Effects racks
hold amplifiers and specialized electrical components for sounds systems -- most commonly, musical acts. These electrical components weight 30 to 50 pounds and require portability as they're transported. To facilitate compact portability, multiple components are semi-permanently mounted into the enclosed box. Effects racks are built with metal or wood frames and usually have caster-style wheels to move them with ease. The front and back of the box unclips to reveal the mounted components, allowing technicians to connect wires and adjust the components settings.
Instructions
1. Measure the depth of the largest component that will be installed into the rack. Add 6 inches to the measurement to define the depth of the box from outside to outside edge. The height of your box will be determined by the height of the predrilled racks. The width of the box is the same as the depth.
2. Cut the top, bottom and side sections of the box from plywood. Clamp the pieces together and install three screws along each corner of the box. To make this step easy, place the pieces on what will be the back of the box.
3. Cut four pine strips to 2 inches shorter than the depth of the box and screw them, horizontally, into the side sections of the box. The orientation of the strips is two on each side, near the top and bottom of the box as it will rest in its final position. These strips will provide a thick surface for the rack sections to screw into.
4. Screw the predrilled rack sections into the sides of the box, using the pine strips as the location for the screws. Recess the front racks one inch and the back racks 5 inches, leaving room for the knobs on the front and wiring in the back. Ensure the racks are exactly 90 degrees to the top and bottom of the box to ensure proper alignment of the rack holes. The orientation of the box is still with the back side facing down. The racks will install horizontally, but end up vertical as you bring the box onto its true bottom.
5. Flip the box upright and screw the components into position using the predrilled rack holes. The rack is now complete, but needs wheels and front/back plywood panels before the rack is "road ready." Cut plywood sections to the outside dimensions of the box. Temporarily screw each panel into position with a screw on top and bottom.
6. Screw four latches, one onto each side of both removable plywood sections. Remove the temporary screws and discard them. By unlatching the four latches, you can remove the front and back sections during a gig, and quickly replace them for transport. The DIY effects rack box in now complete.
Tags: front back, each side, Effects racks, electrical components, four latches