Mini Server Rack Cisco

by pcapelo

26K679

Intro: Mini Server Rack Cisco

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 !

8 Comments

RedZone133 9 years ago

The rails are the main cost in this project..I'm going with the 12u at $43 for 2 pairs and squaring it off with cheaper rails found around my house.If your planning on stacking yours I would reinforce them with some more rails. Fun project..thank you.

maverickbna 10 years ago

Have you made a rack with 4 posts versus 2? I'm helping a friend of mine set up a rack to hold several 1U servers, plus a network switch and some communications gear.

criggie 10 years ago

What keeps the whole thing square? There's no bracing, and the little L brackets won't do much.

I strongly recommend some cable management too - keep it tidy.

paolaccio 12 years ago

In your bill of materials you list "2' X 4' Sandeply board 1/2" (1)." That should be four (4) 2' x 4' boards, right?

josheggleston 13 years ago

I know a way to save you time and about $40.

Check these site out:

http://wiki.eth-0.nl/index.php/LackRack

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40104270

pcapelo 13 years ago

Hi,

thank you for your post.
I would like to point out that, even though your suggestion its a great idea, I doesn't think it would work for me.

I was in need for a "cube" kind of rack, one that it would allow me to install the lazy susan and rotate to access the back of the rack and back.

The price tag ($50) comprise things that the table itself doesn't (rails, lazy susan, etc).

Anyway, your ideia its another idea and cannot be compared side by side with this instructables.

cheers

PC

rivera82falcon 13 years ago

Geez...I don't know why I never thought of doing something as simple, and nice, as this! You definitely inspired me here...if only I can inspire my wife now...hmmm...

Anyways, excellent work! How is it holding up for you lately?