Bush® Birmingham Corner Computer Desk

Looks Great and can be improved on

I've put together many of these items over the years, but this desk topped the list. The wife needed a newer computer-friendly desk to replace the old roll top desk that had been in ...Read complete review

I've put together many of these items over the years, but this desk topped the list. The wife needed a newer computer-friendly desk to replace the old roll top desk that had been in her family for over 50 years. When she saw this one, she found the desk she wanted. [...] Knowing what I was looking forward to, I took my time and spent about an hour and a half to two hours each night after work over three days and put it together. During that time I watched the CUBS win 2 and lose one to the REDS. 3 for 3 would have been better. As always- Maybe next year. GO CUBS!!I expected the flimsy drawer bottoms and cabinet back from experience with earlier projects, so I replaced them with 1/4" hardboard using the original pieces for patterns. This meant running the drawer sides and back over the table saw to widen the groove slightly. As to the narrow slit in the drawer fronts, I reduced the thickness of the hardboard to fit. I basically broke THIS project down like a model kit. I glued the basic cabinet together after test fitting all the parts. I did the same with the legs. The keyboard drawer is not meant to house everything you can fit in there, so the point of not being able to get the mouse in the drawer along side the keyboard is mute. I have found very few computer desks where you could place the mouse in the same drawer, which made the drawer wider than needed and a nuisance.The supports for the keyboard drawer were also glued into place. If and when this desk needs to be moved- the leg assemblies, the top shelf(part K) and the back filler piece(L) can be removed to allow the main desk top to be detached allowing the whole unit to be moved in 6 assemblies/pieces.Take care when assembling the file drawers. The plastic corner mounts for the drawer fronts can be easily damaged IF you don't watch how much you tighten the side screws. See attached photos.The majority of people who have problems with this type of furniture don't take the first hour to go over what is in the box. Than there are others who think that since they have every power tool in the world, it will be a snap to put this project together. You're only headed for disaster. Take your time. Here are some suggestions not only for this desk, but other DIY furniture that will and can make things easier and last longer:#1. Highliters. Yep, those markers you use for text books and emphasizing items. Take your time and go through the manual page by page using a different color for each item. In this desk, there are wooden dowels used for some assemblies. Go through the whole manual, find ALL of the dowels and highlite them with the ORANGE. Same thing for the screws(BLUE)(if there is more than one size screw being used in the picture use a different color or circle it), twist locks and pins(GREEN), etc. NOW go back and match the bags with the parts AND pages that they correspond with.#2. DO NOT USE ANY POWER TOOLS TO ASSEMBLE DIY FURNITURE. You need to feel if your putting too much pressure on a part before you break it or strip it.#3. Don't be afraid of using a good wood glue(DO NOT USE GORILLA GLUE on any exposed surfaces) to help hold the project together. Just make sure that if you plan on moving the item in the future, that you don't glue a removable piece by mistake.#4. TOOLS. Don't use those cheap .99 cent screwdrivers you see in bargain bins or dollar stores. They strip out easy and can ruin an other wise good project. You have only yourself to blame if you insist on using bad tools.You even have to be careful of cheap tool/sale bins at the major department stores. $3 on up will get you a very good phillips or flat blade screwdriver that will hold up over many projects. Stick with a #2 phillips or 1/4" flat blade with different shaft lengths for the majority of projects around the house.#5. Don't be afraid to replace the flimsy cardboard pieces with something stronger. Someone you know has the know-how and equipment to help you out. Just ask. Offer to buy them lunch or purchase a gift certificate to their favorite book store. If there is something else you think needs attention, ask. The dumbest thing anyone can do is not ask for help. Your not the first one to have problems with these type of projects. JUST ASK.The only disappointment with this desk is that the manufacturer does not offer a RIGHT corner version . My kids need one at college.