To Dado or not to Dado

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 1:05 pm

dusty wrote:Are drums that heavy? I don't know since I have never handled one.

Bass Drums (The Big round ones strapped to the chest range from 15 - 30 pounds depending on size)
Snare Drums about 20 Pounds each including hardware
Tenor Drum (Set of 4 or 5 suspended horizontally in front of the drummer 25-40 depending drums, hardware, and arrangements)

The shelving for the tenor drums has a slightly different arrangement.

[ATTACH]10331[/ATTACH]

Based on your inputs and opinions, I'll go with a 1/8" Dado for each shelf, The top of the Bass Drum/Snare Shelf units will sit on top of the verticals.

I'll have to figure out the lateral stability. Putting a back on the entire length is not feasible as I need access to electrical outlets and switches. Would backing on just the top half of the unit do the job? Perhaps the tension wire mentioned previously.

I'll provide photos once the project is complete.

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 1:16 pm

Could you cut a hole in the back wherever there is a switch or outlet that you need access to?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 2:11 pm

terrydowning wrote:Bass Drums (The Big round ones strapped to the chest range from 15 - 30 pounds depending on size)
Snare Drums about 20 Pounds each including hardware
Tenor Drum (Set of 4 or 5 suspended horizontally in front of the drummer 25-40 depending drums, hardware, and arrangements)

The shelving for the tenor drums has a slightly different arrangement.

[ATTACH]10331[/ATTACH]

Based on your inputs and opinions, I'll go with a 1/8" Dado for each shelf, The top of the Bass Drum/Snare Shelf units will sit on top of the verticals.

I'll have to figure out the lateral stability. Putting a back on the entire length is not feasible as I need access to electrical outlets and switches. Would backing on just the top half of the unit do the job? Perhaps the tension wire mentioned previously.

I'll provide photos once the project is complete.

Putting on a "half back" would certainly improve stability over that recognized with no back.

If you chose diagonal braces on the back, I would do so with wooden braces rather than a wire. They would provide the required stability and would not stretch. You'd have to half lap the braces where they cross.

I have another self serving question necessitated by my own ignorance. Why do you need access to AC power when storing drums? Are they electrified these days? Go ahead, tell me it is to charge their cell phones.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 2:17 pm

Of course, I can always bolt them to the wall for stability

swampgator · Post by **swampgator** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 12:10 am

Or, 1/2" MDF on the lower back side will provide lateral bracing and a weight to keep the cabinet upright. Just cut out a couple of holes for the electrical acess. When I build a bookcase, I use 1/2" MDF to counterweight the height after the normal back paneling. Just my way of over building.

For shelving that is going to hold a significant load, I always dado a 1/4" in the side. Far more strength as you have the extra glueing surface, the shelf becomes part of the wall and you don't have fastener tearout. Hope to see pics of your products.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 1:22 am

Hi Terry,

Put my vote in for shallow dadoes, preferably done with a router. I have to agree with Dusty on the "half back" idea. You do not really even need to go with that much though; for stability, even a narrow strip (6") across the top will help a lot. As for preventing shelf sag, you could put a narrow strip down the middle for the full length...there are a number of ways to accomplish your desires.

dlbristol · Post by **dlbristol** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 10:52 am

I got paid to worry about this kind of thing while I was a school principal, so here is my "two bits". I would fasten these to the wall regardless of the backing. Some kid (or staff) will climb on the shelves, you don't want it to fall over. And yes they will file a suit! And yes you might be named in it!:o Usually you are not going to get in on the final battle, because you have way less money than the schools insurance does.

Thanks for helping with the school and the music program. I had a few folks liken you who were very helpful and I appreciated them a bunch.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 12:46 pm

The Shallow dadoes really did the trick! I built a jig to use my router to cut the dadoes as I was uncomfortable working with panels that size on my shopsmith Approx 30 pounds each 73" X 25". It was much easier to lay the panels on the floor, and use a straight edge jig and my router with a 3/4" carbide tipped straight bit. This also provides the added benefit of laying the panels side by side to ensure the dadoes align vertically. The prototype is done and is now the first unit of three.

4 inch strips on the back supporting the top and center shelf provide adequate lateral stiffening. Southern California is also earthquake country so these units will definitely be fastened to the wall and each other. Through the vertical members on the sides and through the lateral supports on the back.

Fortunately most high school kids don't feel the need to climb that Junior High kids do and most really appreciate and respect the work put in by parents and volunteers. As I was cleaning up my tools from the install one student kicked the shelf unit (As they do sometimes presumably to test the sturdiness of the unit) another student told him to "stop and show some respect. Parents work hard to do nice things for us" and a few other choice things I won't repeat here. Definitely a nice thing to over hear.

Anyone that has doubts about the future of our country should get involved with a local high school in any capacity. I have met some of the best people by being involved with these kids. I have never experienced a serious discipline problem and have always received respect and polite manners form all of the kids I have interacted with. Every kid I have worked with is open to guidance and advice from a caring parent (other than their own it seems) and strives to please. The future of our country is certainly as bright as these hardworking young people are wiling to make it and many of these young people are looking for polishing compound! Based on what I've seen and experienced it's bright indeed.

Thanks top all for the advice on this project. Pictures with drums on it once the project is complete.

dlbristol · Post by **dlbristol** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 10:06 pm

Glad you posted, and I am please to hear your assessment of the kids. More are like that than not. ( I'd still fasten them to the wall! Just cause I'm paranoid don't mean they ain't after me!

)
I am coaching a group that is doing things right, so we know there are two of those kinds of schools around. Bet there are lots more.