DIY Consoles!

[Todd Anderson]

Have you built a unique console to house your gear?

Share it here!

 

[climber07]

I'll start with a pic of the completed media console. I will post a bunch of pics and descriptions of the build process in later posts.

 

[tripplej]

very nice build.. Very organized.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Climber, that build is top notch! I'm curious to know what kind of equipment you have to pull that off!

 

[climber07]

Climber, that build is top notch! I'm curious to know what kind of equipment you have to pull that off!

I looked for years for a media console with over 22 inches of depth for equipment and cables. I also needed shelves that would support up to 100 lb. amps and such. With practically nothing on the market of that size and strength, I set out on a quest to design and build my own.

The first step in the process was the design phase. For that I started using MS PowerPoint. That wasn't the ideal solution so I searched for another. I happened upon Sketchup. A 3D modeling tool that is extremely user friendly. After an initial period of familiarization, I began designing the console. With Sketchup, I was able to build a 3D model that could be manipulated, exploded, measured, and scaled. I highly recommend it for designing as it is free.

 

[climber07]

After many months of designing, redesigning, modifying, and contemplating build challenges, I began to price and source the tools I would need to build such a large project. Initially, I had only a few hand tools such as hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers. No power tools or woodworking equipment. The initial impetus for the tool purchase came when I promised my wife I would build her a walk-in closet system. The tools I bought to assist me were my present from her. Here's her closet I build with the help of my father, who flew out to Cali with my mother for a visit. What better than a project for father and son.



Most of the tools I purchased were from Home Depot and Lowe's. I bought mostly Rigid brand power tools due to their lifetime warranty. Here are some of the tools I purchased.



As you can see, I had to also build my own sturdy work table. 2x4s and OSB make for a super sturdy working platform. Can be easily disassembled if necessary.

 

[climber07]

The first step was to build the "carpet sliders" right into the design itself while ensuring that the support for the console could withstand hundreds of pounds of equipment. For this I glued and clamped oak boards to build the sliders.



After the glue cured, I was able to use a router to round the edges of the sliders.



After I made the sliders, I started practicing with the shelf peg jig and the pocket screw jig. Pocket screws rule!



As you can see, I used a ton of screws to ensure there would be no warping or sagging. This is the center shelf for the center speaker.



Then I practiced cutting 2" holes for the shelf vents and used soffit vent covers for the holes. Although the front and sides of the media console support are solid, I left the back of the support open to allow for airflow under the back of the console and up through the bottom shelf. This will allow airflow up through any components I have on the shelves.



Here's a sneak peak at the bottom of the console. You can see the back of the console support is open.



Here are some random intermediate build shots of drilling holes, cutting, sanding, and practice staining.

 

[climber07]

So after all of the measuring, pocket screw drilling, and hole cutting, the assembly begins.

Oh, did I mention that the circular saw that I purchased originally had a base that was not square. That made it impossible to rip the plywood with a guide. I had to buy a worm gear circular saw that was three times the price. Great saw though. Cuts through just about anything. Very powerful.



There aren't any pictures of the intermediate build process. It was nearly 110 degrees outside and I was working 14 hours a day on this thing. Here you can see the face trim. Every piece of plywood has a piece of solid oak trim glued to it to finish the edges (Except for the rear).




Here is a good view of the runners or sliders.



Edges routed and sanded smooth.


Oak trim that will be used to secure the back panels.



Working is tight spaces requires specialist tools.

 

[climber07]

The final steps were to sand all of the surfaces and stain the entire console from top to bottom. If you look closely at the first pic, you'll notice that there are no visible pocket screw holes. They have been filled with oak plugs, glued, and sanded smooth.



Ebony stain was used. Oak is a very difficult wood to stain. Especially in 110 degree heat. Lots of elbow grease was required and it took three days to properly stain. Two days to apply all of the poly. Water based poly was used for it's hardness.




Drawers faced with solid oak boards and installed with soft close drawer slides.



Once everything dried for a couple days. I moved put the rear panels on and moved the monster upstairs. YES THE SAME STAIRS THE S7201 SUBWOOFER WENT UP!!!

I also installed cooling fans from Coolerguys.com I used two of the Cabcool 1202 with LED Thermal Controller



The back of the console has room to mount power strips, component power supplies, and surge protectors.

 

[tripplej]

Wow. Very nice.. Love it! Great job! Thanks for sharing the pictures.

 

[climber07]

The real meat and potatoes are still to come. I wanted to pace myself and not flood the thread with too much at once.

 

[tripplej]

Cool. Awaiting the pictures. I especially liked the diagrams, etc. (architectural looks).

 

[GFOviedo]

Pretty nice build. You went kind of crazy with the pocket screws I see. I bought that same Ridgit table saw, and I returned it 30 min into taking it out of the box. The cast iron table was warped. The Home Depot manager let me check a few others before buying to find out that every Ridgit table saw they had in stock had a warped cast iron table.

You console looks good, but it isn't childproof lol. My 3 year old son and my 2 year niece kept turning on / off all of my equipment. They eventually damaged 3 of my monoblock Outlaw amps and the X4000 AVR. Luckily the AVR was under warranty and replaced by a X4200. I had to pay for the monoblock amps to be repaired.

I ended up building a somewhat high console out of some pinewood I had laying around. It isn't the prettiest, but now the kids can't reach my equipment.

 

[GFOviedo]

Some pics of the monster console I built. It took me longer to stain it and paint it than to put it together. Not pretty, but works. I will be building a nicer looking one soon. I've also include a pic of my son and the DUMB DOG!

 

[tripplej]

Very nice setup. Turned out very well. Congrats!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Wow. Climber... 3D rendered pre-build pictures?? Love it! That's a serious endeavor there. Great pictures!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Some pics of the monster console I built. It took me longer to stain it and paint it than to put it together. Not pretty, but works. I will be building a nicer looking one soon. I've also include a pic of my son and the DUMB DOG!

GFO... awesome console! Visually, very appealing.

What's the story with the mud picture?

 

[GFOviedo]

GFO... awesome console! Visually, very appealing.

What's the story with the mud picture?

wow....where should I start! Pretty much I cemented most of the backyard already, but left that little opening for the water lines. However, Jovani and the stupid dog (Rocco) manage to make more of a mess from that little hole than when we used to have a large area of dirt.

 

[climber07]

I would have to question your abilities as a father if your child didn't find the only mud hole in the area and make a huge mess. That pic was priceless.

 

[climber07]

Added some new pics a few posts back. Here are some completed and installed pics. Wire management is a challenge to say the least.



Old entertainment center re-purposed to the bedroom. Fits perfectly in the space provided.




More completed and fully installed pics (new pics with the new S7201 to follow soon as I have to photograph, stitch, and tone map the HDR images... time consuming):

 

[climber07]

A couple more

Here's one with some creative tone mapping applied

Here's a pano shot.

Thank you for viewing. A lot of hard work and love went into this console. I built it to be tough as nails and vibration proof. I wanted to be able to lift on the top to move the entire loaded console without worrying about anything cracking or breaking (hence the 230+ pocket screws). I'm hoping that this will be a piece of furniture that grandchildren will look at with fond memories and pride.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Climber... wow... you have quite a talent. That console is above and beyond! I'm looking for the "you're hired" button... can't seem to find it!

You gotta log that system into the AV SHOWCASE. Especially with that new PSA onboard! ;-)

 

[climber07]

Climber... wow... you have quite a talent. That console is above and beyond! I'm looking for the "you're hired" button... can't seem to find it!

You gotta log that system into the AV SHOWCASE. Especially with that new PSA onboard! ;-)

Let me get a good HDR image this weekend. Thank you for the compliment. I wish I could fully retire and build stuff. I like building PCs too.

 

[tripplej]

I agree with Todd. Gorgeous setup and build.

 

[climber07]