Looking for some inspiration for making a component/amplifier rack. It will take some pretty heavy components.
Post what you got, DIY or otherwise. Given the cost of butcher block or hardwood, commercialight be competitive.
Also any suggestions on where the legs or poles that go between the racks are available, might be the easiest way to go.
What style you going for?
Iâve seen some interesting builds that used large all thread for the uprights. Nuts and washers sandwich the shelf pieces to lock it in place. Which obviously makes it easily adjustable, add or subtract shelves as needed. Sort of an industrial/contemporary style IMO.
Here is one example I found.
Menards has thick edge-glued pine boards that are a bit more reasonably priced. They call it 5/4" thick, which comes out somewhere around 1"-1 1/8" actual thickness.
For the top, i am thinking of going for a butcher block or an edge glue one like you posted abobe - would be easy to finish. The bottom would be mdf sheet, just need a flat surface so the amps are not sitting on carpet with thier vents blocked, would like to put in at least one shelf and then the top. The middle shelf would be a 1.5 mdf or baltic birch if i can find a decent option of getting it - these might also get some heavier amps, etc on it, so double thick. The sides or supports are what I am struggling with. The commercial ones have nice thick metal rack poles - couldnât find a source for rack poles only.
Thatâs a pretty thick board - might just go for this for the middle and bottom part - quick and easy to finish and the right size so do not have to cut/machine.
Menards has all thread too (threaded rod). 5/8" would be nice n chunky.
When I was younger I built a rack like this, but used 1.5â or 2â conduit over the all thread and painted it. I then clamped that between the boards. I used a smaller all thread since the conduit was the structure. I used MDF at that time for the shelves. I was thinking recently about trying to build a higher end version of that design.
Iâd search reddit for some diy ideas to get a sense of what aesthetic you are going for. Aluminum extrusion can also be an option over the threaded rod.
Also the ReStore has 8â butcher block boards, if I recall: https://restore.tchabitat.org/
I was thinking about this design. Use 3/8â all thread inside 2â conduit. I would paint the conduit, and use 1.5â birch butcher block as the shelves. The top caps and feet may change a bit.
I like PVC conduit.
Yeah I guess PVC conduit does come in a nice grey.
You 3d printer guys could probably come up with a spacer to keep the threaded rod centered in the pipe.
Ah yeah thatâd be straightforward to make a bushing of sorts for that.
Before I moved into new construction home (cookie cutter build) in 2021, I made a big media rack to go under 75â tv. Built with oak panels and âtrimâ screws (those #6 square head bit things), stained dark color. Wish had other options at big box stores beside oak, poplar and pine - prices were running away end of 2020 plus didnt have patience or trust in self to use plywood and end cap them with real wood to conceal plyâs. Of course the oak split in one place on the side after humidity/temp changes but overall has been solid and worth it. It was spendy, think just shy of 300 in materials but at least doesnât look ghetto and works great - couldnât fathom spending 1500+ on one of the fancy mid century modern media consoles when so many of the cheapo versions barely have 12 inch depth - I need 15 at least for real components and no saggy mdf.
Back in the day (mid 2000âs) built one of those threaded rod racks, did itâs job but yeah didnt like the exposed threaded rods where have to gingerly place the ongoing component/amp shuffle back then as to not scratch gear on them.
@traw Next time Iâd vote oak veneered ply and use oak iron-on edge banding. It is dead simple.
Floor and decor always has good prices on hardwood countertops. I like the threaded rod idea because you can change it in the future if you get different equipment. Iâve made 2 out of plywood and hardwood accents and they are nice/hold up but Iâve changed gear so often it makes it hard to adjust stuff when the heights are all locked.
I used a hole saw to make a shallow cut that the metal conduit fit in. That centered it at the time. Now I have a 3d printer and may need to use that instead.
Ani, Iâve had these in my garage for near 10 years waiting for use in some project. I thought they might work nicely as a sleeve over threaded rod. However, Iâm not sure they would look hefty enough for your project at only 1â diameter.
They are made of extruded aluminum, and I only have two 60â tubes available. Let me know if you are interested.
Marvin
I have made a âFlexyâ equipment rack before. I got big threaded rod from a local nut and bolt supplier for way less than the big box stores. Often metal dealers will have it as well, around here it is Alro. I used 2 thickness of oak plywood and trimed the edgges with 1x2 oak using butt joints. It was a very fast build and worked really well.
Here is an example of a âFlexiâ (not my build):
Hey Marvin, thos tubes look good - may not look beefy, but they arenât load bearing. I need to get this rack done in short order, so may not be possilbe to utilise them now. Iâll look you up when we meet next - but they may not fit in the car when the familyâs there 
What size threaded rod did you use - and where they wobbly? Flexi is good, wobbly wouldnât be too good.
was trying to see if this kind of hardware is readily avaialbe - guess not. Look neat - the closed to replicating these would be the âFlexiâ with conduit, or 3-D printed slip covers.
commercial flexi⌠sadly no conduit
https://www.bestbuy.com/product/salamander-designs-archetype-5-0-audio-stand-black/JXX7S9FP8J?gQT=1
