Replies

1. 
   domermatt | Mar 24, 2003 04:04am | #1

   Most of my lumber doesn't go much more than 2 feet without support.  I can't recall seeing any plans with spacing over 3 feet. American Woodworker had an article about 5 years ago that I based my racks on. For thicker lumber you couldhave a greater spacing. What type of support are you planning on making for your lumber?

1. 
   MHargrove | Mar 24, 2003 07:57am | #2

   I'm planning on making a 2x4 "lattice", a design I saw in a WW magazine somewhere.   A picture of work-in-process is simpler than any further description.  As you look at the image, the left side is for board stock, the right side is for sheet stock.  Obvioiusly, cross-supports aren't in place yet.

   If a 2' spacing is optimal, I guess I can either build one more "grid" (I've got three built), or just use three, but line the "floor" of each bin with plywood.  Suggestions?

   -M.

   
1. 
   BG | Mar 24, 2003 01:25pm | #3

   Mark,

   Your right, a picture is worth a 1000 words.  You can achieve Matt's suggestion with the three..and a 1-1.5' overhang on each end.

1. 
   efarmer4 | Mar 24, 2003 08:19pm | #4

   But depending on how long it sets, how thin it is, which way it lays and the wood it will bend down some even with two foot spacing. If you run unsupported ply wood in between it will sag also, but it help when you push the wood in from the end, and sooner or later the wood on it will sag also. I'd do one more frame and build supported shelves with a continuous plywood top... but it depends on what you are storing on it, 4x4's will span 3 ft just fine. Edward

2. 
   booch | Mar 27, 2003 03:14am | #9

   Looking good but you don't need the middle support posts. I have a rack with the ends and the middle supported. It works fine unless you have 1/2 inch stock or something. The extra posts you made in the middle will screw you up when you slide partial sheets or assemblies in there to store for the big assembly. PS set the spacing at 6 foot end to end with one set in the middle. 1 foot free hanging is not an issue.

   PS where do you put the 12 footers? I occasionally get a prize piece of wood (walnut 12" x3" x 12 foot) that I age til I work up the guts to do it right. I store mine diagonally with a big hangover on each end. If it is dried then no big whoop.

   Plywood storage of course is vertical next to the rack with a rope and a weight to keep it from spilling out in the room. Try a vertical box for offcuts you can't part with, just stack them side to side on end.Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 25, 2003 01:57am | #5

   Mark

      I would go with 4, but if you use 3 consider taking two melanmite boards and sheet metal screw them together to use as a base shelf for 8" boards across the top of them. By doubling will eliminate sag.

   Luck...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   MHargrove | Mar 25, 2003 08:29am | #6

   Here's what I settled on.  I used joist hangers for the 2x4 cross-pieces -- which will double as supports for a plywood floor for each bin.  Seems like this oughta work.

   Thanks very much to everybody for the suggestions!

   -M.

   
1. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 25, 2003 07:17pm | #7

   Mark

      Looks good to go. If you get any sag, you can always go back and add supports. Otherwise, you seem to have it licked.

   sarge..jt

1. 
   domermatt | Mar 26, 2003 03:05am | #8

   Nice, that rack is about as big as my entire shop.....When people 100 years from now see my work, they'll know I cared. --Matt Mulka