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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
 
I thought there would be no leaf unturned when it comes to this hobby. Good info. Thanks.
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 
Kennythekey
Hi,I am in here late,noticed you bought your hardware already.I built salamander archetype racks a long time ago.
1.You can buy the top flat caps for 5/8 rods from audio advisor that's where I got mine back then,just tell them you need replacements for your lost caps due to dismantle/relocation!!!!!
2.For an upgrade you could buy uprights from C.R.Laurence in solid stainless stell,oh yes!!!.Price $$$$$$$$,quality top of the line with 5/16" internal threading and 1-1/4" diameter at various lengths from 2" up to 12" in multiples of two inch.
3.For the ultimate think Samson by Mapleshade oh yeah!!,you can buy their hardware but too costly OR you can get 1-1/4" solid brass threaded rods from mcmaster.com and then go see a machinist to make for you the donut shaped nuts as in SAmson racks and the footers.
The sky is the limit.If you need advice assistance to build or fill the tubing ,e-mail privately.I know a few tricks being in the trade.
Best regards
George
Enjoy the tunes!
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Thanks George.

Yes, I've got everything but the tubes and they'll be here soon. I'm going to have a machinest cut them because they need to be precise and I don't have a band saw or lathe.
Everything is brass and maple but the tubes are anodized aluminum with a powder coat. I'm going to fill them as advised with lead shot for mass and no ringing. I bought the acorn nuts for the top, so I'll see how they do for now.

I have a Mapleshade platform with IsoBlocks for my table, so I'll use that on top and take it from there. I'm using the HeavyFeet with a 3/4"-10 tap for the supports. I won't use the feet for leveling but will level the shelves instead, so the feet will get maximum thread. I'll only be using two of the four shelves right away. I was going to get a headphone amp but the rack has delayed that purchase.

I'm really enjoying this and get to make it look the way I want while still saving money. From the good and consistent advice from everyone out there, I'm pretty sure it will sound real good as well. You can't ask for more than that!
jdoris
972 posts
 
Hi Kenny. I like walnut oil for the finish. In general, I'd go for oil for ease of application and touch up; walnut oil seems to create a hard finish. John
kennythekey OP
593 posts
 
Thanks John, from the paper that Theaudiotweak provided the link to, it appears that you should steer clear of plastic based solutions.
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