DIY Server Rack

Server racks will organize servers and provide front and rear access for wires.

A server rack is used for video servers, computer and networking servers, and other devices. Although they are often sold as metal rack systems, they are often made at home out of wood by people who do not want to purchase them in stores. A versatile server rack will be able to hold large and small servers. It will also have removable shelves for those unusually tall servers. A wooden server rack will consist of basic lumber such as construction lumber and plywood, and will be able to be constructed within an hour spent at a workbench.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 8 pine boards, 1-by-6-by-25-inches
• 2 plywood sheets, 1/2-inch, 24-by-25-inches
• 2 plywood, 25-by-27-inches
• Plywood, 1/4-inch, 24-by-27-inches
• 3 plywood sheets, 1/2-inch, 25-by-26-inches
• Screw gun
• 64 wood screws, 2-inch
• Drill
• Drill bit 1-inch

Instructions

1. Lay four 25-inch boards flat, parallel, and spaced ½ inch apart. Lay a sheet of plywood on top of the boards so all of the edges are flush. Screw sixteen boards through the plywood so four screws enter each board. This is one side to your rack; repeat this step to build the other side.

2. Screw the top and bottom to your rack. Set the sides on their 24-inch edges so they are parallel, 26-inches apart and with the boards between the plywood. Position the 25-by-27-inch pieces against the edges of the sides and the boards at both ends. The top and bottom pieces should be flush with the sides of the sides and the ends of the two pair of outside boards. Screw the top and bottom pieces to the boards so four screws enter each board. You'll be using sixteen screws total.

3. Position the stand upright so it is standing on one of the 25-by-27-inch sheets. Position the 24-by-27-inch sheets against the edges of all the plywood sheets so the edges are flush. Screw through the plywood and into the boards so two screws enter the end of each board. This is the back to your rack.

4. Slide 25-by-26-inch sheets into the spaces between the boards. These are your shelves to the server rack.

5. Drill four 1-inch holes through the back of the rack. They should be 13 ½ inches away from the 24-inch edges and spaced 5 inches apart. These holes will provide an area for your wires to go through.

References

• Axis: Video Server
• 42U: 42U Rack Dimensions
• "Step by Step Basic Carpentry"; Ben Allen; 1997