Max,

I'm very proud of my "rack" hehehehe. I'll try to explain how I countersunk the top nuts.

On the top shelf I did not use washers. I drilled about 1/2" down with a one inch drill bit, then the rest of the way with a 5/8" bit. Rather than use the standard 5/8" #11 plain old nuts on the top, I used the locking type (with a nylon insert). I tightened them til they locked, then used the nut underneath the top shelf (that does have a washer) to crank it and pull the locking nut into the 1" recessed hole. Hope this explanation makes sense...

jeffloistarca September 06, 2003 23:06

Zap,

The Steely Dan cancellation was a bummer for sure, rescheduled to the 14th of September. I may go but have to be in Raleigh the 15th so if I do go it'll be "drop in for the show, hop on a plane". Probably worth it. I will get up to your place before too long if the invite still stands, I'm interested in hearing your set up and maybe havin' an ale with you.

Slipknot,

Have at it! Take extra time measuring as you want to leave a minimum of 17" between the rods so you can easily slide your gear in and out. I wish I had used a drill press, the holes would have been more uniform, it's hard to get the ideal angle when drilling without a press. Oh, I also used a 1" bit on the top shelf, drilled down about 1/2", then the remaining with my 5/8" bit to countersink the nuts. Be careful when you assemble the rack and tighten the nuts down, you don't want to crack the shelves. Oh, and take a look at the first pic, unpainted. Looks nice eh?

jeffloistarca September 02, 2003 19:37

Thanks Pat, it was fun building it. I'm of two minds because quite honestly I really liked the look of it before I painted it. Having spent the time and effort I do wonder how stand manufacturers, with all the right tools and more experience, charge so much for their wares.

Jd, good suggestion to use PVC pipe. You'd have to caulk the top and bottom of the pipe to keep the sand in, and make sure you didn't want to move the stand once it was set up (it's plenty heavy as is for such a small three-shelfer).

jeffloistarca September 01, 2003 23:42