How to Build a Glass Plate Rack

Plate glass racks will provide an organized drying area for many projects.

Glass plate racks often are used by glass etchers, painters and other hobbyists. They are used for drying and storing glass plates. Plate racks like these often are constructed out of acrylic and hold anywhere from 10 to 15 plates. Working with acrylic is similar to working with wood. Power tools intended for wood, such as table saws, circular saws and jigsaws, are used when working with acrylic. Anyone with a woodworking background can complete this task with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Tape measure
• Acrylic square stock, 4 inches by 15 inches
• Table saw, with fence
• Dato blade, 1/2 inch

Instructions

1. 

   Dato blades are often used to cut acrylic.

   Raise the dato blade so it is 3 inches above the table. Position the fence on the table saw 1-inch from the dato blade.

2. Set the square stock on the table perpendicularly against the fence. Run the stock over the blade to create a 3-inch deep, 1/2-inch wide groove.

3. Position the fence 2 inches away from the blade and make another cut using the same process. Continue making cuts by moving the fence in 1-inch increments, until you have 14 grooves.

4. Set your glass plates in the grooves so they are centered. Do not set a glass sheet that is bigger than 12 inches by 12 inches in this rack.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses when using power tools.

References

• RPI Corp: Glass Plate Rack

Resources

• Fins: Tools for Working with Acrylic