Some time ago I read an article about a wood storage rack made with angle iron that is attached to 4x4s. It turns out the article came from FW. Here’s the link https://www.finewoodworking.com/2007/09/18/angle-iron-lumber-rack
My questions are:
-has anyone done this and is it as effective as it sounds?
-is the shelving strong? How far apart should the supports be? Is 32″ spacing adequate?
-anything else to consider?
Replies
I made something similar. Wall part is the same. But instead of angle iron, I drilled 7/8 holes at a 5 degree angle, which is a nice slip fit for 1/2 inch iron pipe. Seems like it would be sturdier than angle iron, and cheaper, and more easily adjustable.
Before going to all that trouble I would consider the Bora storage racks. They are a good value and go on sale frequently. I've used them for years and have them heavily loaded.
Plus since they are powder coated you don't need to worry about stains on the wood contacting the steel.
+1 one the Bora racks
I've done similar ones using 1 1/2" dia. rigid electrical conduit. These are press fit into 1 1/2" holes bored into 2x3s or 2x4s that are in turn lag screwed into existing studs. I used 12" vertical spacing and 32" horizontal spacing.
I’ve got floor flanges screwed into 2x4s with 1/2” black pipe as supports. I didn’t even angle them, and so far no disasters.
My gut tells me that is not strong enough, but it certainly seems to be. Good job.
Your gut is probably right, lol. Should have mentioned to OP, I’m a very low volume hobbyist. I really don’t have that much lying around. For my needs at the moment, I think this suits me fine.
It would be stronger than you think. Of course it depends on the size of the angle iron, but it is a lot stronger than it looks. I think, if you have access to cheap/free angle it is great idea. Not so cheap if you have buy it.
I will also second the Bora racks. There work well too and cheaper than buying angle.
My new shop. which is at least a year away, I am going to have a really big area to store wood so I am going to start looking for angle iron.
On the Bora wall mount, you can purchase extra “arms” if you need extra. Great system, highly recommended.
A while ago I made some giant brackets out of 4x2
Worked well and was 'free' as plenty of short bits that were only just too long to throw out...
I would certainly buy the bora rack today (if you could actually get it...) as it offers exceptional value and the ability to keep species/projects separate.
Right now, I am just a lumber hoarder. I have very little spare time when the yard is open due to work so I tend to buy a fair bit more than I need for each project and keep the remainder for the next, or for contrast. I do a fair bit of turning so even small bits come in handy.
Thanks, everyone. Great advice as usual. I'm going to go with the Bora option. Cheap enough and lots less prep to install.
I don't think you will regret it. I've turtured mine, lots of 8/4 10 footers, for 5-6 years without a single problem.
Certainly nothing wrong with the Bora rack (or rockler's; same thing) but they would cost about the same, assuming you have a way to cut the angle iron down.
I use this rack. Built approx. 10 years ago, quite a bit of lumber stored on it with no problems….very strong. Has gone through two earthquakes that occurred in the vicinity—lots of noise and shaking but no damage.
At Bora's price point it makes no sense to build something.
Much of my lumber is on a rack that is 2x4s bolted to the wall, holes drilled thru the 2x4 about every foot and a 12-18 in piece of EMT pushed into the hole. EMT was scrap and I built it when 2x4s were $3 not $13, but has held up just fine. I've probably loaded it more than I planned when I threw it together to get boards off the ground, I like shorter "shelves" anyway as it lets me get to the board I want with less unstacking and restacking.
After reading this thread and seeing the suggestions for Bora's wood rack, I looked at the price and weight capacity, which both look good. Then I found these 2 videos that show that the shelves don't lay in the same angle from unit to unit. That's not good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeItLbRZLyA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAxrb8o18yM
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