DIY Flexy Rack

[FreakyFraser]

So after much internet surfing, I decided to build myself a Flexy Rack to house my Emotiva Amp, Turntable, LP's and Phono PreAmp. Couldn't find a 'pre-made' rack that would fit my space limitation so off I went to various local hardware stores to buy all the parts that would make up my rack (isn't much really).

Parts:
4 shelves (21" x 20") cut from a 4' x 4' x 5/8" piece of MDF. ($ 20.00)
****cut 2 'LP Rests' from the same piece****
4 threaded rods (36") (I bought Zinc plated) ($ 32.00)
36 5/8" Zinc Plated Nuts ($ 18.00)
40 5/8" Zinc Plated Washers ($ 12.00)
40 5/8" Neoprene Gaskets ($ 45.00) - had to special order
4 5/8" Zinc Plated Acorn Nuts ($ 4.00)
Primer & Paint were already in-house, but I figure ($ 25.00)
4 5/8" Plastic Furniture Leg Caps ($ 2.00)

DSC00595.JPG
All materials, and shelves drilled

DSC00596.JPG
"Dry fit" to make sure it all works

DSC00599.JPG
Prime and paint phase (3 coats)

DSC00604.JPG
Back together again. Emo on the bottom, then LP's, Pre Amp and top will be the Turntable.

DSC00610.JPG
In it's final resting place.

[ZIPPO]

VERY NICE JOB!

[Mac136187]

Dude that looks nice. you think you can get a photo of it up close all put together with everything on it

[daemonfly]

Not bad at all. Is the top shelf bowing slightly under the weight of the center channel, or is it just camera tricks? I'm going to be building my own soon and am questioning MDF vs ply.

[onyxbfly]

Wow I wish I was creative like that! Thanks for the instructions. This should be a sticky!

[FreakyFraser]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

Wow I wish I was creative like that! Thanks for the instructions. This should be a sticky!

I guess I should mention that this isn't my idea.....I found the instructions for it on http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/flexye.html . Google Flexy Rack and you'll find lots of pictures of other guys DIY Flexy's.

Also, I never did explain the assembly. Each shelf is:

NUT
WASHER
GASKET
MDF SHELF
GASKET
WASHER
NUT

The threaded rod makes the shelves fully adjustable. Just move the nuts to height you want, level, and tighten all 8 nuts to secure.

The gaskets are for dampening.

[FreakyFraser]

Originally Posted by daemonfly

Not bad at all. Is the top shelf bowing slightly under the weight of the center channel, or is it just camera tricks? I'm going to be building my own soon and am questioning MDF vs ply.

The TV Rack was something I bought a couple years ago......I noticed the slight curve in the pictures as well and am planning to drop a level on there to see what's up. If it's bowing slightly it's due to the TV (140lb) and not the center though .

After finishing up the 'upright' Flexy Rack, I'm considering building a long low one for the TV & equipment. Depending on how many threaded rod posts I put in (4 or 6), I'll have the same wood decision to make.

[daemonfly]

Originally Posted by FreakyFraser

The TV Rack was something I bought a couple years ago......I noticed the slight curve in the pictures as well and am planning to drop a level on there to see what's up. If it's bowing slightly it's due to the TV (140lb) and not the center though .

After finishing up the 'upright' Flexy Rack, I'm considering building a long low one for the TV & equipment. Depending on how many threaded rod posts I put in (4 or 6), I'll have the same wood decision to make.

Wow, I guess in my half-awake stupor at work last night, I looked at the wrong thing (of course, I only checked out the last pic manually, since I looked at the thread before logging in, so pics weren't showing).

To add, I planned on using larger diameter metal electrical conduit, sanded down, to cover any threaded rod and the nuts.

[FreakyFraser]

Here is a closer picture of the rack.....

[daveorgans]

Hi All,

After years of dealing with expensive A/V rack/cabinets, I finally found the ideal racking. First, I must warn you that your interior decorator (i.e. the wife) may object, but I have two home theater systems on wire shelving units. These are made by Nexel and Intermetro (I prefer the Nexel personally).

The advantages are: No worry about heat buildup. It goes right up through the shelving.
Strength: these shelves can be had to support up to 800lbs per shelf. Flexibility: they can be had in sizes from about 18" x 12" up to 48" x 24" or larger, with shelves spaced at 1" intervals. Corner units are possible. I will soon be mounting a motorized wall mount on a plywood panel attached between the rear support poles when I up the size of my flat screen next year.

The shelves are available in chrome, black, and dark blue finishes. And, since these are assembled from poles and shelves you select, it is possible to make your rear poles go up to the ceiling where you can mount a cantilevered shelf for your center speaker while the short front poles allow you to position a screen that is wider than the cart. Put heavy duty casters on them and you can move the whole unit out from the wall for rewiring when you change your system. And the prices are significantly less than buying a fancy wooden cabinet. I suppose you could hang a wood front on them if you needed to be that decor aware.

Dave H.

[Valore]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by FreakyFraser

So after much internet surfing, I decided to build myself a Flexy Rack to house my Emotiva Amp, Turntable, LP's and Phono PreAmp. Couldn't find a 'pre-made' rack that would fit my space limitation so off I went to various local hardware stores to buy all the parts that would make up my rack (isn't much really).

Parts:
4 shelves (21" x 20") cut from a 4' x 4' x 5/8" piece of MDF. ($ 20.00)
****cut 2 'LP Rests' from the same piece****
4 threaded rods (36") (I bought Zinc plated) ($ 32.00)
36 5/8" Zinc Plated Nuts ($ 18.00)
40 5/8" Zinc Plated Washers ($ 12.00)
40 5/8" Neoprene Gaskets ($ 45.00) - had to special order
4 5/8" Zinc Plated Acorn Nuts ($ 4.00)
Primer & Paint were already in-house, but I figure ($ 25.00)
4 5/8" Plastic Furniture Leg Caps ($ 2.00)

Attachment 30880
All materials, and shelves drilled

Attachment 30881
"Dry fit" to make sure it all works

Attachment 30882
Prime and paint phase (3 coats)

Attachment 30883
Back together again. Emo on the bottom, then LP's, Pre Amp and top will be the Turntable.

Attachment 30885
In it's final resting place.

Excellent work Fraser! Well done

[FreakyFraser]

Originally Posted by Valore

Excellent work Fraser! Well done

Thanks. It was actually fun to build......and I'm definitely going ahead with my plans for Flexy 2.0 (to replace my current Monitor/AV Stand). I've also got a simple plan for a matching sub-base (MDF platform with threaded rod legs)......and for those following along, I'm glad I left myself access to the nuts. I bought a Nakamichi cassette deck, and changed the shelf heights so I could put it on the shelf below my turntable. Everything looks awesome.....I'll post a new pic when I get a chance.

[FreakyFraser]

This has taken forever, but here is my Flexy with my 'new' cassette deck on it.

[dwane5]

Originally Posted by FreakyFraser

This has taken forever, but here is my Flexy with my 'new' cassette deck on it.

nice work

[roar]

Originally Posted by FreakyFraser

This has taken forever, but here is my Flexy with my 'new' cassette deck on it.

Love the black trim on the Emotiva... what is the little box sitting ontop of the deck?

[FreakyFraser]

Originally Posted by roar

Love the black trim on the Emotiva... what is the little box sitting ontop of the deck?

Yeah, me too....they're only $20 from Emotiva. Every piece I order from them I'll add the black trim kit....just can't get down with the silver.

As for the little black box, that's my Phono Pre-Amp. Eventually that will be replaced by an Emo USP-1.