Plastic rack trays???

[andy]

I've been hunting on ebay on and off for quite a while now, but with no results- so, does anyone know if plastic 19" rack trays are available anywhere? Or even aluminium?

The one I have now is steel, and with a tiny Markbass amp, a rack tuner, and a light plastic Shure wireless, that rack tray is possibly the heaviest thing in there!

And yep, I DID say aluminium!!!

[newey]

Andy-

"Aluminium" I got- the Canadians say that, too and they're only 40 miles across the lake from me.

But "rack tray" I didn't get- do you mean a pull-out shelf or a drawer? Haven't seen any plastic ones, the rackmount market is big on security so mostly buyers want heavy steel w/ locks.

Starcase makes "aluminium" drawers, 2RU sized (6 lbs vs. 14 lbs for the steel one):

www.starcase.com/2RU_alum_rack_drawer_detail.htm

BUT . . .Pricey!! Also, I don't know about international shipping. I think they also make alum. shelves, if that's what you wanted.

If it's a shelf you're after, I'd be thinking DIY and save some Pounds as well as saving some pounds. You could cannibalize the hardware off your existing one and fabricate an aluminum (as we say) piece to match.

[newey]

I double-checked the website, and no aluminum shelves- just the drawers in 2, 3 or 4RU sizes.

[andy]

Ah yes, I suppose I meant 'shelf'!

Thanks for having a look- I find it quite odd that the only ones to be found are a bit 'belt and braces' for most uses- I literally just need mine to support a super-light half-rack wireless and a couple of power supplies. 16 gauge steel seems a bit OTT for that, and given the sheer amount of cheap versions of things in the music market, I expected to find one easily.

I'm starting to think about a few DIY idea now though- I'm not sure I trust my own skills to nail it first time, but maybe a very shallow shelf at the front for the wireless and another at the rear for the power stuff...

[newey]

Andy-

There's an old saying about boats- that the one thing better than owning a boat is having a friend who owns one! Same applies to woodworking or metalworking. I don't have room for a woodshop, but I have a friend who has a fairly complete shop in his garage.

If you have a pal who's handy with metalworking, buy some materials and some beer and call him up. Or check around for a metalworking shop, you might find someone willing to make you up what you need for not too much coin: a shelf is just some cutting and bending work, and you could do the drilling of holes and mounting yourself.

[andy]

Actually, I occasionally work for a stage and set builder half an hours walk from my house. He has been most accomodating with the use of his workshop and materials in the past, and has always stepped in when I look like I'm about to melt/burn/splinter something! So the old adage holds true!

As a matter of principle though, I always try to start out thinking of something I can manage on my own, and only bring him in if needed. He's always been so helpful it seems right to make sure I'm not taking too much- even though I suspect he likes the chance to have some company and a chat!!