Building a Desktop Rack ...

[Zoom'n]

I'm using a "generic", computer style desk for my workstation and would like to add built-in rack rails that would either hang from the bottom of the top shelf or go from the bottom of the top shelf down flush with the table top. Much like the commercial style recording desks.

I have never seen a commercial type recording desk up close, so I'm not sure exactly how they are, but I'm pretty "crafty" and I'm sure I could figure something out. But I'm curious ... Have any of you done such modifications to a "generic" desk? If so ... how did you do it? And how is it holding up?

 

[Massive Master]

I'd study some of the stuff at www.argosyconsole.com

Most "Office Max" type desks aren't going to have the strength to handle much - I've got a 12-space below my desk and a six-slant on top which works well for me.

However, the thought has crossed my mind more than once about creating a six-space semi-horizontal piece that could just drop in to a cutaway on the top of the desk... One of these days... And after I find some buddies with some woodworking experience...

 

[Zoom'n]

Thanks!
I'll figure something out ...
I found rack rails on ebay and may just incorporate shelves to help support the weight. Doesn't appear to be that big a deal. I was just curious to see everyone elses ideas.

Thanks again ~

 

[W.S. Walcott]

I recently got my catalog from markertek....Have all sorts of stuff (rack rails etc.) that could help ya...

go to:

www.markertek.com

and you can have them send you a catalog...almost 400pgs!!! tons of $h!t!!!

 

[starber]

This is a dangerous stuff!

After reading your threads last Friday, this past weekend I went to my local Guitar Center,plunked down my $100 and got a Raxxess 12 space rack. Took it home, assembled it, loaded my gear, and wow, what a difference; even my non-rack gear looked totally cool inside the rack. Can't believe I waited so long. True $100 is very high (mostly mark-up, I'm sure) but looking back (or actually looking at the rack) I'm really pleased with the design and construction and it's worth how different the studio now looks, it also enabled me to get stuff off the desks and into the rack.

 

[Michael Jones]

I built this 12 space desk-top rack a few years ago.
I made it from poplar wood, which is inexpensive, and easy to work with.
All the joints in it are blind daddos.
The difficult part was measuring accurately for the side supports that the rack rails are attached to.

 

[Zoom'n]

Well, I bought a computer desk from Wallmark for around $40, rack rails off of eBay for around $10, a couple peices of wood and misc. hardware from Home Depot for another $10 and with a little creativity, everything worked out just fine. A great recording desk and most of all, alot of fun to put together.

BTW ... I currently only use the rack for a power amp for my monitors, but it appears PLENTY strong enough to handle a full load.

 

[Wireneck]

Zoom'n- the desk should hold up. Its not like your picking it up and trying to move it around with everything attatched to the rails. As long as your not putting 15 heavy duty power amps in it or units that are super heavy in weight I don't think your going to have a problem.
My buddy helped me toss this rack together a week or two ago. It is 6 spaces and it cost me about $29 total. It would have been less if I opted to not buy the more expensive handles.