How to Build a Studio Equipment Rack

[@Chris-tl9wd]

5 years later and this is STILL the best guide on building a studio rack. Thank you so much!

[@briangreene7085]

I love these videos, they show just how.......lazy I really am, and tht I'm just gonna go buy some online

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I hate when people actually mount their gear, but with the minimal amount of screws... like a heavy unit with only 2 of the four screws in... even if it's just a blank panel... it just drives me nuts, damn OCD! 😆

[@roycox4415]

Wanted to let you know that I used your video as a guide and built a gorgeous spruce rack in a 19u size. I kept your video on hand as I constructed it and I can’t thank you enough for the drawing, measurements and instructions!

[@inthemix]

You nailed this, it really makes me want to make a smaller version to put on my desk

[@lukebable]

No he didn't ... he doweled and glued it.........................

[@alenpaul2523]

@@lukebable 😂😂😂

[@alenpaul2523]

Wow in the mix

[@NIP28]

@@lukebable 😂

[@vaughnwilkinson595]

Im trying to adjust this right now for a desktop version

[@scramblesthedeathdealer]

I've built several racks, a desk, and a sweet 2-tier pedal board with cable routing hidden in the base... I'm actually going to an industrial surplus warehouse in a bit to grab an old computer server rack, well, a second one, I have a 43U aluminum server rack now (we had a family business years ago, a rich customer owed us a bunch of money, I went to his shop, saw it, and said, "I want that, I'll knock $75 off your bill"). I built rack-mounted stands for my small synthesizers, one is flat, the higher one is at a 45° angle... waterjetted some ⅛" stainless steel, then had some friends bend them with a brake press. Turned out awesome! 👌

[@ferdinandwilhelm8749]

Very nicely built! Good job on using the dowels

[@ernestdaniels1671]

Thanks for the tutorial. This was very instrumental in helping me build my own, "Rack mount box to hold stuff." Also, I like tools, so it was a good excuse for me to get a wood router.

[@williambrandon9660]

this is sick. starting welding school soon, so I'll be making one of these in due time cheers

[@martyjewell5683]

In 1985, while out of work, I built my own hifi stand. I purchased 1X12" lumber and drew my own plans. I still use it today. It houses a Hitachi SR-804 receiver, Denon DRM-800A and Akai GX-f31 cassette decks, Teac X-3 open reel deck, ADC Sound Shaper Two IC equalizer, Pioneer RG-2 expander, PL-518 turntable and a Sony CDP-275CE cd player. Ain't the prettiest, nor a work-of-art but I think it's swell.

[@thetenor6705]

Thank you so much. First video in my research for this project.

[@marsmediapro]

Nice video! I really like the legs, however on the rack cabs I build, I cut the sides longer than needed, attach 1x4's front and back at the bottom, and mount a shelf, which gives better support, and keeps the bottom mounted gear up off the floor. I also use 3 or 4 inch locking casters for ease of movement. I like to mount the rack rails 1.5" in from the outer edge to allow knobs and switches clearance from being bumped. However, your rack cab build does look quite stylish!

[@oceanlbi]

Awesome video. Nice workshop too, having the right tools helps. Beautiful finished product.

[@RobCabreraCh]

Nicely done! Nice studio and nice woodworking shop, now that's a full life right there.

[@ERB]

awesome.

[@greenbean9600]

Pro gamer move

[@mrpzak]

Been looking to build one of these. Def using this as a starting point for one (I only have a few racks, so I want a shelf underneath for my LPs, put turntable on top).

[@khanhhoang8709]

Awesome work! You made it look so easy since you have all the equipment necessary to build it.👍

[@GREYDOWNTIME]

good work man thats a beautiful piece

[@TrueNorf]

Great video! Super helpful! I'll be building a 1U rack for my mic preamp/compressor for my desk. It's 1U because I have VERY little room in my workspace to put it!

[@lordofenron]

This is soooooo cool! I have been looking at getting a startech rack for my servers, but none of them are perfect, but this would be amazing. However, I neither have the skills or the tools, so I guess I have to find another solution. Great video though!

[@AFuturePresentation]

Looks fantastic!

[@jfan4reva]

Very nice! Simple, practical, and easy to build from readily available materials. I've been looking to build something like this as a computer/printer/scanner enclosure. I like how you laid out the holes for the dowels. I've never seen it done that way before. I think I'll add some gussets in the back corners for a little extra strength, but then I like to 'over-engineer' things a bit. Thanks for the video.

[@formerlysaul4103]

Perfect.. "Rack mount box to hold stuff" LOL Keep up the good work!

[@longfade]

Really nice, concise, presentation.

[@robjansen5236]

Beautiful! You’re a craftsman.

[@fenwick_don]

I used thinner 1/2" or better (solid core) "junk" plywood and about 8 steel "L" brackets on the inner parts for strength, I used stain but just went with a darker variety and did not sand or prep the wood at all, I put 4 x 2" casters on the bottom to wheel it around & out of the way when not in use, I use a patch bay for all the effects EQ and device hookups, so only 12 to 16 TRS cables or a snake are needed to / from my small mixer to the patch bay. And it's something that no one would turn their noses up at and cost was less than $25 because the wood was free found at construction site or curb alerts...

[@MakeSomething]

New fan! Love the combination of music and making!

[@MerwinMusic]

My wife says I have too many hobbies, woodworking, soldering, music, video...but I tell her that I only have one hobby..."creating" :)

[@craigmonteforte1478]

good looking rack and nice video and comments btw i am a retired Woodworker and i wanted to see some dimensions and parts that were available for a rack that i would like to include in my next entertainment center plans i am between homes and shops at the moment so right now i’m gathering ideas etc

[@RandallDibble]

Nice Video ! Please consider recess the rack rail deeper. The equipment knobs are delicate and are vulnerable to damage if they are sticking out below the front edge of the rack case.

[@EPICSOUNDTRAX]

nice, very good idea. I am going to build my own studio desk and this was a very good idea. Putting it in my notes. Thanks.

[@gerrysantos724]

I couldn’t agree more.. Thank you for such a valuable idea.

[@littlepigboy]

The video that made me subscribe. You rule;Thank you for this.

[@godzillazf18]

Amazing work. I love the detail you put into this

[@jessegrisham]

I’m building this. Great video!

[@eggman1978]

Looks really great

[@JoshuaWShanks]

Very nice and thorough!

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

This was impressive and inspiring!

[@Vegadelujan]

Amazing work, man! I see you used the width of 19-1/16" (48,419 cm). I would like to ask you if you think be possible use a width of 19,29 inches (49cm)? I've seen this measurement in a few DIY projects... What do you think, It works? Thank you!

[@lakesideaudio]

Lovely, great skill to have congratulations

[@MiscerVids]

I just built this exact rack using the exact steps and Early American stain. It turned out great and looks amazing. The only thing I couldn't find was the 4"hairpin legs. It's like they don't exist anymore, so I had to go with 6" legs.

[@wishwashstudios437]

Thank you so much! any shot you'd be willing to leave a link to some of the essential products for this build? a cross reference for those of us new to hardware!

[@mehdiqurbanli]

Very useful video. Thanks for sharing my friend. Have a nice evening !!!

[@SteveCournane]

Just beautiful man.

[@itownmusicians]

This is really nice!

[@austinegy]

This looks great

[@terrypen]

1:29 Is that a Craftsman 113.29901? ;) Mine doesn't have a tag on it but looks very similar! Even the Crown style logo at the bottom front!

[@NicolasMelis]

looks great

[@zososldier]

SOOOOOO much cheaper than buying a server cabinet or road/travel cabinet. Not to mention with those rack mounts, you could retrofit them into an existing cabinet space if you want.

[@theguitarclubonline]

Dude! Thank you so much for this tutorial. Coulnd't be happier with mine! : D

[@joshuacalebseldon2328]

Awesome rack - building this this weekend. What desk do you have back there?

[@jaronjammer7516]

Looks great. Thanks!

[@techhdan]

Hey thanks so much for this video! It would be amazing! if you could post links to the materials you bought. You might even get the company to give you money for sending people to buy these products. Where did you purchase the wood panel? I went to home depot and Lowers and couldn't find anything.

[@RyanHalvorson4]

This is awesome! Glad I found your channel!

[@adpriviera]

Very nice finish !!

[@loveudon6972]

Looks awesome

[@TedBrownMedia]

I made an ikea hack with the same wood. I was googling how to put what where on the rack and discovered this video. Would you happen to have a pdf or word doc with the measurements?

[@LizGxt]

Beautiful!

[@Scott.B70]

Rack mount box to hold stuff, lol. Well done.

[@cybernitemusic]

Nice work!

[@marksmusicplace3627]

you would make a killing custom building racks for people

[@charlesrocks]

Subbed. Amazing video. Thank you so much.

[@lospopularos]

Excellent video!

[@DrKlimax]

Eres un maquina!! Saludos desde España Mozo!

[@guts2112]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@billonbass2286]

Great job.

[@samsonteam]

What kind of clamps are you using at 1:51 to hold the box together? I'm looking for some nice ones.

[@randallsmith2521]

Nice. I may use this example for a computer rack :)

[@snazzymcnazmy]

Great job also a great reel to reel system you got

[@mjkirk12]

Great information - but for most people it would be less cost to buy than build, when you include the cost of the woodshop and power tools.

[@bothzaczilla9624]

Hi. Could I ask more about the measurement? 1. What does the negatives (e.g -1, -9) in the measurement represent? 2. What would the measurement be if my rails are 6U? 3. If the rails are 24.5 inch, shouldn't the height be 25 inch? Thanks for taking the time to read my answer and I am attempting to make a 6U one for myself but I am a little lost and I need more guidance on this one. Hope to hear from you. Thanks and forgive me.

[@Thechriskraft]

Great work. I like this rack better than the first. Let me ask you this, what is that light unit on the top slot of the rack?

[@MerwinMusic]

Furman M-8Lx. It's basically a rack mount surge protector with lights. I don't think they make that exact one anymore but there are ones that are similar.

[@xxlmagenta9995]

Do your racks need back support? Looks like they're all hanging from the front ears and that's it. Is that how it's usually done? Feels a bit unsafe to me

[@boeing757pilot]

That's how it's always done. His build is a professional build.

[@JM-mi2ew]

Great job! Love the legs

[@thomaselam4994]

Wood working skills on point!! Just one thing, wont the equipment over heat in it?

[@MerwinMusic]

No. Rack mount gear is made to be rack mounted...

[@Sublab]

Damn, that's beautiful! :O

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Great Job!

[@knuftobor]

Now I all I need to do is watch a "How to build your own wood shop" video!

[@MerwinMusic]

You only need a drill and a circular saw.

[@swayzone87]

I don't even have a place to sleep at

[@jessemccree8258]

Great video + Editing. it's too bad I don't have the equipment or time. Time to get screwed on Amazon lol

[@nataroonytrontime3976]

So relatable am I right

[@grnmindead]

hi. this is really nice, thank you for this video. now i have an idea how to do this. i was wondering what's the right term to call those "connectors" that sticks out from the side of the top panel going to the holes you made on the left/right panel.

[@MerwinMusic]

Those are the dowel rods. I just already put them in the holes on that side.

[@domdraper3221]

Cool man.

[@sevrinmusic]

I don’t know much about wood working but I got a question. The only wood available anywhere near me is 21/32 inch by 16 inch by 8ft. Is the 21/32 inch wood going to be a big deal being that bit thinner?

[@bradford4570]

Beautiful! Do you think those pine boards would be strong and durable enough to build a 2x12 speaker cab?

[@MerwinMusic]

I built this cabinet out of pine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX3ZYohtYs2ZfKs Although that wood was closer to 1 inch thick.

[@VolkovithaDesu]

I love it! Love the bloopers part too hahaha

[@hustlerwhite6918]

Hi, what kind of screws do you use to attach the rack rails to the box? Thanks!

[@ranyalbegwein7470]

Thanks for the video man! May I ask - where did you get these rails? Are they available on Amazon? Thanks!

[@MerwinMusic]

I got them at an estate sale, but they are on Amazon amzn.to/2HlloPq

[@ranyalbegwein7470]

@@MerwinMusic Thank you so much!

[@Parkster44]

What kind of fan do you have on your rack ? Also is that the current fan you use to this day?

[@solidwin]

thx, going to try this

[@howdoyouknowk949]

Yes,everybody have trimmer,saw table and fixture

[@billniebuhr6641]

What length dowel did you use?

[@TheBlackDistrict_]

Love it ... Great work!

[@FourthWorldMusic]

I apologize if someone else has asked this already but have you considered doing a rack mount housing for your reel to reel? I have a R to R as well and would like build a tilted face housing for it but there really isn’t much out there in terms of build examples. Was curious how one would approach a project like that....

[@MerwinMusic]

If you know how to use SketchUp then you could measure and mock up a basic shape of the reel to reel to make sure it would fit how you want. Otherwise I would anticipate needing to make my own brackets out of some angle iron in order to mount the tape machine.

[@FourthWorldMusic]

@@MerwinMusic There is actually mounting hardware for the teac's but it is hard to come by. Because of this I've given up the idea of mounting it.

[@strangersun7721]

Great looking rack. Nice build. What type of rail hardware do you use? I'm having a hard time figuring out what to buy. Thanks.

[@MerwinMusic]

I used Middle Atlantic rack rails. But there was an estate sale in my neighborhood that had a bunch of audio stuff for sale so I picked them up cheap.

[@bobbymehta1006]

Nice job! Couple of questions: What are those 2 things sticking out of your Furman power conditioner? I have the same one! Are they magnetic? Do they hold headphones or something? Very cool man

[@MerwinMusic]

They are lights.

[@lacosanostra4438]

Awesome video! I am going to try and create one for myself! Question - what kind of desk do you have?

[@MerwinMusic]

It's the Studio Trends 46in Desk from Musician's Friend

[@timstevens3183]

Could you cut all these pieces with a hand saw?? I don't have access to electric cutting tools.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Great Job 🤞

[@CIRCLEOFTONE]

Very cool.

[@mikegonzalez3079]

Hello! I just got my first studio rack, but I am not sure it is isolating voltage from my preamp into my audio interface. I think is the rail conducting the electricity. Do you have any idea/suggestion? Thank you so much.

[@VapourRose]

Hi, love the video and am currently using it to make my own rack unit! Just wondering how you went about hanging the box to polyurethane ?

[@MerwinMusic]

I put some screws in the bottom where the feet would go to hold it in the air while I applied the finish.

[@santijazz]

I love this! What names do the rails go by? And where did you get them?

[@andregriffith6019]

rack rails...some come with factory threaded holes for screws others come with opening for cage nuts

[@ricfr2351]

Really helpful!

[@BoxfedTV]

Awesome vid bro! Where did you get that pine project panel?

[@MerwinMusic]

I got mine from Lowe's. Most big box stores should have them though.

[@nerddujugement8334]

well, it looks great