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MikeWh · 01-05-2004, 01:19 PM

Dave-- Racking is the result of not having structural integrity. It's the tendency for an upright construct (like a frame, box, etc.) to fall to one side (shear), either because it was not level or because of improper bracing. If you tried to balance a horizontal ruler on top of two upright rulers, it would probably collapse to the side. That's racking.

You are absolutely right, that it is possible to design it without the back panel; however, the forces which tend to make a cabinet rack can then only be supported through the fasteners and/or joinery. Usually, if an entire back panel isn't used, then corner bracing or selective back bracing is done. Since Andy isn't talking about removing the entire back (just a window out of it), I think it's very possible that the remaining plywood could provide enough support to prevent sheering/racking.... but it's all about the design, the quality of construction, and the weight of the stuff going into the cabinet.

Andy-- most entertainment centers have numerous access holes on the back so you can feed wires through. Since it's very difficult to move the cabinet, you've mentioned a caster idea. If it's on hardwood floors, then you should be OK. A 6-1/2 foot top-heavy cabinet (usually because the TV is up high) could be pretty rough to move on carpet.

01-05-2004, 01:19 PM	#3 of 3
MikeWh Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Local Time: 12:46 AM Local Date: 12-04-2008 Posts: 453	Dave-- Racking is the result of not having structural integrity. It's the tendency for an upright construct (like a frame, box, etc.) to fall to one side (shear), either because it was not level or because of improper bracing. If you tried to balance a horizontal ruler on top of two upright rulers, it would probably collapse to the side. That's racking. You are absolutely right, that it is possible to design it without the back panel; however, the forces which tend to make a cabinet rack can then only be supported through the fasteners and/or joinery. Usually, if an entire back panel isn't used, then corner bracing or selective back bracing is done. Since Andy isn't talking about removing the entire back (just a window out of it), I think it's very possible that the remaining plywood could provide enough support to prevent sheering/racking.... but it's all about the design, the quality of construction, and the weight of the stuff going into the cabinet. Andy-- most entertainment centers have numerous access holes on the back so you can feed wires through. Since it's very difficult to move the cabinet, you've mentioned a caster idea. If it's on hardwood floors, then you should be OK. A 6-1/2 foot top-heavy cabinet (usually because the TV is up high) could be pretty rough to move on carpet.