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Flexi-Rack questions

Sprags

Sprags

Well-Known Member
Thanks to the suggestions from other forum members I decided that a Flexy-Rack is the best rack for my equipment so now that I'm moved into my new place I started acquiring the necessary materials. I decided to go with 3/4-10 threaded rod that I was able to buy at Menards. 6 foot lengths were $17. Not exactly the best finish so painting them once everything is assembled is now part of the plan.

My question is if I drill holes in the MDF slightly larger than 3/4 inch and I use nuts both on top and bottom of each shelf and I make sure everything is tight will the Flexy-Rack be sturdy enough for 7 shelves? My heavier equipment will be on the lower shelves so I'm hoping that will help.
 
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it should be sturdy enough, keep in mind that tightening the bolts down on each shelf is what gives it it's strength. How tall are you planning on making the whole thing?
 
I'd say as long as you give it a decent foot print you should be fine. Tall and narrow isn't a good combination. I just built one 3' high with four shelves 24"x18" it supports a 75lbs turntable on top with no problem.
 
I just finished up a smaller version of yours. What I found was using steel washers, with a rubber or neoprene washer in between them and the wood, make for a very nice, stable connection.

Then I just made sure my shelf was snugged up against the neoprene washer and when I snugged down the nut on the topside, the rack didn't flex.

Here's a pic of my small and quick project I put together yesterday:

Flexi1_zps6ffb8b3c.jpg


The shelves are 24"w x 18"d. After I cut them to size, I measured in 2" at each corner and drilled a 3/4" hole, rounded over the edges with my router, sanded, stained and poly'd them.

Once the poly had dried, I got busy with the rods, nuts and washers. I set my lowest nut to the same height on each rod, followed by a steel washer, then a neoprene one.

I slipped on the first shelf, made sure it was level, then repeated with the nuts and washers for the next one.

What's nice about this setup is that the height of the shelves is easily adjustable.

For your flexi, I might go a bit wider and deeper, say 30" wide by 24" deep since yours will be a lot taller.

I used some rubber pipe nipples at the bottom to give the all thread some non-slip feet and to cover the steel to avoid marring other items.

Here's the finished product after 4 - 6 hours of work:

609c60a6-42a1-4ebf-ab4f-47c42c3af361_zpsb02ee880.jpg


Good luck with your project. Don't forget the pictures!
 
The best thing about flexy racks is they can be designed in so many different ways that the possibilities are endless. They can be made to fit any environment. :music:
 
I’m considering the Flexy Rack approach as well. How well do the ¾” shelves resist sagging? I was thinking about 1” particle board and veneer. It this overkill?
 
I skipped the big washers. I let the nuts dig into the shelves a bit. I couldn't locate any 3/4 flat washers and the fender washers were just too big!
 
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