One of several
OK, So here it is...,
This is the smaller rack that is on the wall opposite my bar. I have two others (only bigger)
Each of the center "diamonds" will hold 5-6 cases of wine (depending on bottle size). I built the 3 of them in one day (with the help of some eager volunteers). Each board was nailed and glued in place. To keep each cube square, I made my own "T" square (5 feet long) with reference marks for positioning each board.
I started by building a 2x4 deck and screwed it into the wall studs. I then built the outer sides (floor to ceiling), top, then bottom to end up with a big "box". I then fitted each length inside the rack.
A 2X4 cleat (screwed into the wall studs) was fastened at the top of the rack with the sides of the rack screwed to the cleat. I then built a sconce to cover the cleat and encase the top of the rack. I then wired it up for a couple of soft florecent lights.
For strength, when possible, I used the longest possible lengths. The main X is made of only 3 pieces and was positioned first. In other words, the more bottles the area holds, the longer the length of board.
The rack is made out of 5/8" birch plywood. For additional strength, I used 3/4" hard wood cove molding to re-inforce each joint. I cut each piece 1 inch shy of the depth of the rack, with one end cut to a square cross cut (to butt up against the back wall, and the other (exposed) end cut to a 45 cross cut. I then applied plenty of glue and then nailed into place. This worked great since the molding fits under the bottle without actually touching it.
Over the edges, I used the pre-glued/iron on vaneer. Never used this stuff before, so I looks a little butchered. Finished the whole thing with a light birch stain, and then gave it a 2 final coats of satan antique oil.
Each bin holds only one type of wine. The type of wine is tagged with the use of the vintner's neck tags or a gold "sticky tag" (hard to see them in the picture). I place several in each bin.
Now that I look at it, it does seem rather sad (empty). I should have taken a picture in early September (when we finished botteling)
My next project is a new, built-in, entertainment center. This way I can sit in my cave a watch Sunday football, pet my dog, and Sip Wine like a MAN. (There are times that life can be great!)