I want to hide my TV inside a cabinet and have it rise up when I press a button. I've seen those fancy lift systems online but the prices are insane. Has anyone attempted a DIY version that still looks smooth and safe?
You can absolutely build that yourself with a strong 12 volt linear actuator (https://www.progressiveautomations.ca/collections/linear-actuators)—I did exactly that. It's powerful enough to lift a mid-sized TV without any wobbling. The trick is aligning the guide rails inside the cabinet so the lift moves straight up without twisting. The actuator mounts vertically behind the TV frame, and the control switch can be hidden inside a drawer. The movement is surprisingly quiet, way better than I expected. It cost me a fraction of a pre-built lift, and honestly it looks just as clean. If you take your time with measurements, you'll be happy with the result.
I once built a hidden storage compartment under a coffee table lid, and the biggest challenge wasn't the lift mechanism — it was making the motion look smooth. Little adjustments to alignment made a massive difference in how natural the opening felt.