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How to Create a Mortar Rack

Mortar racks are used for special events that involve fireworks. They are usually a wood or plastic crate-like structure that hold a certain number of mortars. Mortar racks often hold anywhere from three to 30 mortars. The idea is that they hold the mortars so they are pointed up when the fireworks go off. Whenever fireworks are used for the 4th of July, mortar racks of some sort are being used. Mortar racks are easy to make and can be built in a matter of minutes.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure
4 pine boards, 1-by-4-by-14-inches
2 pine boards, 1-by-3-by-12-inches
Pine board, 1-by-5-by-14-inches
Screw gun
20 wood screws, 2 ½-inch
4 mortar tubes
2 sandbags, 20 lb.

Instructions

- 1
  Set two 1-by-4-by-14-inch boards on edge, parallel and 3 inches apart. Set two 12-inch boards perpendicularly between them so they are standing on their 3-inch ends and spaced 12 inches apart. Screw through the 14-inch boards and into the 12-inch boards. Use 8 screws for this task.
- 2
  Flip the set of three boards over so they are standing on the ends of the 12-inch boards. Set the last two 1-by-4-by-14-inch boards against the 12-inch boards so they are aligned and screw them to the 12-inch boards just as the first two were screwed. This is your mortar rack frame.
- 3
  Set your frame flat on top of the 1-by-5-by-14-inch board. Two of the 14-inch boards should be flush with the board underneath and the sides of the 12-inch board should be flush with the ends of the 1-by-5-by-14-inch board. Screw the 1-by-5-by-14-inch board to the frame in this position. Use 4 screws for this task.
- 4
  Set your mortars in the frame so the holes are perpendicular to the ground and place a sandbag on each side of the rack to secure it while in use.

Spectator Hobbies