Introduction: Guitar Pedal Board

I have included an image of what the finished product would look like.

Base measurement was 45mm wide by 28mm deep (I couldn't find wood to that size so I had to glue pieces together, though some hardware stores will cut wood at a cost) The height of the triangular sides is 11mm but this is obviously cut at a slant. Most of my struts were 4mm wide but I did one at the top which was 7mm to hold slightly larger pedals. I found that this could fit about 8-10 pedals

You will need to draw a plan of the pedal board and take measurements to your own preference so that you know the correct amount of wood to use. My design had optional inserts and you will need to decide how you want it to include.

Supplies

Wood (I chose pine as it easy to cut by hand)
Wood saw
Wood glue (I used gorilla glue)
Wood filler (choose a colour to suit wood grain)
Clamps
Safety goggles
Safety gloves
Rubber gloves
Rough and fine sanding paper
Tape measure
Pencil
Varnish
Small/medium paintbrush
Velcro reel
A large pot of super glue w/brush applicator
Chisel (optional)
Nails (optional)
Electric sander (optional)

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wood

Using your plan with measurements mark the wood with a pencil. Use your saw to cut as straight a cut as possible. Try to cut above the marker line as closely as possible. Once you have cut your pieces have a look at the edges and use sandpaper to get the edges as smooth as possible so that all the pieces will make good contact.

Step 2: Dry Build, Glue and Setting

Once you have cut all of the pieces to size you may wish to use an electric sander to get the edges as smooth as possible. Once you are satisfied with the pieces try to balance everything together without any glue (dry build) to make sure it all sits well. You may need to re-sand as required.

Start off by gluing the base (or floor) pieces together with wood glue and use a clamp to hold it together. Ideally this should set as long as possible. When applying to the wood use a cotton bud as an application and make sure that it is applied cleanly.

After the glue has set for each part examine it for and holes in the bonds between the wood and apply wood filler so that it is perfectly sealed. This will also need to set.

Keep repeating this process until all of the parts are properly glues together and sealed.

(optional) if you are concerned about the bond between the glue, say if you've used a cheap glue and regretted it, then you can hammer in some nails from the base into the sides as a precaution.

Step 3: Add Ons and Applying Varnish

This step you might want to skip, but I think adding these enhances the pedal board, protects the wood and gives it a quality finish.

When I made my board I used left over wood to create some dividers for holding strings, cables and other accessories. I also had a piece of foam which I shaped a wire cutter into.

Put down a sheet and use a paint brush to apply a coat of Varnish (I used antique pine) this should be left overnight to dry and make sure the room is well ventilated.

Step 4: Arranging Inside and Velcro Application

At this point once the Varnish is set and you are happy you can start making use of the inside space, decide where to position the power supply. I glued in a small divider made out of left over wood inside to hold strings and other parts. With the measurements of the board there should be plenty of space for all of the wires that will connect the pedals.

Now it is time to cut strips of velcro that sit along the strats. I debated which side of the velcro to have face up, but I decided on the hard side to be face up and the soft part to be glued to the bottom of your pedals. Put on your rubber gloves and use the bottle of superglue to evenly apply the velcro strips. Pat the strips down to make sure they are as flat as possible, you may need to use the brush applicator to stick down parts which weren't coated.

The glue will be toxic so make sure you're properly ventilated.

Step 5: Setting Up Your Pedals

Now you have the fun of setting your pedal order on the board and wiring together all of the power supply and daisy chaining. If you look on YouTube there are lots of videos about pedal order so you can decide which order is right for you.

Step 6: Finished Product

Hopefully you will be happy with the pedalboard, and you will have not only saved yourself some money, but you will have made a more custom board with the pride of having completed it.

A few tips:

*to keep your board tidy use left over zip ties to organise the cables.

*there should be space to put the power plug in the back

* dusting the board will be a pain if you have it on display. Consider whether you want to create a fabric case for it.

*I have considered adding a door on the back and a way to protect it from the elements if outdoors, this may be a future addition.

*don't worry if you buy too much wood, check the returns policy at your hardware store and return anything you don't use. I ended up reducing the cost of my project by doing this afterwards.