Introduction: Mini Server Rack Cisco

About: Learning on the fly and finding solutions for my issues


Hi again Gang,

This time I'm here to show how to build a mini server rack, in my case, to the cisco lab I'm building it.

I start searching the Internet for some rack and I end up either finding bulky racks or tiny, fragile ones. You can check it out on eBay (i Believe its the best place to star looking for it).

Enjoy this instructables !!!

Step 1: Getting Started - Bill of Material


This will be pretty easy list of itens:

- 2' X 4' Sandeply board 1/2" (1);
- 1" L bracket (8);
- #6 X 1" wood screws;
- #6 X 1 1/2 wood screws;
- Wood Glue;
- 9U Rack Rails for EIA 19" Rack Mount (2).

To make things easier, I bought everything but the rails from Home Depot, the rails I bought on eBay. They have many sizes, for all needs. I end up choosing a 9U (little bit under 16").

Material Costs: $50

Step 2: Plans


I know, I'm terrible with scale, but here you have my drawings prior to start building things up. The one drawing missing its the one that shows the sizes of the panels you have to cut from the 2'X4'  board.

I first cut the board in half ( 12" X 48"). From each half I made 2 cuts on each, making, in my case, 2 panels measuring 12" X 16 ", and 2 panels measuring 20" 1/2 X 12" ( the drawing wasn't accounting for the tickness of the board).



Step 3: Assembling the Rails to the Panels


Now that you have the panels cut, we can start mounting the rails.

- Align the rail with the edge of the panel;
- mark 3-4 places to fix the rail on the board;
- drill, with a drill bit smaller than the size of the screw (so the panel wont crack), about the same size of the screw;
- install rail with those 3-4 for screws to make sure you have the proper alignment.

Once you are sure that alignment is right you can start drilling the rest of the holes and screwing it.

Step 4: Connecting Side Panel With Bottom Panel


After measuring, I used some L brackets to put the side panel and bottom panel together. After that I had some screws installed to make sure the sides would stay still.

Step 5: Final Results


I hope this instructables bring inspiration for you

cheers

PC

Step 6: Bonus Round !!!



After I built my rack, and start putting my appliances, I realize it was a pain to get to the back of the rack. With that in mind I decide to install a lazy susan.

Here is the pictures !