19" Equipment Rack for Electronic Instruments

For storage and use there is nothing better than a Roll Around Rack Mount System for Electronics. They are available commercially in metal for hundreds of dollars. One of the issues with these is your equipment needs Rack Mount ears. This all wood version can be built for slightly under $100.

The first 2 photos are of a more standard dimension .18" wide by 22" deep. The third photo uses a re-purposed copier stand for a base and is 24" wide and 22" deep. Both are 6' tall + casters.

Step 1: Plan Your Size and Gather Materials

The list below works for the size I made. Adjust accordingly.

6 1" x 4" x 6' for side corners.

1 2" x 6" x 8' for the base frame.

1 2" x 4" x 8' for the top frame.

1 4' x 8' 1/4" Pegboard . I used pre-finished.

2 3/4" x 23" x 6' Pre-finished shelving. For 6 shelves up to 23 1/2" wide or so.

4 Casters

4 Heavy duty Pegboard hooks for each shelf.

Wood screws for the frame 1 1/2 " and 2 1/2" + short 5/8" screws for the pegboard.

Step 2: Base and Top Frame

The top frame and base are glued and screwed lap joints . They will be equal to your desired inside dimensions + the thickness of the pegboard and hooks. 3/8" on both sides worked for me but check your materials. So for an 18" shelf width the base would be 18 3/4" wide.

Step 3: Support Rails

The front support rail is simple a 1x4 attached at the top and bottom frames. The rear rail is where the strenghth of the structure is made. Each corner is 2 1x4's to form an L.

Step 4: The Pegboard

The pegboard was cut to 6" wide and attached through existing holes with 5/8" sheet metal screws.

Step 5: Cut the Shelves to Fit

Once the frame is assembled cut one shelf to size and test fit it in the frame.

It should be snug but not pushing the frame wider. This has really worked well for me as it can be used to keep the instruments , books, and test leads in reach .