How to Make a Wooden CD Rack

Summary

In this DIY tutorial, Dene builds a simple CD rack using dressed pine and essential woodworking tools. Over the course of an hour, he demonstrates step-by-step instructions for cutting, measuring, and assembling the rack. Key steps include using a mitre saw for precise cuts, marking measurements for mitre joints, and securing pieces with clamps and screws. The video also highlights the importance of accurate measurements and smooth finishes. By the end, Dene completes a sturdy rack capable of holding up to 88 CDs, with a teaser for the next project—building a CD burner.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dene is tasked with building a simple CD rack out of dressed pine wood within an hour.
• 🛠️ The necessary tools for the project include a power drill, cordless drill, screwdriver, 15mm chisel, pencil, tape measure, set square, clamps, sandpaper, and a mitre saw.
• 📏 To start, Dene squares off the rough ends of the timber using the mitre saw before measuring and cutting 4 pieces of timber at 450mm each.
• ✂️ After measuring and cutting the pine, Dene divides the pieces into two equal halves to be used as the legs for the CD rack.
• 📐 A key step involves marking the timber at 140mm intervals and cutting mitres to lock the frame together.
• 🔨 Dene uses the mitre saw to make precise cuts, then knocks out the waste with a 15mm chisel.
• 🔧 The pieces are then gently sanded to ensure a smooth and accurate fit before being assembled into the frame.
• 📏 The four main cross pieces are tapped together, using a block to protect the timber from damage during clamping.
• 🔩 The legs are aligned and holes are pre-drilled for screws to secure them to the frame.
• 📚 After completing the assembly, Dene confirms that the CD rack is firm and ready to hold up to 88 CDs, with plans to return next week for further projects.

Q & A

What materials are needed to build the CD rack?

The materials required are dressed pine, wood glue, 45mm chipboard screws, sandpaper, and waste material to protect the timber when clamping.

What tools are essential for building the CD rack?

The essential tools include a power drill with a 4mm bit, a cordless drill, a screwdriver, a 15mm chisel, a tape measure, a set square, a mitre saw, and clamps.

How do you square the end of the timber?

To square the end of the timber, use the mitre saw. After setting it to the correct position, ensure that the cut is level and straight.

What is the purpose of using a mitre saw in this project?

The mitre saw is used to make precise cuts at specific angles, such as cutting the timber to length and creating mitre cuts to lock the frame together.

How do you mark the cuts for the mitre joints?

Measure 140mm from one end of each of the four timber pieces, then use a set square and a sharp pencil to mark across all pieces, ensuring that the cuts are accurate for the mitre joints.

What is the function of the 15mm chisel in this project?

The 15mm chisel is used to remove the waste material from the mitre cuts, ensuring the cuts are clean and fit together properly.

Why is it important to use clamps when assembling the frame?

Clamps are essential for holding the pieces of timber firmly in place while assembling the frame. This ensures that the joints stay aligned while the glue dries and the screws are inserted.

What should you do after making the mitre cuts?

After making the mitre cuts, gently sand each cut to smooth out any rough edges and check that the pieces fit together correctly.

How do you attach the legs to the main frame?

Line up each leg with the sides of the frame, mark the hole positions for the screws, pre-drill the holes, and then attach the legs securely with screws.

What is the final outcome of this project?

The final product is a simple, sturdy CD rack that can hold up to 88 CDs, made from dressed pine and assembled with precision and care.