Building my own Audio/Equipment Rack

Toolfan66

Well I have mentioned in a couple of threads about building my own Rack and I thought I would share what I have done so far I should have it up and going by the end of next week.

I will say that I was leaning on buying one from Adona as they have some really nice Rack's so I used one of there models as that was the one I was really wanting as I liked the idea of having a flexable rack. well I didn't want to shell out that kind of coin for a 5 tier rack as I know I could build two or three of them for that price.

I did call them and order my spikes from them as the cost of brass has shot to the moon and I couldn't make them for the price I could buy them. I will say they are very helpful and he thought it was cool I was taking on the project.

So what I did was make 8 of each size of pillars at:
3"
5"
6"
7"
8"
9"
10"
11"
12"
13"

I wanted to have extra sizes on hand so I can mod this at anytime if needed or just wanted a different look.

I also like the idea of having everything spiked I really like the look. I will also have 1" thick acrylic for all shelves, this cost me more then all the other materials combined. Each shelve will measure 19" x 24"

Here is a link to their website to give you an idea of what mine will kind of look like.
http://www.adonacorporation.com/av45cs4.html

brgman

I hate you!

Toolfan66

Here is some of my parts in the raw I am using aluminum for the pillars with steel nut plates on the inside for the cross members..

brgman

Ya think it'll be sturdy enough?????

Toolfan66

I welded the end caps on one of them today to see how it would finish out, tomorrow I am going to the shop to get as many done as I can. I would like to see this at paint by Tuesday so I can have it by Friday.

With the way I machined these I can go side to side as well as up, Like I said I want this to be flexable to do what I want. I really didn't want to be restricted to my needs now or in the future by my rack. also what is nice is if I need to fab anything for it I can do so and it will match what I have now but I believe I built enough parts to do whatever I will need it to do..

Toolfan66

brgman wrote: »

Ya think it'll be sturdy enough?????

Haha!! Yeah I think it will take what ever I put on it..

Toolfan66

My plan is to have a 6 tier rack with 2 amp stands.

You can see the cost of a 5 tier rack from Adona I will have just under $1000 out of pocket for a 6 tier rack with 2 amp stands.

Keep in mind the small pieces came out of drop material, and my buddy at the paint shop will paint it all for free.

I do want to say the prices from Adona are a very fair price for whats involved to get them made..

brgman

:question:Will these be available like the rings sir?

Toolfan66

brgman wrote: »

:question:Will these be available like the rings sir?

Ummmmmmmmmm NO!!!

Sorry.. :-)

Tony M

Just today:

I went out to my man cave and reorganized some stuff to accomodate a new to me Bello rack, and you post this. I'm still really happy with this rack I picked up from GoodWill for 16.00 a month ago. It was dirty and I thought rusty but it was just grime...(lol).
It cleaned up really well today.

Another awsome project you've started and mad skills from you again Larry.

We're not supposed to ENVY people but your skills with metal working sure makes a few of us just that. I'll have to settle with doing things out of wood for the things in my imagination. As long as we're creating....we are living...some great thinker said.

Your cost is still $$$$ with so much kind-of free material and extras but.... I built a 12' long entertainment wall unit in 3 sections. Wheels, lights and glass shelves and pocket doors. I got alot at crazily reduced prices but the total was still around 750.00. I know what your saying about comparison from buying or building. We're still saving a ton doing it ourselves. And the joy of knowing you designed and created your projects with your own hands is really gratifying beyond what most will never know.

I'll be watching this thread too.

Must not envy..must not envy..LOL

Conradicles

Good job Larry...you got skills!

Libertyc

Looks great!

drumminman

That looks great!

Face

Are you done yet? :biggrin:

mdaudioguy

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

Toolfan66

Thanks Guys!! Just got home I finished all the pillars. welding,grinding,ready for paint!! I have two more cross members to build then everything is off to paint!!

Glad I had a couple of welders in the shop to help out a little otherwise I would still be there..

thsmith

Mad skills and I too hate you.:biggrin:

Toolfan66

You can see where I machined a counterbore for the brass piece to fit in for the spikes..

JimKellyfan

Nice
I will be building a new set up myself, hopefully this winter and will submit before and after pics when done.
New set up will start with DVD shelving/bookcase with shelves that will pull out if wanted.
My idea all stems around the wall I knocked out between the great room and dining room of my single level ranch.
The header has pine 1x12's with a 1x4 underside cap and 1x4 side posts.
On one side, the great room is actually wider and will fit 2 1x12's as a back to the shelving unit, right next to the header and actually tie it in nicely.
I will use 1x12's as sides.
Then, 1x12's as shelf support struts, every 8.25 inches.
Then, 1x12's that can slide in or out as needed, in case we use it for other than DVD's one day.
If that works out, then a similar set up on the old dining room side, only taking up the entire wall, and of course different width and height shelving, also removable to change with the times as they do.

EndersShadow

Are you planning on filling the aluminum tubing with anything like sand? Also just curious but what did parts cost you? I am very jealous of your skills and connections :cheesygrin:.

Looking super good, planning on black or another color?

Toolfan66

I don't plan on filling the aluminum pillars with sand to messy, I will more then likely sqiurt some expansion foam sealant in them.

Lead shot would be nice but I didn't plan for that..

JimKellyfan

that is awesome dude

Joe08867

Lead shot would be better. That sand looks awesome. You do amazing work.

Toolfan66

I sure hate having my rig torn down!! Sure hope paint comes through tomorrow..

inspiredsports

I'm surprised you didn't carve it out of a single titanium billet

Toolfan66

Toolfan66

Toolfan66

Good start will do some more tomorrow after work..

Toolfan66

nooshinjohn

I want a pair of those to put my amps on. Those are stunning!:cool::cool:

jewelry88

:twisted: so cool