• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Hardware Recommendation for a Sliding Turntable Shelf

JosephH

JosephH

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Hello, I would like to install a sliding turntable shelf in my new built in wall unit. I have some cheap hardware from Homer, but my turntable is heavy and I am looking from so heavy duty sliders. I have the shelf made out of 7 ply furniture grade plywood, I just need the heavy duty slider hardware. Overall weight will be 40 to 50 pounds.
 
Register to hide this ad
I like to use these:
https://www.knapeandvogt.com/8400
I haven't bought any in a while but a couple of years ago, my local hardware store carried these made in the USA.
The same slides in the home centers were made in China. Probably made specifically for the box stores to a cost (and profit) point.
I have always used the USA version (cost more, understandably) have been very happy with them and I like supporting my local merchants when I can.
These are side mount and ball bearing with a 100# rating. We used them in the cabinet shop where I used to work.
Best of luck with your project!
Jim
 
I'd actually avoid the recommended slides. I'm a cabinet maker by trade and those are both side mount, and while they are fine for what they are and may work just fine, they can become problematic when consistently weighted, and the soft close mechanism in those is very flimsy and prone to breaking. I would recommend Blum slides. They are on the pricey side, but are bottom mounted and as such are much more robust than side mounted ones.

https://www.rockler.com/blum-tandem-full-extension-drawer-slides-with-blumotion-slides

You can find them cheaper than this and I personally try to avoid buying from Rockler, but these are the ones I'd use if it was me with that kind of weight.
 
Are you sure this is a good idea? I would worry about cable problems from moving the table's drawer in and out of the closed position. Tables are best mounted in a fixed position......

How about a photo of the system?
 
WaynerN said:
Are you sure this is a good idea? I would worry about cable problems from moving the table's drawer in and out of the closed position.
Click to expand...

We've been dealing with cable management in moving parts for decades. If you google 'diy cable management arm', they're not hard to make. I'm not going to comment on 'best'.. too subjective.
 
I would agree that the Blum bottom mount slide is a great slide. I am a cabinetmaker by trade as well, and use it exclusively on kitchen drawers.
Regarding the KV side-mount, "avoid" seems a little strong, attached, please see the reel to reel tape storage cabinet that I built using them.
66 tapes per drawer, 5 years old, no sag, still operate smoothly.DSC_0872.JPG DSC_0874.JPG
I also agree that there is no "best" choice.
I'm guessing the OP wanted some suggestions other than the $5, 3/4 extension Home Depot slide.
I'm sure that there will be plenty of suggestions to come.
 
I have used the full extension side rails for cabinet drawer construction. The critical point in using these is to have the drawer / shelf width exactly correct. They need some "play" but not much and they should not be crammed.

Also, using as many holes as possible with plenty of screws to attach them is very important. Otherwise their function is flimsy.

The bottom/corner ones appear to be much sturdier, offering the L shape for rigidity, but for a shelf, imho, the bottom fixing with screws is what matters most in this particular application. They are a bit pricey but I hope I had access to some of these in my part of the world.
 
halkaloogie said:
I'd actually avoid the recommended slides. I'm a cabinet maker by trade and those are both side mount, and while they are fine for what they are and may work just fine, they can become problematic when consistently weighted, and the soft close mechanism in those is very flimsy and prone to breaking. I would recommend Blum slides. They are on the pricey side, but are bottom mounted and as such are much more robust than side mounted ones.

https://www.rockler.com/blum-tandem-full-extension-drawer-slides-with-blumotion-slides

You can find them cheaper than this and I personally try to avoid buying from Rockler, but these are the ones I'd use if it was me with that kind of weight.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendations! I have several Home Depot quality slider kits and I definitely am looking for an upgrade. The price of the Blum slides don't bother me, after all, I am only doing this once. My only concern would bee that the shelf is only 1/2 inch thick, and will I be able to securely fasten the shelf to the hardware. Since the shelf is approximately 24"x 28" it should be no issue to get cut a more substantial shelf if needed.
 
WaynerN said:
Are you sure this is a good idea? I would worry about cable problems from moving the table's drawer in and out of the closed position. Tables are best mounted in a fixed position......

How about a photo of the system?
Click to expand...

Hi Wayne
How this will work is definitely a concern. I am look at this as an experiment. When designing the built in cabinet I made sure to place the turntable shelf closest to the pre-amp to keep the cable run as short as possible. I may still upgrade the line out RCA connectors on the table as they were good quality in the day, they are old. Given the built in is 65" long and adjacent tot he TV, I don't really see another alternative for the install if I want to keep the TT in the system.
Here is a poor picture of progress to date. The TT will go directly below the pre-amp.
Stereo cove (2).png
 
JosephH said:
My only concern would bee that the shelf is only 1/2 inch thick, and will I be able to securely fasten the shelf to the hardware.
Click to expand...

It doesn't have to only be a 1/2".

159-8561795.jpg

This type of track comes in many sizes and some are very massive and built with heavy gauge steel, the wider they are, the heavier the gauge steel. What I would do is build a box type shelf with the front open like a cubby so maybe the total side width is 3-4 inches. This will give you the space to mount a heavy duty substantial track of 3 inches. Depending the size you build it will allow space directly under the table for, phono stages, cleaning tools and the records your playing. Making a box design shelf will be a lot stronger as well as allowing you to use a much stronger track.
 
BTW, do not use these tracks on the underside of the shelf laying flat otherwise your shelf will be like a diving board and bounce. You need to use them on the sides so they are on edge giving a much stronger install.
159-8561795.jpg
 
WaynerN said:
Are you sure this is a good idea? I would worry about cable problems from moving the table's drawer in and out of the closed position. Tables are best mounted in a fixed position......

How about a photo of the system?
Click to expand...

Agree on the fixed position and I would be concerned about maintaining the table "levelness" when it is pulled out and suspended on the slides.
 
4-2-7 said:
It doesn't have to only be a 1/2".

View attachment 1579016

This type of track comes in many sizes and some are very massive and built with heavy gauge steel, the wider they are, the heavier the gauge steel. What I would do is build a box type shelf with the front open like a cubby so maybe the total side width is 3-4 inches. This will give you the space to mount a heavy duty substantial track of 3 inches. Depending the size you build it will allow space directly under the table for, phono stages, cleaning tools and the records your playing. Making a box design shelf will be a lot stronger as well as allowing you to use a much stronger track.
Click to expand...

BRILLIANT! A box type shelf is a great idea!
 
bobins08 said:
Agree on the fixed position and I would be concerned about maintaining the table "levelness" when it is pulled out and suspended on the slides.
Click to expand...
Absolutely valid, but it would never be operated in the extended position. I have a Sony PS-X7 and it is fully automatic with front mounted controls. I will pull the table out to change albums, and return it to "closed" position before hitting play. Hopefully it would be no less stable than a regular shelf. I constructed the built in unit as a highly supported stand alone one piece box and installed it on a foundation constructed of 4"x4" posts. It is extremely stable and designed to to handle twice the significant weight of the equipment.
 
I have a Sony PS-X7! Great table. I see and now understand how you are going to use the sliding shelf. Lots of cable flexing, but if RCAs are held in place by some kind of means, not a problem (for the connectors). I think the table only weighs around 25 pounds, maybe a bit more so not so heavy as perhaps originally thought. You must figure out a method to secure the cables to the table or the shelf the table is on and to the phono inputs on the preamp, because if one of the RCAs comes off with the volume up, you could end up with a huge "pop" that has speaker damaging potential. Only the cable can move. Perhaps a habit of cutting the volume during the slide-in/slide out process might be advised.

If you forgo the dust cover on the table (I never use mine), you could minimize the sliding distance to say...8 to 10" to comfortably set or remove a record from the platter. If you dry brush your record before play, that might come into play. The Sony's touch controls and fully automatic operation are certainly in your favor!
 
I might add that my PS-X7 interconnects developed a problem and were replaced with RCA jacks a couple of years ago. The problem was in the RCA connector itself and I choose to replace with jacks.
 
Hey WaynerN, yes, I am very happy with the PS-X7. It is freshly serviced with a new motor (IC died) and lubrication. I think my next step is to upgrade and lengthen the cables. Being a part time electrician, I can think of several devices which will prevent any accidental disconnect. I can see how that problem could lead to expensive speaker component replacement, even with my amp's power guard. I habitually cut the volume before any change in source, the result of years of working in an Audio store.
Thanks much for the input. I am going to build a substantial 3 sided shelf for this purpose.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom