DIY Stereo Rack


I want to build a music system rack but get a headache after trying to chose what route to go. Is the hardest densest wood like ash or walnut best. Or something softer? I was thinking of using countertop cement for shelves. My thinking being the harder it is the easier vibrations transfer. Cement being not so dense may not transfer vibrations so readily. If styrofoam was stronger why not use blocks of it for super vibration isolation? Thanks for any insight you can provide. Bob
guiddog
Maple, oak, birch, cherry--a good woodworker can use any wood you like, and in terms of board feet, you won't need that much, so cost differences between species should not be large. See my pics for stands built for me by a good friend and master woodworker. He made the legs and aprons, tops are then placed separately. This allows for easy shipping and use of isolation pads, etc.---very nice--made in the Twin Cities.
I've made a few system racks and amp stands for me and a few few friends using different solid hard woods and laminates over the years.They were all nice and did the job but the last set I made for me out of Plexiglas turned out the best the weigh alot no vibrations from subs getting to my system.The only problem is the Plexiglas is a little expensive but if you can find a dealer that will sell you small 2'buy 2'pcs its alot cheaper. Anyway just a thought check my system for picks.
Slipknot1 and I did a rack for my system that uses all McMaster-Carr hardware and maple shelves from perfectplank.com(thanks Trelja for that source).
I agree with others that the key to the rack is easily adjustable shelves that are easy to level. Threaded rods and bolts/washers above & below each shelf are they way to go.
If anyone wants to check my system page
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1036941919&view,
you can see photos and a post with a parts list. Cheers,
Spencer
If you want an alternative to using exposed threaded rods as the posts, try t slot aluminum extrusions. You can put the threaded rod through that and sandwich the top and bottom shelves together. If additional shelves are needed, there are accessories you can get or be creative to put them in.