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6 Shot Mortar Rack Construction
Materials:
| 1 - 7 1/4" x 5 1/2" Plywood (3/4") 2 - 15 5/8" x 5 1/2" Plywood (3/4") 2 - 1x4 8 5/8" Long 2 - 1x3 8 5/8" Long 1 - 1x3 7 1/4" Long 28 - 1 5/8" Screws 20 - 15" HDPE mortars w/ Plug 4 - 3/4" Brass Brackets 8 - 1" Screws |
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| The first step in building your 6 shot rack is cutting the plywood to the desired size. The measurements are the exact size please add the diameter of the bade to the size. These racks are built to hold the mortar tightly together, failing to properly cut the wood will result in not have the mortars fit properly. |
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First you need to mark 1/2" in from the short edge, 2" on the shorter ends of the 1x4 , this will make sure that ends and the base are firmly attached. Make sure to pre-drill all holes for the screws. Drill 2 holes on the long side of 1x4, 1/2" from the bottom, and in 2 1/2" from each short edge on the side that will be the bottom. This will make sure that base is firmly attached to the side. It helps if you have a vice for the next step. Grab the 7 1/4" x 5 1/2" board, line up each side with the marks and proceed to drill in the screws., repeat for the other side.
3. Attaching the End Pieces| Measure on the short end of the 15 5/8" x 5 1/2", 2 3/4" in from the side, and 1/2" from the bottom and 2 holes on the other side of the board 1/2" and 3/4" from the top. Dill these holes on both pieces of plywood that are this size. Rotate the base assemble in the vice so that it is easy to get access to one of the sides of the rack. Line up the first side with the base and bottom sides. Drill in the screw on the bottom and 2 sides of the end piece. Repeat for the other side. Note in the picture the piece of wood that will be used for the center beam is helping us guide the sides to make sure that we have the proper alignment. |
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| Measure 2 spots a 1/2" from the long edge on both ends of the board. Pre-drill the holes and attach to the top side of the plywood end piece. Place the shorter 1x3 in the middle so that it is lined up with the hole that were drilled earlier. Attach 1 5/8" screws. Note in the picture I am using two plugged mortars to help make sure that the dividing piece in the proper location. |
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| This is where you place all the tubes that are for the rack in place. With a drill, drill a hole wherever the center of one of mortars would be. And screw in each mortar so that it is nice and secure. |
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You are going to need to brackets for each end of the rack. The bottom bracket attaches in the center at the very base of the rack. Use the 1" screws for the brackets. To help with alignment I recommend inserts a 3/4 oak dowel or metal bar to make sure you have proper alignment for the top bracket. The top bracket should be fixed even with the bottom of the upper guide rails.
Now this rack is complete. If you want experiment with the number of tubes and different angles.