MOTM

> I recently got two pair of 21U rack rails as I plan to move my growing
MOTM 
> in to a Moog 35 style cabinet. I'm not sure whether I'll go fine wood or 
> plywood/Tolex. This will probably take me several weeks to plan and
build, 
> but I thought I'd ask for general comments from those who have already
built 
> your own cabinets -- basic things you've learned now that you've done it,
as 
> well as a few specific questions:

Well, I have not built yet, BUT, I have been thinking about it quite a bit.
 Since you have the rack rails, that is a great way to go.  Paul mentioned
to me some small brass inserts that could be put directly into wood that
could be used too.  However, the rack rails should be much easier.
 
> 1) Did anything ever become of those plastic washers for 1/4" jacks?

Not as far as I know.  However, I think I know a decent way to make
something similar.  One could take colored paper and run it through one of
those laminators (we have one at work).  One sheet would give plenty of
material for several washers of that color.  The trick would be cutting
them neatly.  I was wondering if there might be some kind of punch. 
However, I think a little care could produce good results with plain old
scissors.

> 2) I was thinking of having a couple of metal strips manufactured which
could 
> be used as a buss/multiple system that would distribute the signal across
the 
> length of the rack rails (similar to Larry's suggestion a month or so
back) 
> -- has anyone tried this?

I'm still thinking about this.  However, I am still JUST thinking.

> 3) If I don't do the buss thing, I might like to mount the middle two
rack 
> rails together so that there is no strip of wood separating the top row
of 
> modules from the bottom. Has anyone else done this? I've thought about
using 
> simple "L" brackets to mount the rails to the sides of the cabinet -- I'm

> hoping it would be strong enough(?)

Once you bolt the two rack rails together (assuming they are "L" shaped)
you will have a "T" shape.  That should be quite strong, and would get
stronger with the modules installed.  However, here is an idea I was
planning to check out.  At my local hardware store, they sell aluminum flat
bar and "L" shaped pieces 8 foot long.  I used the flatbar to make my end
caps.  I am almost certain that they make that stuff in channel too (you
know a square "U" shape).  A one inch wide channel would be great.  The two
rails (in the center) could be bolted to either side of the channel and
recessed so the front of the channel was flush with the front of the
modules.  This one inch wide channel could be used for a variety of things
including the bus across feature we discussed some time ago.  And, there
would be no question about strength with this arrangement.  I'll see if I
can find the channel and report back.

> 4) Anything else I should think about?????

Sure.  What are you going to do when your 42 space cabinet is no longer big
enough for MOTM.  HAHAHA...

I think this is another great discussion topic.  I'm looking forward to
hearing from others in the group on the subject.  And, I plan on building
mine to have a wood finish.  I just HATE tolex on anything other than
guitar amps.

Later,
Larry