Weght limit for SolidSteel shelf/cones?

Thanks again for all the info -- looks like there is nothing to worry about.

If it falls you'll have a good excuse for upgrading .

Nothing to worry about. Those shelves and cones are solid!
I've never had a problem with any amount of weights and those little points are just as sharp as ever!

I had a bat vk-75se (90-100 lbs) on the top of a 5.2 and the shelf did not flex at all. Just use it and don't worry.

Magister- I just placed the maple shelf on the cones, no countersinking. There's enough weight to hold it in place. If you do want to countersink the spot where the cones rest, put the shelf on the cones and position it where you want it permanently. Mark the cone locations then use a Forstner bit slightly larger than the size of the cone top to drill out the countersink. The Forstner bit is the only bit which will drill a flat bottom hole.

Thanks guys. I wasn't so much worried that the cones would break as that the small ends might gradually deform over time or something like that. I do wonder about the stock MDF shelf, especially at the back where there is only one cone in the center. The turntable will have two back feet toward the outside where there is no support.

Onhwy61, are you using the standard MDF shelves?

Pmotz, I thought once about replacing the top shelf with maple, but wasn't sure how to drill holes for the cones to sit in that would be perfectly level and smooth. Did you do that yourself or did the company that made the shelf take care of it?

Thanks --

I've used a Solid Steel rack with individual components weighing close to 100lbs. It's not a problem.

The aluminum cones will support the load. They are an aluminum alloy and are stronger/harder than the aluminum you typically think of. I have a 5.5 rack with a 2" thick maple top shelf with a VPI Aries 2 Extended. I don't know how much it weighs, but it is certainly more than 50 pounds. It has been there for four years without a problem. Don't worry about it.

Your are right, aluminum cones will not support the load you mention. Best to find steel or brass just to be safe, otherwise you new table will be shortly on the floor, in many pieces.

If you are thinking that the cones will give way..not a chance at all. their small foot print should have enough pounds per square inch to support three times that weight and more. I would be more worried about the shelf either warping or a possible crack. You could substitute the shelf if thin walled with a thick butcher block top with cones.