[TheForge] Chrome question - long

[Walter L. Mullett]

I have a large, very clean lined, modern style desk that I use in my office 
and that I bought before PC's came out.  Using my PC on this desk has always 
been a struggle.  Wires over the edge and my keyboard sitting in my work 
area.  I added wire grommet holes and some wire management items.  Because 
of ergonometric problems, I moved the keyboard to a slide out/up tray but 
when it's stored away, I don't have the kneehole clearance I want and my 
monitor is never where I want it.

I've looked at other keyboard trays and monitor arms but I can't find 
anything that will do what I want.  Therefore, I've decided to modify the 
desk with swing out arms for the monitor and keyboard.

The legs are exposed full height, 1-3/4" chromed steel with a cap.  They 
have a pocket in them where the top sits and is fastened with one capstan 
bolt.

I want to modify the front leg by cutting out a 2-3" section, inserting a 
center spine, and then use the cut out as a sleeve that rotates and has the 
keyboard mount welded to it.  That will allow the keyboard to swing around 
and store under the side of the desk.  For the monitor, I'll cut the top off 
a back leg and make a similar pivot who's spine will drop into the leg and 
that will have another articulation to get my monitor off the desk.

The back leg will not be much of a problem because it will socket into the 
existing leg and it can be as deep as it needs to be to handle the 
cantilever.  However, the front leg looks more difficult because the desktop 
support will be above the pivot.  I think I will have to modify it so the 
components can be chromed separately and then assembled.

My questions:

Is chroming expensive?

Should I start from scratch or reuse the chromed sections I have?

When I have these chromed, can I .... should I, have the spine chromed and 
inside of the sleeve or can a resist be applied to that?

If the sections are fully chromed, inside and out, how much room do I need 
for clearance?

Finally, I would think a simple nylon washer would be sufficient as a pivot 
bearing.  Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Walt