[78-L] Making of 78 Shelving

[Ron Fial]

This was discussed a lot in the past.  There are many good ideas.

I have two shelf units at home, each unit holding about 2500 10-inch 78s.
Each unit is about 1400 lbs loaded including the shelving. These were
used by a record store way back when.  I'll do some measurements tonight
and let you know what size wood, etc. has worked here.  Maybe post some
pictures for you.  

Also, if you have lots of 78s, consider:
 
  (1) The weight can damage you floor, crack floor joists, etc.  We are
      talking about serious weight here.  Upstairs put this near 
      a wall that also continues its studs downstairs to the ground.
      A hundred 10-inch 78s weigh about 50 lbs.

  (2) Safety:  This shelf must not fall over, even if kids try to climb
      it, and even in an earthquake.  If it does, it could be fatal,
      and it may go through your floor to the next level.  My two units
      are in the ground-level garage on a concrete floor, because my 
      upstairs can not take it, its like four full-size upright pianos
      in the same place.

Regards,  Ron Fial

________you wrote_______________________________
Hello,

Just inquiring whether other members have made their own 78 shelving, as 
currently I am using steel shelving which is functional however not the 
best solution for my needs. Reason being the spacers required when 
dealing with 78's.

Are there any particular recommendations for the gap between spacers, 
i.e. whether 6in is a good guide, and a certain kick board height, such 
as 4in for such at the bottom of the shelf - mind you with increasing 
age, the difficulty is reaching down & getting back up?

I have no experience in creating shelving, so would appreciate any help 
in selecting the wood thickness for both shelf as well as spacers?  I'm 
thinking of a height around 6ft, with gap of 10-1/2in per shelf for 
housing the 78's with a 6in spacing for Dado joints - if better sizing 
would like to know?

Thanks in advance,

Gary