Who has built their own entertainment center?

[viivo]

Is it worth it? I'm currently using a 5-year old beast from Shop-Ko (I know) that is getting a bit long in the tooth. It's a solid piece with no fiberboard, but it only has two shelves and I'm going to be doing some upgrading which would necessitate at least 4.

If you did make yours, did you create your own plans or find them online? I don't have a wood shop, but I do have all the tools necessary to build from a simple blueprint.

Also, what wood would be best? I'd prefer something that doesn't need to be stained, but also something that won't weigh 500 pounds once built.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I made my flexy rack
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=283384

Still unfinished since I'm too lazy

 

[balloonshark]

YOyoYOhowsDAjello,

I read through your awesome thread and have a question. How sturdy is the rack? Is it wobbly at all with the components in place?

I need to do something with my setup but for now I have a 30" 115 pound SDTV. It would need to be with my components and 3 bookshelf speakers. Right now most everything is sitting on a coffee table.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I think it would be a bit wobbly if I made one of the standard model flexy racks, but with three interlocking stacks and only being 24 inches tall, it's very sturdy. I think one of the keys was making the holes just large enough to get the threaded rods through.

I probably have 400 pounds worth of stuff on mine right now and I'm not concerned at all about its sturdiness.

 

[balloonshark]

Thanks for your reply YOyoYOhowsDAjello! Glad to hear it's sturdy. I figured it would be but I guess if it wasn't you could install 2 metal straps in a cross pattern under a shelf or two for lateral stability. I'm thinking too much LOL.

I may have to eventually give this project a shot. I don't have a router or drill press either so it may take some time.