How to Build a CD Tower
A CD lying here or there is fine when you are just getting started with a CD collection. Fast forward a month or so and you may find a big mess developing. A good media storage system is what you need to keep all those CDs organized, but comparing media storage price to quality in some retail stores may leave you feeling cheated. Solve this problem by making your own CD tower. Building a basic CD tower is not that difficult. Do it yourself, save a few dollars, and get those CDs off the floor forever. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Two sheets of 3/4-inch hardwood such as oak, birch or maple, or softwood such as pine
- One sheet of 1/4-inch particleboard
- Table saw
- Router (optional)
- Eye protection
- Pencil
- Wood glue
- Finishing nails
- Sandpaper
- Paint or wood stain
- Paintbrush or staining cloth
- Varnish (optional)
- Two 6-foot plastic CD holder strips
- Safety strap (optional)
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Cut wood to size with a circular saw, and identify each piece by writing on the wood. For example, write A-1 and A-2 on the first two pieces you cut.
Hardwood or Softwood Pieces
A. 3/4-inch by 5-1/4-inch by 73-1/2-inch (cut two)
B. 3/4-inch by 5-inch by 5-inch (cut two)
C. 3/4-inch by 8-inch by 8-inch (cut two)
D. 3/4-inch by 11-inch by 11-inch (cut one)Particleboard
E. 1/4-inch by 5-3/4-inch by 73-1/2-inch (cut one)Rabbet Joints
Cut 3/8-inch wide by 1/4-inch deep rabbet joints along both sides of pieces A-1 and A-2. The rabbet joints will allow the particleboard backing of the tower to sit flush with the unit.Router Edges (optional)
If you want to add a decorative edge to the bottom pieces of your CD storage tower, rout pieces C and D as desired. -
2
Construct the main tower by using pieces A, B and E. Lay piece E (particleboard backing) flat on the floor. Run a bead of wood glue along the rabbet joints of both A pieces (tower sides), and attach them to piece E, applying gentle pressure to help the glue take hold. Let dry.
Run a bead of wood glue along three sides of piece B (top and bottom of main tower), and set it in place. Apply gentle pressure to help the glue take hold. Let dry.
When the glue is dry, secure the seams with finishing nails spaced approximately three inches apart.
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3
Add the bottom stands, consisting of pieces C and D. Place piece D on the floor, run a bead of wood glue along the edges of piece C, and center it on top of piece D. (If you added a decorative edge, make sure to align the pieces correctly.) Let dry.
Run a few beads of wood glue along the bottom of the main tower, and set it on top of piece C. Press down gently to help the glue take hold. Let dry. When the glue is dry, secure the seam by adding finishing nails close to each corner.
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4
Sand the tower, then paint or stain and varnish.
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5
Add CD holder strips. For a more professional look, purchase plastic CD holder strips. Peel off the adhesive backing, and attach the strips on each inner side of the tower box.
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Tips & Warnings
Make it easy on yourself and have the wood pre-cut when you buy it. Most home improvement stores offer this service for free.
Get creative in decorating your new CD tower. Paint it a wild color, use decals and make it something truly original.
Use caution when working with power cutting tools. Always wear eye protection and keep fingers out of the cutting path.
For added security, ensure your tower does not accidentally tip over by securing it to the wall with a safety strap.
