My super cheap component rack tower made from Ikea end tables has to go. The shelves won't be able to take the weight of the Kaiju rebuild (probably not rated even for it's current weight) and it doesn't really fit my BeePre rebuild (a last second design change put the iec inlet where a corner post is - so the BP sits kinda cockeyed).
My priorities are: (1) tied for first, strength and levelness/plumbness; (2) tied for a close 3rd, cheap and quick. Aesthetics come in 5th. I don't mind the industrial look.
I am leaning towards pipe nipples, flanges and some butcher block countertop for shelves. For the pipe, I'd prefer to go with 1" diameter, but 3/4" is a fair bit cheaper. Does anyone know or have an opinion about whether the 3/4 would be sufficient? It can obviously take the vertical load - I'm concerned about lateral stiffness at the flanges.
Any other suggestions? I'm fairly handy and have a decent tool collection, so that's not a limitation -- but I'm just not into woodworking these days ... I want something that I can slap together quickly.
MTIA, Derek
Edit: Man, when did butcher block get so expensive?