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How to Build a Custom Equipment Rack With Multichannel Aluminum

Organize your equipment professionally with a custom equipment rack made from multichannel aluminum. Aluminum like this is found in sheets and has series of parallel holes through it. These holes reduce the weight of the aluminum while retaining its strength. Build your own rack for your gear using a MIG welder. MIG welders are often used to weld aluminum and they are one of the easiest types of welders to use. A rack made from multichannel aluminum is simple to handle and durable for many years of use.

Things You'll Need

Welding gloves
Welding jacket
Welding shield
Tape measure
Metal scribe
Straightedge
Square
3/4-inch-thick multichannel aluminum sheets
Ban saw
MIG welder with aluminum reel
Stud finder
Level
Drill
Drill bit set
Screw gun
4-inch wood screws

Instructions

- 1
  Measure with your tape measure the area of coverage that your equipment uses when it sits in storage. These measurements are for how deep your shelves will be. Scribe a line with your metal scribe and straightedge across your aluminum sheeting. Cut off this portion of aluminum with your ban saw. This is one shelf. Repeat this process for additional shelves until you have your desired number of shelves.
- 2
  Calculate the necessary height of your rack by measuring the height of your equipment and adding the values together. Add an extra 3/4-inch edge for each shelf and cut a piece of aluminum that is as wide as your shelves and tall enough to fit the shelves and your equipment. This is the back to your rack. It will be mounted to a wall before its use.
- 3
  Lay the back of you rack flat and vertical. Position your shelves on top of this sheet so they are on edge and spaced accordingly so they will be custom fit for your equipment. The top and bottom shelves need to be flush with the top and bottom edges of the aluminum back. The ends of each shelf need to be flush with the side edges of the aluminum back. Weld the shelves in this position with your MIG welder.
- 4
  Locate studs in the wall where you wish to hang your custom equipment rack. Position your rack against the wall and over the studs using your level to ensure the shelves are horizontal. Drill at least four holes that equal the diameter of the screws through the rack and into the studs. Screw the rack to the studs using your 4-inch screws.

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