PVC powder flying everywhere. Apply a few coats of your color scheme and show off that bad boy!

Step 8: Finito

And here it is painted and set-up on my driveway.

Introduction: PVC DJ Laptop and Mixer Stand