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Audio Rack Construction

Happy New Year All!

I'm planning a rack with three wood (maple) shelves using threaded rod as the supports. This will be something similar to Salamander racks. Besides, the metal washers and nuts, I'm going to be using some type of isolation washer that will contact the top and bottom of each shelf.
So...shelf, isoloation washer, metal washer, and then nut.

Questions: 1. When passing the threaded rod through each shelf, should the holes in the shelves not allow the threaded rod to touch, so the only thing touching the shelves are the isolation washers? 2. Besides neoprene, what's a good material for the isolation washers? 3. After leveling each shelf during assembly, I'm planning to add aluminum tubing over the threaded rod and nuts between each shelf for a cleaner look. This would mean that the top and bottom ends of the aluminum tubing would also contact the shelves. Should I avoid this, or additionally add some isolation material between the ends of the tubes and the shelves?
kennythekey
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Thanks John,

I've already purchased the maple shelves and hardware thanks to the help from everyone.

The 24" X 18" 1.75+" shelves were $69 each and ony $1 to ship all due to holiday pricing from Overstock.com. I am very pleased with the fit and finish. The 3/4"-10 rods and hardware I got from McMaster. Everything is brass.

I remember when reading your thread from 2006 that you were getting used to the look of the nuts and rods. If I wind up using the tubes I will post a picture. Maybe, you and others will want to use/add them since they come in Slver Satin Aluminum, Black, Dark Green, and Rust Brown. The cost is very low so I don't want to release the source until I first check one out.

We're all concerned about sound, that's why I'm trying to find out if I'm sacrificing some by using the tubes, or if I'll be okay if I prepare the tubes properly.
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Finish question. Regarding maple shelves, does it make any difference for finish...oil, laquer, stain, etc.? For preservation and sound? I just plan to use a mineral oil.
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
I used multiple coats of tung oil, each one rubbed with fine steel wool, then a thin layer of polyurethane, for gloss and hardness, finished with a buffed out coat of paste wax.
theaudiotweak
2,796 posts
 
Check out the Charles Altmann Dac site..mother-of-tone.com. He describes his use of tone woods in audio the effects of finishes to musical instruments and how they carry forward to his DAC and his use of acoustic treatments. Information to be stored and used when needed.
Tom
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
I thought there would be no leaf unturned when it comes to this hobby. Good info. Thanks.
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