Ultimate Ikea DJ Unit

When I made the switch to digital DJing, I found the amount of wires and equipment scattered around my decks unbearable, so decided to build my own unit that would house everything out of sight.

Taking inspiration from other Ikea DJ Desks I've seen around here, I decided to use the EXPEDIT bookcase for the base as it provided enough storage space, was a good height and also I already had one! For the tabletop and box I used two of the VIKA AMON tabletops which were the same width as the EXPEDIT and enough depth to fit decks/mixer and speakers on top.

This setup costs about £100 in total, which isn't bad compared to retail versions which will set you back £300+

Step 1: Measuring/Cutting the Pieces

I wanted as much depth as possible so decided to bolt the back of the box to the back end of the table (instead of the top) which would give a extra few cm's. Apart from that you'll want the back and top bits to be from either side of the table so you get the nice laminate edge rather than the corrigated cardboard that fills the wood out. The front piece will be bare either side, but both will be covered when put together.

The dimensions I used are:
Front =  186mm
Top    =  300mm
Back  =  254mm

For the side panels I cut up an old Lack cofee table, but you could use anything for this, Ikea make lots of stuff in the same colours. Both were cut to:
265mm x 186mm

Note on cutting
Most Ikea furniture is some sort of laminated wood, eg chipboard core with a nicer look mahogany laminate covering it. I did a lot of reading on the subject of cutting this type of wood without wrecking it. What I settled with was to use masking tape on either side of the cut, leaving a 1mm gap (doesn't have to be 100% accurate). Then I clamped some 2x2 along the line and scored the wood with a sharp knife, then finally took a brand new saw and used the guide to cut as straight as possible. Using this technique I manage to cut each piece without ripping any of the laminate, I'm sure you could do better with a bench saw, just take your time with it.

Step 2: Putting It All Together

The first thing I did was to place the back up against the tabletop and insert some large screws (pre-drilled and countersunk). This goes straight into the supporting beams inside the wood, so is vital if you want a sturdy unit! I then added a few brackets on the inside where they wouldn't be seen, to give a little extra support.

Next I put the side pieces in place and inserted two of the large screws on each side to make another strong joint, then added the extra brakets towards the front to stop any movement.

The front isn't bolted down like the others, instead I just attached lots of brackets everywhere to keep it in place. You could drill from underneith if you really wanted, but I didn't think it was worth the extra hastle.

Now just place the last bit ontop and you're done (for this section anyway).
I am going to revisit this bit at some point, fill in the front panel and then add some self adhesive rubber around the tops for a better fit. It's not really needed, but I'm slightly on the obsessive side!

Step 3: Drill Those Holes!

I drilled holes into the back to allow speaker/power cables etc to be threaded out. Just get yourself a few plastic "Desk Grommets" from ebay and a hole cutting set for your drill and you should be fine. The hole cutter was slightly to big for my grommets, so I just glued them to the back in the end.

I also added a large rectangular one to the front for the mixer and think I'm going to add a few smaller ones for the turntables on either side as it gets a bit crowded. Cutting a rectangular hole is easy if you have a dremel and a disc cutter, but I wouldn't fancy doing it by hand...

Step 4: Put It All Together

Finally I attached the top to the EXPEDIT by adding some brackets on the overhang at the back, then took off the front panel and drilled two of the large screw through the table into the base. Once the front is placed back on you can't see the screws and it seems to have enough stability for a couple of decks and mixer etc, but I wouldn't move it about by lifting the table!

Step 5: Finished!!!

Now the only thing left to do is set everything up and get all your friends around for a massive party!
If you're worried about the box distorting the sound from your speakers etc, it hasn't been causing me any issues so far, but if it does you could always throw some foam or carpet in there!

Enjoy!
Monsta

http://www.monstamusic.co.uk

Comments

[MarkSindone]

I have a similar shelf which I have abandoned in my self storage that I thought wouldn’t be of any use to me currently. However, this instructable looks exciting even though I am not entirely into DJ-ing but I think I could build something similar to this for my stereo or as a media console at the living room. It would definitely be a centerpiece with lots of storage space to conceal in all the mess like newspapers and such.

[BartholomewH]

Could not visit your page :/

Otherwice I fully agree with tjsephcarter,
the KALLAX flat pack furniture series are a perfect substitute to any expedit ikea hack. As far as I know one of those turntables weights about 13 kilos

[BartholomewH]

and a Kallax unit would definitely fit better, since as a flat pack it is more solid.

[tjosephcarter]

In case it's not obvious to someone wandering around an IKEA what the modern replacements for the named bits would be… EXPEDIT is gone, but KALLAX is a somewhat close enough substitute. Not quite as seamless when you start turning them any which way and the walls are now constructed out of straight particle board. Because of that, KALLAX is heavier, but theoretically sturdier. YMMV.

LINNMON can be directly substituted for VIKA AMON tabletops. In fact, in every picture I've seen using one or the other, I've never been able to tell which I'm looking at.

A number of people seem to put speakers on a 3rd tier at ear level on little LACK shelves bolted on to the table using CAPITA or GODMORGON legs. In the case of the CAPITAs, remove the adjustable foot and take that with you to the hardware store to shop for a bolt that'll fit through a washer and the table into the leg.

The should be what's called a "fender washer" and go underneath the table. Basically it serves to spread the force of the bolt outward over a larger surface. These tabletops and shelves are made of a cardboard honeycomb surrounded by a wooden frame, and sandwiched between pieces of veneer. It's surprisingly strong stuff for the weight, as long as the force is not concentrated into one spot like, say, a bolt running through the table holding a heavy monitor speaker all concentrated into less than a square inch. ;)

Lot's of room stuff to vary/combine to build upon the theme, and not just for DJs. I use a lot of LINNMON, LACK, and EKBY bits to make workstations of all sorts.

[rubberducky2459]

whats the unit in the center

[papo2]

great job! looks great.

if you measure from the floor the top of the top of the mixers' faceplate, how tall is it?

How much overhang does the tabletop have over the Expedit in the rear?

Do your tables fit battle style?

[triodo]

Yo quiero un muble de esos para mis equipos

[sqquuee]

nice build. your turned out a little better looking than mine.
I added hinges to the top.

[dustindef]

hey this is awesome thanks for posting this

[roadieflip]

If you look in the back of a touring mixing desk, you'll find a cable storage solution just like this. Hey, dude. If it's good enough for The Stones, then it's good enough for the rest of us.

Good job!