Building a pedal board out of... ?

K2000 · #1 02-15-2008, 01:01 AM

Well I already built one pedal board out of a pine plank. The pine is nice and light, and easy to work with. But I need to build a larger board now... what other materials are there?

light
sturdy (no flex)
shatter-proof
you can drill into it (im using bike chain links, instead of velcro)

My dimensions are 23" x17" --- I don't know if I can get a piece of pine that's 18", so I thought I'd ask you guys if there are other types of woods or materials I should be looking at.

These will be my fasteners, but I think that regular bike chain links will work... if I need more, that's what I'll try...
http://www.johnnyshredfreak.com/stor...products_id=44

The pedalboard goes into a hardshell suitcase. I'd feel funny buying a pre-fab pedal board (i'm kind of a DIY type, when possible).

Suggestions?

**TheMutt** · #2 02-15-2008, 02:51 AM

I'm absolutely sure that you could get a piece of pine in whatever size you needed, but it might run on the pricey side the bigger the piece is. Personally, I've been vacillating between a) buying a larger board that is pre-built, or b) making my own and then finding a case to stick it in. If the price were cheap enough to make my own and get an ATA case to stick it in, I'd definitely go that route (pun intended I assure you!

). But I'm completely at a loss as to what material to make it out of that would be:
-lightweight
-cheap
-sturdy
-take to me sticking velcro on it, as I don't like to permanently mount my pedals. (I'm one of those people who has to re-arrange their board every once in a while...)
So... I'm totally subscribed!

Toasted · #3 02-15-2008, 03:04 AM

Plexiglass?

Jimbob Jones · #4 02-15-2008, 03:50 AM

I'm gonna use some thick plywood when I get round to building mine.

cheapbasslovin · #5 02-15-2008, 06:41 AM

I'm pretty sure that you could find some cheap ol' pine furniture that you could butcher to acquire those dimensions, even if you can't find a piece that is 17 in wide.

Maybe go look at some cutting boards. You may not be able to find the right size there either, but some cutting board material is rock solid. Hard to drill though.

Bass Below · #6 02-15-2008, 12:19 PM

Made mine out of 3/4" plywood. You can buy partial sheets at most hardware type stores.

g00eY · #7 02-15-2008, 04:30 PM

Yea, like Toasted said, you can make it out of plexiglass. There have been people on the board who have take a bigger piece of plexiglass and then simply gluing on another perpendicular piece at one end. I forget what type of glue was used, though.

**bassman314** · #8 02-15-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g00eY

Yea, like Toasted said, you can make it out of plexiglass. There have been people on the board who have take a bigger piece of plexiglass and then simply gluing on another perpendicular piece at one end. I forget what type of glue was used, though.

There are specific glues to use for plexiglas, or any acrylic material.

If you go the plexiglas route, you need to use a fairly thick piece, as a thin piece (say 1/4" - 3/8") is somewhat flexible, and prone to crack if it bends too much.

Likely, the least expensive method will be to purchase a partial piece of Plywood or pine from your local hardware store of choice.

elros · #9 02-16-2008, 06:06 AM

Aluminum?

**TheMutt** · #10 02-17-2008, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elros

Aluminum?

Ok, how do I go about making a pedalboard out of aluminum without having a metal shop at home?

Sir Edward V · #11 02-17-2008, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMutt

Ok, how do I go about making a pedalboard out of aluminum without having a metal shop at home?

having a metal shop certainly makes things easier... and lighter...

elros · #12 02-17-2008, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMutt

Ok, how do I go about making a pedalboard out of aluminum without having a metal shop at home?

Have a friend who works in a metal shop. Easier said than done, but it works for me.

Beachcoma · #13 02-17-2008, 07:15 AM

Also, keep in mind that you need to have A+ welding skillz to weld aluminium... ITS A PITA!

elros · #14 02-17-2008, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beachcoma

Also, keep in mind that you need to have A+ welding skillz to weld aluminium... ITS A PITA!

Very true. Again, it helps to have a friend who does this on a daily basis.

Flintlock · #15 02-17-2008, 12:07 PM

MDF with metal brackets and such?

Swimming Bird · #16 02-17-2008, 01:18 PM

I used Masonite for the boards I 'constructed.' A little flexy and probably not quite shatter-proof, but light and cheap as dirt.

How big a board are you looking to make?

K2000 · #17 02-17-2008, 06:32 PM

23" x17"... I already pressed forward using the pine, though.

I figured out a way to make the narrow (11") plank dimensions work for me (two boards turned sideways in the carrying case.)

selfblessed · #18 02-17-2008, 07:41 PM

Wow that is a good FX mounting idea. Now I might be able to make my backpack pedal board. Also...by screwing them down it really lowers the need to move the pedals around. And I might be able to mount my foot switch.