Linear Actuators 101 - for Woodworkers

In this video I demonstrate just how easy it is to work with linear actuators and how to incorporate them into your furniture or woodworking projects like DIY standing desks. ** LINKS BELOW **

** Linear Actuators **

** Power Supplies **

** Switches **

** Speed Controller **

** Other Actuator Parts **

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** DIY Standing Desk Plans **

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[ginogenero]

So that's how they did it. I once visited a fun restaurant in Portland that had a table top move up and down slowly enough to not be noticed, that is, until your food and drinks were in a ridiculously high or low position. They also had an ultra-slow rotating top that was unnoticeable (until it wasn't anymore.) A good laugh.😂
Super clear video 👍

[ourmidwestlife]

This was singlehandedly the most helpful video on linear actuators that I have found on YouTube. It has helped build my confidence for a current project I have been working on, but wanted to automate a bit. Thank you!

[anthonynatole]

After spending thirty minutes looking for the parts online I finally looked here. Thank you for all the help and the instructional video. A big time and life saver!

[DanielDeArco]

I highly appreciate your presentation style! Please continue making these educational videos!

[dys]

I’m a techie and I’ve started to do some woodwork lately. I am building something like what you have and have been looking into a linear actuator or servo for the job. This is one of the best... I repeat BEST videos I’ve seen for quality of the video, audio, information, examples, etc. I’m definitely following after this video and going to try this out. Thank you!!!

[berniesmith]

I'm building a standing desk right now and was struggling on how I was going to wire up the actuators to the rocker switch and the 12v DC convertor. This video really helped me out and I can I see it is really not that difficult. Thank you for making it simple for my simple brain. Thank you. Instant subscribe.

[sambinomio]

Exactly what I was looking for for a loft bed project. Thank you !

[cam_DA_Hawkdriver]

Let the magic of move-making erase the need to explain why something doesn’t go the way you wanted. Good job on the video!

[bryanhopper]

Thank you so much I was trying to figure out how to get different size actuators to sync up at finish! The speed controller is what I needed.

[Y-I-C-A]

This is really perfect whan using a large TV or Monitor & you want it to go back & forth relative to your distance. ❤

[cmel]

Im a tech engineer woodworker on the side, I wanted to make a standing desk and was having problems deciding how to lift it, I wanted to make mine out of oak, this is perfect I will be buying your plans and altering for my desk. thanks!

[petervandierdoncq]

Thanks for the great video, now I finally understand everything about it, greetings from Belgium(Europe) 👌🏻

[stuffsethmakes]

Very informative, thanks for sharing. I want to build a sewing table for my wife and be able to have the sewing machine drop down out of sight and raise up to position. This video opened my eyes and really helped me understand how I’ll be able to make it happen. Thanks again, very well done!

[edwardshomestead]

Hi Tommy.
I'm a finish carpenter here in the Bahamas and I like your explanation of the actuators, most definitely going to install in my future builds .
Thanks

[davecline]

I've absolutely no idea for using these in the future but I do know a great demonstration video when I see one !!  Thank you for sharing and you are a natural at explaining in a very logical and sequential manner.

[seheabol]

YOU ARE AWESOME and just opened my builder world UP 💫

[stellarsidewalks]

So incredibly helpful, concise and well explained! Thanks a million for this video. I’m a GC and a good part of my business is converting shipping containers. I am looking for a system for a moveable wall and am researching hydraulics vs linear actuators and your video was the deciding factor. These are much more simple than hydraulics and assuming I can find actuators with a large enough capacity, I’ll be using them. Thanks again, you’re awesome!

[AndersJackson]

Nice and simple explanation of how actuators can be controlled.

This system is an open control loop, as there are no feedback to see what speed the actuators are actually running at. Yes, a speed controller would make it possible to make two different actuators run at same speed. As long as the load are the same.

If one really want to have them run with same speed, one need a closed loop, that is there has to be a feedback so that the system knows which speed each actuator actually run at. Because the speed are dependent on the load. So if you move a heavy weight, like a computer or stack of books, from one side to the other, they will run in different speeds.
Then you need some simple controller, like the new Raspberry Pi nano controlling both actuator and reading how fast each are running, so it can adjust power or time that each run, adjusting for the changing load.

Yes, in most cases that could be over complicated, compared to have two buttons that control each actuator separately, so the operator can adjust for changed loads. Then the operator provides the feedback of the system and are the one responsible of leveling the actuators. Or better, just use one actuator, and the problem with balance is removed all together. ;-)

[David_K_pi]

Great video. Now I have find a project to make use those guys.

One big recommendation, though - don't use a 5 amp power supply to run two actuators. You want to have 25 to 30% overhead. I'd recommend an 8-amp power supply minimum. For three actuators, the 10-amp supply will be fine.

Cheers!
David (an electrical engineer, aka EE)
Remember, you can't spell "geek" without a double-E.

[nimnadisooriyabandara]

The best explanation I have found. Thank you so much. You helped me on my project. Thank you!