Finally got some turntables, now I need to build a table. I'd like to save some $ and build my own plus customize it a bit, so do anyone have any plans for how to build one? If not anyone know of any cheap table you can buy that will work? Thanks!

Ikea seems to be a really good place to get tables and such. If you build your own, make sure it's sturdy. I don't have any plans, just a few tips. I would suggest building shelves into the unit. And were you wanting to sink your turntables/mixer into the desk, or have them on top? Just stuff to think about.

I've seen one that somebody build themselves and it was great. the sides were kind of angled towards you so it was sort of a semi-circle and wraped around you. there were shelves underneath to hold records and stuff.

i don't know much about how to build something like that but you definitly want to build it well and make sure it sturdy.

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Originally posted by TwoPlow Ikea seems to be a really good place to get tables and such. If you build your own, make sure it's sturdy. I don't have any plans, just a few tips. I would suggest building shelves into the unit. And were you wanting to sink your turntables/mixer into the desk, or have them on top? Just stuff to think about.

Ikea uses the cheapest possible parts, I wouldn't recommend any of their stuff to build a DJ table from. I bought 2 long tables with 8 adjustable legs. 3 of them were broken when I got them out of the box. The tables are quite shaky but they do their job, they were the cheapest ones I could get...

There are probably places where they can build a customized table for you that's solid. It pays off to have a more expensive table in the long run because it will last for decades.

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Maybe not Ikea, but if you buy a table it will cost more than if you build it.
If you have basic wood/manual skills I would suggest builidng one, cos then you can make it how you want and not have to compromise on design. I did this a couple of months ago.

My recommendation, use 16mm MDF, a double thickness for the top (ie two pieces on top of each other). Using some pine, make a square frame base, attach MDF sides to outside of base, put floor over base, attach top. You should also put some shelves, it hepls with rigidity, and (vitally) make sure to put a back on it, using some thin Masonite works pretty well. This eliminates sway in the table by bracing it diagonally. If you want to make it look a bit better, you can use veneered MDF or fibreboard (make sure to use the right screws if you use fibreboard though). It will cost a bit more, but it looks a whole lot better.

Mine was a little more complicated than that, but using the same idea it looks something like this (I'll try to put some piccies up later)
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Hope that makes sense, ignore the full stops, I have shelves on either side of a large centre section in which my stereo (its a big un) sits in.
The layer at the botom is a rectangular pine frame. I actually have three frames to allow easy attachment on the inside walls, and the three seactions are attached together. The walls are just screwed onto the base.
The shelves are MDF again, using those little grubs that sit in holes for bookcase shelves.
The top is held down by L brackets attached to the walls.
I also have holes drilled into the top in which the cables for turntables and mixer drop into, meaning the cables are out of sight.

Hopefully I'll have some pics up soon, I'm internet retarded so it may take a while

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Last edited by Trance Nutter on Nov-01-2004 at 01:51

awesome nutter. if you could send me some pics to get some design ideas, that'd be great. cheers!

i was planning on getting an IKEA, just because I don't know if I can trust my craftsmanship. I found a real nice table with the perfect dimensons, but I'll have to think about it a bit more since what Mr. Mystery said is definitely true.

thanks guys and keep the responses coming! I'd like to give my techs a permanent home as soon as possible.

i bought 2 24" wide kitchen cabinets from Ikea to use as the base.

i built the console myself and it was quite simple. the top is 65" wide and sits on the 48" base to look like a T.

the console is plywood bottom and i bought some 1 x 4s and ripped them to the width i needed to make a raised frame and seperators for each of the sections. i then used carpet padding for under the TTs and speaker carpet to line the interior.

i made it deep enough for my equipment and then a section behind it with a lid for all my cabling.

i painted the whoile thing a matte finish black color, connected the console to the base and i was done.

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there are some awesome looking setups in the "dj's post pics of your setup" thread. the search button is your friend

Jay

as for some tips.. here are some ideas..

-Make sure it is high enough so you don't break your back

-Keep all the wires hidden

-have enough room to expand (room for a bigger mixer, efx unit, or a studio burner)

-shelves for records

-make sure it is sturdy

-if you ever move, you will want it to be able to come apart easy

Thats all i can think of right now.. good luck.

Jay