Anyone here built something similar or have suggestions?

I've been working on a retractable monitor lift for my workbench setup, and I’m kind of stuck choosing the right linear actuator. There are so many 12V options out there, and I’m not even sure what stroke length or force rating I really need. It’s for a single monitor (about 8 kg), and I want the movement to be steady, not too fast or jerky. Anyone here built something similar or have suggestions?

I went through the exact same rabbit hole last year when I built a hidden bar shelf that lifts out of a cabinet. I wasted a week on random actuators from Amazon until I figured out what actually matters—stroke length, force, and speed are the big three, but also watch the duty cycle if it’s going to be used frequently.

For your monitor, a 12 volt linear actuator with around 150-200 lbs force (you want more than you think, for smooth motion and stability) and something like a 6-8 inch stroke would probably work fine (12v linear actuator). I ended up getting mine from Progressive Automations—they’ve got a really good selection and detailed specs, which helped me narrow it down without guesswork. Also, their customer support actually helped me pick the right model, which I can’t say for most places. Just don’t go for the fastest option—they tend to jerk a bit unless you use a controller with speed adjustment.

I’ve never tried anything motorized for a monitor, but I used a 12V actuator to build a trapdoor mechanism for my cat’s food drawer 😅. I agree —go with a stronger one than you think. It’s always better to have headroom with the force, even if the thing you’re lifting is light. Also makes the whole build feel sturdier.