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!

[@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

[@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! 😆

[@ferdinandwilhelm8749]

Very nicely built! Good job on using the dowels

[@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! 👌

[@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.

[@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.

[@williambrandon9660]

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

[@thetenor6705]

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

[@GREYDOWNTIME]

good work man thats a beautiful piece

[@khanhhoang8709]

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

[@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).

[@formerlysaul4103]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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" :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@littlepigboy]

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

[@godzillazf18]

Amazing work. I love the detail you put into this

[@theguitarclubonline]

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

[@AFuturePresentation]

Looks fantastic!

[@robjansen5236]

Beautiful! You’re a craftsman.

[@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!

[@eggman1978]

Looks really great

[@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

[@longfade]

Really nice, concise, presentation.

[@JoshuaWShanks]

Very nice and thorough!

[@DrKlimax]

Eres un maquina!! Saludos desde España Mozo!

[@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!

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

This was impressive and inspiring!

[@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.

[@jessegrisham]

I’m building this. Great video!

[@mehdiqurbanli]

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

[@jaronjammer7516]

Looks great. Thanks!

[@loveudon6972]

Looks awesome

[@SteveCournane]

Just beautiful man.

[@LizGxt]

Beautiful!

[@Sublab]

Damn, that's beautiful! :O

[@ERB]

awesome.

[@greenbean9600]

Pro gamer move

[@itownmusicians]

This is really nice!

[@lakesideaudio]

Lovely, great skill to have congratulations

[@NicolasMelis]

looks great

[@RyanHalvorson4]

This is awesome! Glad I found your channel!

[@snazzymcnazmy]

Great job also a great reel to reel system you got

[@charlesrocks]

Subbed. Amazing video. Thank you so much.

[@billonbass2286]

Great job.

[@cybernitemusic]

Nice work!

[@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!

[@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...

[@Scott.B70]

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

[@joshuacalebseldon2328]

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

[@adpriviera]

Very nice finish !!

[@Janomix]

perfect

[@lospopularos]

Excellent video!

[@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!

[@austinegy]

This looks great

[@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?

[@randallsmith2521]

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

[@guts2112]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@domdraper3221]

Cool man.

[@samsonteam]

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

[@VolkovithaDesu]

I love it! Love the bloopers part too hahaha

[@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?

[@JM-mi2ew]

Great job! Love the legs

[@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.

[@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.

[@marksmusicplace3627]

you would make a killing custom building racks for people

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Great Job!

[@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.

[@billniebuhr6641]

What length dowel did you use?

[@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...

[@TheBlackDistrict_]

Love it ... Great work!

[@hustlerwhite6918]

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

[@crisdrumming]

How long did you wait after the second hand of polyurethane? Sometimes happens that the polyurethane layer remains sticky for weeks. Was it your case?

[@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.

[@MiniGinni]

how much rack space you got? I'm building a couple of these and I can't find a parts list from you anywhere. Would be great to have one!

[@MerwinMusic]

This unit is a 12u rack. I got the rails second hand for cheap but you can just look for whatever size you want and get them from just about anywhere.

[@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

[@CIRCLEOFTONE]

Very cool.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Great Job 🤞

[@solidwin]

thx, going to try this

[@timstevens3183]

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

[@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.

[@ricfr2351]

Really helpful!

[@ted.the.human1]

what size are the Wooden Dowel Pins

[@Parkster44]

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

[@BrunoBaudewyns]

Hi Merwin. I just found your channel, great stuff here. I love the mix between music and DIY, very inspiring. I'll definitely refer to that video to build my own studio rack. Could you tell us where you found that kick ass chair? Thank you for sharing, I'm looking forward to your futur projects!

[@MerwinMusic]

Thanks man! Chair is from World Market.

[@BrunoBaudewyns]

Thank you. I've watched the other half of your videos since yesterday ;) Greetings from Belgium

[@KiddiAgnars]

can you explain your measurements for someone who uses cm?

[@tazcerogers2947]

How long did that take you to build

[@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!

[@howdoyouknowk949]

Yes,everybody have trimmer,saw table and fixture

[@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.

[@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

[@foggyjoggans260]

Love it man!!

[@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.

[@AlexOwensmusic]

Are those rails 12 units? Or 14?

[@MerwinMusic]

The ones I used are 14U.

[@garrisonjonesmusic]

@@MerwinMusic it’s almost as if some people skip the video altogether and go strait to the comment section with questions lol

[@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.