4" mortar rack question

[Bigjohnson]

Hey guys who have built their own 4" racks what do you use for the bottom/sides? Did you rip a 2x6 down or is it good the way it is seeing as it's only 5.5". I know the OD of the 4 is 4.5". Or is the .5" to much play?

[rppyro]

You can take a 2x10, which is only 9 1/4 inches, and rip it into two pieces that are almost perfect width and you will not have any waste. I just looked on Lowes website and a 2x10 12 feet long is $13.19. A 2x6 12 feet long is $7.71. You would need two of the 2x6's to make the same number as just one 2x10. That would equal $15.42, which is $2.23 more. So it would be easier and cheaper to use the 2x10.

Plus your math isn't exactly right. 5.5inches (board width) - 4.5inches (o.d of the mortar pipe) = 1 full inch, too much play for my liking. However, you could place a one inch thick board on the inside to fill up the empty space.

Three years ago my dad and I built dozens of racks from 1.75 to 6 inches, so I have some experience with this. Trial and error can be costly and time consuming, so we tried to figure up the best ways to utilize the lumber. Hopefully I helped you.

[Bigjohnson]

I meant .5 on each side of the tube. I should been more specific. Guess this is an excuse to buy a table saw haha.

[ADVANCEDPYRO]

I used to build my own racks but after you sit down and figure out the total cost and the equipment required to build them, I find it way easier and at the fair price I now pay for them I just submit my order to the builder in Wisconsin I use and then I go pick them up.

How many are you wanting to build.

[Bigjohnson]

I do a decent amount of carpentry work so I have all the tools. It costs me maybe 10 bucks to build my 3" racks plus $50 for the tubes. So at $60 with tubes I don't think I will find a better deal. Plus I enjoy building stuff

[Northern Sky]

When using spacers it's crazy how much is spent just on screws and glue.

[ADVANCEDPYRO]

When using spacers it's crazy how much is spent just on screws and glue.

That's correct northern sky. All the racks I have made from 1.75 up to 6 inch have spacers and are only made with pine boards, I use absolutely no plywood, spaced-screwed and glued.

[RalphieJ]

That's correct northern sky. All the racks I have made from 1.75 up to 6 inch have spacers and are only made with pine boards, I use absolutely no plywood, spaced-screwed and glued.

Old school. I like that.

[ADVANCEDPYRO]

Old school. I like that.


Thanks, RalphieJ

[Bigjohnson]

Didn't space my 3s. I see mixed review on that. For 4s and up I will definitely space them. I use finish nails and screws. Didn't use glue