1. Plywood or MDF (wood type of your preference)
2. Wood screws or nails
3. Wood glue
4. Corner brackets
5. Rack rails (or threaded strips)
6. Sheet of metal or acrylic (for the front panel)
7. Door hinges and catches (optional)
8. Rubber feet
9. Ventilation/Cooling fans
Prepare the wood panels
a. Cut the wood panels according to the desired size of the rack case. Common dimensions for small cases are 12U (21 inches high), 15U (27 inches high), or 18U (33 inches high).
b. Sand the wood panels smooth to remove any rough edges.
Assemble the rack case frame
a. Join the wood panels together using wood glue and screws or nails.
b. Attach the corner brackets to the corners of the frame for added strength.
Install the rack rails
a. Determine the vertical placement of the rack rails based on the equipment you plan to install.
b. Mount the rack rails inside the frame using wood screws or metal screws (if using threaded strips). Make sure the rails are flush with the edges of the frame.
Cover the front panel
a. Cut the sheet of metal or acrylic to fit the front of the rack case.
b. Attach the front panel to the frame using wood glue and screws.
Install the doors and hardware
a. Depending on your preference, you can add hinges to attach doors to the front of the rack case for securing your equipment. Make sure the doors can open and close smoothly.
b. Additionally, you can install rack handles, casters, locking mechanisms, or anything else as needed for your setup.
Finish the rack case
a. Apply paint, varnish, or other finishes to the rack case to protect the wood and give it a desired appearance.
b. Attach the rubber feet to the bottom of the rack case to prevent it from sliding.
c. Verify everything fits and is installed properly.
Now you have your own small rack case ready to hold and protect your musical equipment!