DIY Flexi First attempt.

Search for the Ken Lyons Ikea Lack rack tread @ A'Gon, if it's still here.

If not, Google (Ikea Lack rack audio) and you should find info.

Placing a turntable on a Flexy is crazy bad (same with a CD deck as it's a crap design).

Geez, Dave, I've got my table on an 1 1/2" thick maple shelves flexy rack and it sounds 'crazy good':_)

I do have to be careful walking up to it, tho. I'd prefer to have it on my former set-up on a Target Pro wall shelf but can't where I now live.

Ikeas been building a store in Charlotte, 2 hours away for over a year. If they ever finish, I intend to try the Lack.

First of all I'm using 4 rods for more stability alah member Slipknot1 and second no one has answered my original question, sheeez.... So, again... how far in from the corners should I drill the holes for my 5/8" metal rods?

Thank you.
Brian

Brian,
I built a double-Flexi several years ago and have used it since (check my system for pics). Drill the holes 1.5" from corner to center which is 1" from side to center. This leaves enough material around the connection point to be strong. This distance also works well if you put 1.75" fender washers against the shelf and under each nut. The washers then leave just a few mm of surface reveal between the washer and the edge of the shelf.
Have fun building!
Doug

I'd recommend a forstner bit to cut the holes, and a drill press if available. The forstner will cut nicer holes than any other hole saw or speedbore type bit. Happy flexi-ing.

-Richard

If not too late, I recommend increasing the size of the rods to 3/4 inch. I've built two of these racks. The first was built with MDF and the second was constructed with slate (check my system). The MDF rack would wobble some if the nuts weren't tight while the slate rack is "rock" solid. Although the 5/8 inch rods provide enough strength I regret not using 3/4 inch rods.

Brian-
On a couple of the racks I have done, including one that is supporting a 350lb turntable, I drilled 3.5" in from the front and back edges, and 1.5" from the sides - to the center of the rod. If you want to go to 3/4 as some suggest, you may need to adjust slightly.

A good rule of thumb is to keep in mind what will be housed on the shelves, and keep a minimum clearance for standard 19" width components between the rods/nuts/spacers....

I build a two Salamander Archetype clones flexi-racks,and I wasn't happy with the results,the flexi-racks were unstable and wobbly.Here is my suggestion.The distance of the hole from the edge should be double the hole diameter.Go for 1" or 1"-1/4 rods brass or stainless steel.The shelves could be 2" or thicker maple,for hardware get a machinist to turn some donut shaped brass fateners instead of regular "nuts".See the Mapleshade Samson rack for inspiration.Yes it won't be cheap but quality never is.
Regards
George

Correction above " read FASTENERS instead of fateners"LOL
George

Thanks for all the help guys.