Building a simple dvd rack

[gooberguy]

From my previous post (how do you orginize your dvds) ilearned that some people built their own dvd rack. (stupid of me to think about going to FYE, a store near me to buy a dvd rack. Well what im asking is that can someone tell me exactly what types of wood (sizes, whatever, etc) i need to build one. So i can go to home depot and say i need 4 X's and 5 X's. Im pretty much a idiot when it come to building so im asking here. O yea i also need a back for in case its not leaning against a wall. Here is a basic design.

<< and have that repeating, (i realize that is a stupid design so im open to new ones!

If you think this is a stupid post or somhting just leave it alone.
But if You dont, Thanks!!

[yoda313]

Hello,
I'm not into ACTUALLY building stuff but I watch the tool shows on PBS. One suggestion would simply be to use Plywood for the back. That way it's cheap and nothing slides out the back.

Also, I would imagine run of the mill (no pun intended!) wood should suffice. Don't buy cherry or some other exotic wood if it's just gonna sit in your basement.

Kevin

P.S. As Norm Abraham might suggest use a router to ease the edges so they don't stay sharp and uninviting!

EDIT --- You could also include slots to receive your dvd cases. Just use a router to edge in a 1/4 inch grove every inch or so. That way (one on top one on bottom of shelf) it would just slide in nicely ).

[redwudz]

If you don't have much experience in woodworking, you might do it an easier way. Check a store like Home Depot or similar for prefinished shelving.

It is finished with a plastic coating or woodgrain on all sides and ends. If you can find it in 6 inch width, that would be best. You could get (2) 18 inch shelve pieces for the vertical sides and .

Use (3) 24 inch shelves for the horizontal shelf along with the top and bottom. With 3/4 inch shelving that would give you (2) 7.8 inch high by 24 inch long shelves.

For assembly, use black drywall screws about 1 1/2 inch long. 2 to each shelf. You would need a countersink drill bit to countersink and predrill the holes for the screws.

The store should help you select the proper size of screws and countersink drill. For the back, get a piece of Masonite (They may be able to cut for you.) that fits the back. Attach it with small brads about every 6 inches.

If they will do it at the home center accurately, you may be able to pay then to do all the cuts using just plain lumber. Cheaper, but you would still have to assemble and finish it.

Trying to saw the boards accurately yourself and fitting them I would not advise unless you have done this sort of work before. You might find a neighbor or friend that has all the required tools.

[Grimey]

Don't ever become an architect

[yoda313]

Hello,

-Don't ever become an architect

Oh come on, just criticize him for not learning how to use the straight line in Microsoft paint!

Kevin

P.S. Besides, maybe he could build the next Leaning Tower Of Pisa!!!

[DVD_Ripper]

Try woodworkers workshop:

http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/resources/index.php?cat=423

Here's one I found --- grandpas workshop - looks easy and cheap to build
http://www.grampasworkshop.net/cdcase.html[/url]

Here's a very modern one... would require more that a circular saw though:
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/features/fea.asp?id=1235[/url]

[gooberguy]

nice comments about my drawing!
well i just decided that buying one is the lazyest way for me, but thanks!

[yoda313]

Hello,

nice comments about my drawing!
well i just decided that buying one is the lazyest way for me, but thanks!

COP OUT!!!! :P

Kevin

---I probably would have done the lazy thing also! -----

[Doramius]

Even though you went the Lazy Route, You can still make one yourself. All you need is a tape-scale and a DVD case. Most DVD Cases are about 1cm wide (thereabouts). However, there's the standard jacket and the cardboard jacket (the cheap and crappy case). There is also the custom and the multi-disc jackets (some doubles are the size of regular DVD cases). Point is your width should not be your biggest concern when basing it on the thickness of the DVD case. The heighth of the shelves should be about 1-2" higher than the DVD case, and about 1-2" deeper. This will give optimum ability to grab the DVDs. You don't necessarily need a center support unless you build a really wide rack. It's better to build about 3 levels high and about 3" wide. You can go higher, but you'll need support to keep it from tipping. You can get pretty cheap thin walling, luan (maybe not so cheap anymore), pegboard, or masonite for backing. Some backings are pretty durable and may need pre-drilling. As for the type of wood. Cheap pine is fine and can be stained or painted. If you want something nice and sturdy, poplar or maple is a good wood for the shelves themselves.

[redwudz]

gooberguy, you're probably right in buying one. It's really hard to type messages here with bandaids on your fingers.

Of course you miss the pride of building it yourself.

I would probably do the same thing and buy one.

[jakol]

gooberguy,
I would probably do the same thing and buy one.

ditto,
I built stuff myself, shelving etc. u name it, but for begginers simple plan like this takes effort and time and believe me it looks easy but its not, unless u wanna built a crappy DVD rack go with the easy option ..buy. its cheaper than u think than building one.....cheers.

[Byronleehk]

Buy the rack only if you have a limited numbers of DVDs.

I started out buying them racks (ranges from $9.00 - $150.00) and my DVD collection grew. I have now 5 big racks, 2 medium and 2 small in the house and still I have piles sitting on the floor. Can't afford to buy anymore

[Doramius]

Buy the rack only if you have a limited numbers of DVDs.

I started out buying them racks (ranges from $9.00 - $150.00) and my DVD collection grew. I have now 5 big racks, 2 medium and 2 small in the house and still I have piles sitting on the floor. Can't afford to buy anymore

So True. I've spent about $30 on one DVD rack. I spent $50 to build my own. My rack holds 4X's the amount of DVDs the storebought one does. It doesn't look all nice and stained, but mine looks pretty darn good the way it is.

[thor300]

I made my own dvd shelfs, each with space for 106 DVDs (80cm wide, 2 story). They look nice, and solid. I chose to not cover the back, but rather make a small "stop" at the bottom, then i have something really solid to attach it to the wall at the same time. I also made them with a slight angle so the DVDs kinda keep themselves in place, hardly noticeable but helps, very good if you have a big subwoofer in the room. I thought of making a drawing, but its late and noone would make one like it anyway =)