wood for diy shelving?

Posted by: HiFIoli on 01 June 2016

my amp is soon to be returned from class a (yayyy) and i want to make my own unit in the near future

i've looked onlne a lot but none seem to make the cuts as precise as id like leaving me to saw the over sized pieces they supply, or are way to expencive, an ebay seller has yet to reply to my questions for a quote and seems to offer a good solid wood called wych elm at a good price in similar sizes to my needs, hoping he replys as this is my best bet i think though im doubtfull as it's been almost a week

anyone in the uk know where i might be able to source what a need here looking for darker woods

thanks

Posted on: 02 June 2016 by DC71

I've been thinking of a similar project. DIY stores etc in the UK used to cut timber to size but I'm not sure if this is still the case or if they'd have nice hardwoods to choose from. 

Bamboo may be a good option as it's supposed to have very good acoustic properties. IKEA do thick bamboo table tops which could work well if you can get them cut at a shop or don't mind some sawing yourself.  You'd also need to stain it if you want it dark but the grains and finish is nice. This seems a cheaper option than solid hardwood.

Posted on: 13 June 2016 by HiFIoli

i always thoguht diy stores were priamrily mdf based woods with veneer, will need to look into this more perhaps

as fas as bamboo goes the wood is for the stereo units not speakers so wount or shoudn'lt make any difference to the acoustics, im using epos es14 with a nap90 but it's a nice wood i'll give you that ,nearly bought a coffee table out of one.

i haven't heard back at from my eaby guy so figure they cant or dont want to do this, back to the drawing board

Posted on: 14 June 2016 by Derek Wright

The local B&Q store has hardwood in various sizes, my initial thoughts were that these were for attaching legs to to make coffee tables, or to shape and polish into serving platters.

Posted on: 14 June 2016 by Mike-B

Most of the DIY stores don't have real hardwood,  the shelves are invariably laminated chipboard or MDF & the laminate is poor & probably not real wood.  That said MDF is an excellent material for this type of work,  but be sure to get a chunky thickness or add a support/reinforcing section as a 500mm length of the usual 12mm stuff will bend over time with the weight of the equipment.     I made my rack from 18mm MDF laminated with ash & the shelf front & rear edges bonded with 5mm ash.  (see my profile) 

Posted on: 18 June 2016 by ewemon
Mike-B posted:

Most of the DIY stores don't have real hardwood,  the shelves are invariably laminated chipboard or MDF & the laminate is poor & probably not real wood.  That said MDF is an excellent material for this type of work,  but be sure to get a chunky thickness or add a support/reinforcing section as a 500mm length of the usual 12mm stuff will bend over time with the weight of the equipment.     I made my rack from 18mm MDF laminated with ash & the shelf front & rear edges bonded with 5mm ash.  (see my profile) 

And an excellent job you made of it to Mike.