CD Rack From Old CDs

Intro: CD Rack From Old CDs

This CD rack looks really good (if somewhat kitsch) and is not rocket science to make. You just have to measure stuff properly and be careful while you work, or, like me, you will have to start again three times.

STEP 1: What You Need

15 CDs
1 5mm threaded rob (usually sold in 1m lengths)
8 5mm hex nuts
5 5mm lock nuts
100 5mm rivet washers (usually sold in packets of 100)
1 20mm dowel stick
Permanent marker

STEP 2: Make a Template

Take one CD and mark a dot on either side of the centre hole, midway between the centre hole and the edge of the CD. Make sure one dot is about 1cm above the other one (take a look at the image to see how to mark it out).

With a 5mm drill-bit, drill two holes where you’ve put the marks. This is the template for the rest CDs.

STEP 3: Drill Out the CDs

Take a stack of about three CDs at a time and, using the template, carefully drill out the holes. Make sure to set the drill on the slowest setting and drill very slowly.

STEP 4: Cut Threaded Rod

Once you’ve drilled all the holes, cut the threaded rod into two 25cm long pieces with a hacksaw. File the ends of the pieces smooth with a file or some rough sandpaper.

STEP 5: Assemble the Rack

Now assemble the rack. Put the rods through once CD and put a hex nut on the one end. Now put 7 washers on each rod and then another CD. Every 5 CDs you can put a hex nut on and tighten the whole lot up, but be careful not to crack the CDs, like I did, twice. A hex nut is as wide as 2 washers, so you only need to put 5 washers and a hex nut on for every fifth CD.

Once you’ve put all the CDs on, tighten it all up so that there’s no play in the CDs or threaded rod.

STEP 6: Give It Legs

Now cut two 7cm and two 6cm pieces of dowel. Drill a 5mm hole 1cm from the top of each. These are the legs of the rack. You can paint them if you like.

Now attach the longer legs to the rods higher above the centre hole, using lock nuts. Do the same with the shorter legs. Now just make sure the whole thing stands straight and tighten the lock nuts.

Comments

[jedii72]

that's clever. nice job

[a_tinkers_damn]

May I suggest the use of spacers, instead of all those washers? A length of stainless steel tubing and a tubing cutter might add some complexity to this project, but also a cleaner look between the CD dividers. :)

[georion]

Yeah,,, U maaaaaay.......................................

[powerfool]

I think you need a final photo here :)
But it's great idea! Thanks! I have tons of old cd's to use!

[thepelton]

Two other ideas. You could build a solar oven out of old disks, or maybe make a fishing lure.

[lsmith254]

Love the solar oven idea, can you flesh it out for me some? Thanks!

[ILOSN]

omg thats brilliant lol.

[jlb2458]

What a cool idea! I can so see this in my nephew's dorm room. Thanks for the idea.

[uguy]

Another fine use for all those AOL disks. Well done A+

[randofo]

Does anyone still have AOL CDs? They're probably collectors items.

[killerjackalope]

About seven from everyyear they've been issued in random items, once we got one in the box with our blender...

[Grey_Wolfe]

Aol's branching out into the food processing industry, lol.

[killerjackalope]

Hehe, seems that way...

[zpersichetti]

y do they waste money on cds.... shouldnt they just sell the company or something and stop themselves from using money out of all the kids in my skool only 1 kid uses AOL and he like lives on a farm or something with no cable lines so he cant get comcast or sumthin like dat idk

[killerjackalope]

CRACKHEADS use AOL... Ok that was a random chatroom joke from teh 'ibles room but it just felt right...

[Grey_Wolfe]

CD Rack, lol. This pun will be loved by my techie buddy. Will have to try to get this done by the 29th for his B-day.

[FreshPineSent]

And somehow, the space time continuum remains intact.

[GorillazMiko]

Very cool, I look forward to trying this out! +5/5 stars.

[Darkshot]

Faved and +1 :D and im gonna make this soon!

[Coffee bean]

That awsome!