I've talked about making one some time ago, somewhere posted in a thread on the forum. Anyway, it's time to get to it I guess, beginning next week.
Anyone here ever make one? I'm not looking for plans, just curious. There's really nothing to them and fact be known real cheap to buy one if one is inclined. But, in this area old conventions seem to be lost for convenience and laziness. ;) So you make your own I guess. :D
You have some lumber to dry? Whatcha got?
Or for the firewood in the basement?
Outside clothe line freezing your britches ???
The wood in the basement couldn't be any dryer from a kiln. You don't understand how dry wood can get in a heated basement. :D
Marcel is on the right track, I tore one them down though. But a 'clothes' drying rack is a lot more handy and portable. ;D Plus I don't have to shovel snow and stuff takes a long time to dry when it's frozen solid. :D
It'd be worthwhile looking at Shaker and Amish sources as they've been air drying forever.
Our washer/dryer is in the basement that has a fairly low ceiling. I nailed up some surplus molding stock across the joists, about 6"s apart, in a couple of areas. Good for hanging.
I've have found out over the years that basement hung clothes and linens takes on the smell of concrete. ;)
There's a thing called a dehumidifier , Bill.......... it can make all the difference. ;D ;D
Might as well just use a clothes dryer. :D
All kidding aside, I really need a rack.
Here's an idea that could be a hit......and it comes from the weaving world too, so it's right up your alley.
Using 1" hardwood stock (stickers??), a 6-7' oversize dowel , a couple of turnings, and build a giant SWIFT!
It would need some kind of stable base, be it a plug in, weighted unit or fold-out bracing. But raised into position , you could have a 6' to 10' circular rack for your drying! Go crazy and figure out a motor and gear to have it spin slowly to improve drying. Maybe a solar motor too! How green can you get!
Actually, LeeValley has one for $219 and am considering it for summer use outside. Make a cement form for the sleeve, and your in business. I see they sell a ground screw to. But, those kinds of devices in my experience are not deep or rigid enough to support wind forces in essentially a big cloth sale.
Item #01S17.55
I cannot beat that price. ;D
I have begun cutting the dowel now for the rack, got all the stock ready and have turned 4 - 65" dowels already. 17 more to go. Gotta love that dowel maker. :) 8)
So are you thinking swift, umbrella, or scissor style of rack??
Interested craftsmen want to know! ;D ;D
Scissor, but not the conventional style. And bigger, bigger is my motto. :D
Put a pic of that dowel whittler ya got there on here... If you have one. .... Please! ;D
You know where I shop. 8) ;D :D
I did cut the rest of the dowels this afternoon.
This video I made last winter Marcel in my Loom thread.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bepcx-ioLUU
Some progress:
Some dowels and end pieces.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11009/SD_Dry-rack1.jpg)
The first scissor joint up top and cross dowels.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11009/SD_Dry-rack3.jpg)
Now fitting the two halves with five more scissor joints below.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11009/SD_Dry-rack4.jpg)
Three more joints above.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11009/SD_Dry-rack5.jpg)
Top rack:
Added the dowels for the top rack.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11009/SD_Dry-rack6.jpg)
What needs doing is making a couple pieces with a hook shape cut at one end and slide the other end of each onto the dowel below to bring the top down flat and secure the whole structure. There is lots of freedom of movement to be able to hook onto that middle dowel up top and do the trick. ;D
So you already had your mind made up, eh Bill! :D :D ;D
You know, I think there's a 12-step program for dowelaholics. :o :o Just kidding. The rack looks real nice!
So, no finish to avoid transfer? Concerns about bowing under weight? How about some wheels to roll it outside and orient a loaded rack to the shallow sun you get up there? 8)
Too stubborn to turn back. Scotch blood. ;D
Yes, wheels. Was figuring on a set from Lee Valley, might find something local though.
I have not made everything permanent yet, before I load her up. Might need to shorten the dowels a little, we'll see. Roxie won't let me showcase my Stanfields though, she has the power now behind her mouse clicks. :D
No finish, I've seen them and there are a couple around that were never finished. But you know, there is always the urge to apply something. ;D
That thing looks like that it could walk on Mars :D.
Good deal!
My version of the Star Wars desert walker. :D
Added the braces this morning.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11009/SD_Dry-rack7.jpg)
Now on to sanding the end pieces. :)
Looks a little lightweight for drying 8/4 X 12 X 10ft slabs. ;D ;D ;D
Rip'm on a table saw to 3/16" thick, cut'm in two. ;D Sell'm for warp and lease sticks after they dry good. :D
When folded. ;D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11009/SD_Dry-rack8.jpg)
How many thousand pounds is it rated at? ;D
Must be at least a couple, eh? :D
I'd think so, if the grain is straight and properly aligned.
That's one very nice dowel display holder. :D
All joking aside it is very nice. Have you thought about turning some wooden wheels for it? I have this condition called cheapitis and I have a hard time paying for something I think I could make. :)
Quote from: Jemclimber on February 27, 2013, 03:37:57 PM
That's one very nice dowel display holder. :D
All joking aside it is very nice. Have you thought about turning some wooden wheels for it? I have this condition called cheapitis and I have a hard time paying for something I think I could make. :)
You too?
Them things are pricey to buy, Between isawlogs building toboggans and you building drying racks you guys are going to make a million. :D A heated basement is where my clothes go. Right in front of the heat exchanger. I think it works as fast as the dryer that we have not used all winter. We also have the ones that fold up against a wall and you hang your clothes on them and push them up to the ceiling.
Quote from: Jemclimber on February 27, 2013, 03:37:57 PM
I have this condition called cheapitis and I have a hard time paying for something I think I could make. :)
It's a terrible affliction. 8) it seems to hurt someone other than the afflicted. :D
I think that I will stick to trying to dry wood :).
Never know. One day my grandmother said she was done. That meant cook'n and clean'n. Someone else's turn. :D