build a rack from wood?

  • Thread starter Thread starter FALKEN
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FALKEN

FALKEN

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so in months of searching I haven't found any rolling racks for my reels, save for a couple studers that were $250 and a tascam that was pretty close to that. this otari rack I have here seems simple enough to be able to copy. Do you think a wooden version would stand up to the job? I have very little construction experience and have no way of judging this for myself.......
 
FALKEN said:
so in months of searching I haven't found any rolling racks for my reels, save for a couple studers that were $250 and a tascam that was pretty close to that. this otari rack I have here seems simple enough to be able to copy. Do you think a wooden version would stand up to the job? I have very little construction experience and have no way of judging this for myself.......
Click to expand...

A wooden rack would be great. I wish I had more wood working skills myself. I dream of a rustic studio with all wooden racks and stands... and a fire place. ;) I can't build em though.

I posted some pics in another thread

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showpost.php?p=1905738&postcount=14
 
And this for rack devices, stained to the color of your choice. :)
 

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The thing is, that a rack-box (ala the last Tim's post) or a rolling wood-box/stand is not that complicated to build, I'd say it's somewhat on the basic skills or so :) , BUT!!!!!!! it looks and is simple, while in practice it's a pain in the neck to do especially if you do not have power tools (say, you do), then you may not have space to work - it's a big mess, but , say you have space and tools, then go for it, still pain in the as& :D , that is so if building is not your common activity.
What I would do , being in your shoe (well, as a thought) - is this: I'd get some currently available generic rolling studio rack and build something around it (reinforce it with extra rails or add on wood sidings etc) if you feel like you want it or maybe it seems like something has to be done so it can handle the job for the reel-to-reel machine you've got.
I've found these items on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-12-9-SPACE-ROLLING-STUDIO-RACK-STAND-69-99_W0QQitemZ190066224711 - this one actually looks pretty good as is (?) what do you think? it sais up to 110lb,
the other is cheaper and looks pretty skinny ..heh heh, but can be used as base/parts for the project (maybe) - link: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-19-12-SPACE-ROLLING-STUDIO-RACK-STAND-39-99_W0QQitemZ190066224724
I have no clue about that seller nor I took time investigating, just posting as example. those racks maybe are available somewhere else.
MF has its cheap thing too, the one we've already "dismissed" in the past ... link: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Musicians-Friend-Mixer-Rack-Stand?sku=450821 , again, it looks like it can be used for the project.
Building things from scratch? - HUH! - righteous thing to do. So, grab the ruler, pen, a napkin, your drink and start designing. Post pics then :)
 
I actually bought that rack in Becks post....not on e-bay, but rather off of a Craigslist posting locally. BTW: the guy who sold it had the most INCREDIBLE collection of audio/video/synthisizers on the PLANET!! Literally had a building piled full of the stuff. (Beck..if you recall this guys e-bay name, pls PM it to me...I would love to see what else he is selling!!)

Anyway, I digress. I planned to put a reel to reel in it.
I did briefly, and it worked out ok. The spacing between the side panels is exactly right for laying an R2R with rack ears on it, and the ears rest on the edges...no screws necessary (so no rack rash either). For machines with no ears, they drop in and rest on 3/4" plwood blocks mounted to the inside top and sides. There was some carpet in there too for padding
As it turned out, I actually mounted my M308-B on TOP of it so it was angled...I could never see the control positions when it was on the table top.


If anyone is interested, I can send along the dimensions and construction details. Its a pretty simple unit, and could easily hold a very heavy machine.
 
If anyone is interested, I can send along the dimensions and construction details. Its a pretty simple unit, and could easily hold a very heavy machine.
Click to expand...

I would appreciate this info. I am not sure I understand how you would mount a reel to reel with no ears? (I must be digressing also because i still have one Id like to mount in a rack) :D

Thanks
AJ
 
And this for rack devices, stained to the color of your choice.
Click to expand...

Beck,,,is this a rack you made?? Or is it available for purchase somewhere?? If so, do you know from where how much. ;)

Thanks
AJ
 
Dave,

I have a piece of land I want to sell you. Its real nice. ;)
 
FALKEN said:
so in months of searching I haven't found any rolling racks for my reels, save for a couple studers that were $250 and a tascam that was pretty close to that. this otari rack I have here seems simple enough to be able to copy. Do you think a wooden version would stand up to the job? I have very little construction experience and have no way of judging this for myself.......
Click to expand...

I built all my racks and,yes,they stand up nicely. I use pine as it is cheap and easy to build with. Stained brown.
 

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those are nice.....

I was hoping for something that swivels so I can get at the tweakers.
 
newatthis said:
I would appreciate this info. I am not sure I understand how you would mount a reel to reel with no ears? (I must be digressing also because i still have one Id like to mount in a rack) :D

Thanks
AJ
Click to expand...
Look at picture #3 and others in Becks post. Without rack rails, the R2R slides down between the carpeted sides. The top end rests on the flat shelf at the rear. The bottom end sits on a board placed between the L-shaped uprights in the front. I dont know if I got all of the movable pieces with this, since it doesnt seen to allow adjustment for depth of the unit...it could sit above the edge of the rack. You certainly dont want it too low if you are running 10.5" reels.

If you build one, I would make the inner supports adjustable to allow for adjustment to the exact unit you are dropping in,,,

Did I explain this alright??
 
I'm posting a review of one of the racks Zee talked about in a new thread, for any interested parties.

-MD
 
Here’s an idea from an old TEAC magazine ad. I like how the 80-8 on the left is mounted. Looks pretty.
 

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Beck said:
Here’s an idea from an old TEAC magazine ad. I like how the 80-8 on the left is mounted. Looks pretty.
Click to expand...

I built that exact rack when I had a 80-8 and never saw that picture. I guess there are'nt that many ways to configure it after all!
 
Wood really does have something about it... at least for me when writing music. Environmental psychology as it relates to studio design is an area with a lot of potential. I used to experiment many years ago with things like mood lighting… blue lights or candles, etc.

It’s amazing what a difference the room will have on creative impulses. If a studio feels clinical and utilitarian it can stifle me.
 
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