DIY CI Storage/display racks!!

[BruceH]

Here are a couple of my attempts at skillet and lid storage/display racks. Counter-top versions. I always disliked the idea of setting pans inside pans and rummaging thru 60 pounds of skillets to find a cooker. Now they can stand proud and get the attention from passers-by they so deserve as they wait for their time to shine on the stove-top. :icon_thumbsup:


Check them out here. Any constructive criticism is appreciated.
https://plus.google.com/photos/114488297631442530263/albums/6092929928499156033

 

[Doug D.]

Album needs to be set to public viewable.

 

[JBPoole]

Very nice. Some of our members might like to purchase some.

Maybe you could take some CI in trade... :icon_thumbsup:

 

[BruceH]

The experiment is still in progress. I am looking at options to possibly include a lid rack on the back or wall end of the rack. I often use a #8 lid and would like to have it at the ready. There is surprisingly a little bit of math involved with the spacing of the dividers; dependent on the height of the CI being displayed. I am liking the 5 pan model. It does not take up a large amount of space and I rarely need a skillet of a different size than is provided unless I am at a campsite and the #20 goes to work. I think I'll just add the lid rack and be happy. My whole point was to get these CI babies out in the open so they get snatched up and used!

 

[RickC]

These look like the old Wagner displays.


I don't know if you have access to a spot welder, but currently there's a few skillet display wire racks on ebay that could be made pretty easily if you had a spot welder. ebay search "skillet display rack" The entire thing can be made out of wire like the Griswold ones.


I was recently chastised for hoarding my iron in a closet, and I wish I had the space for a few racks like yours. I don't, but the closets' right next to the kitchen, so that will have to do for now. :frown: I'm still working on having to move it into the garage because I have so much, then, a BARN!!! :razz:

 

[BruceH]

I have seen the wire racks online and while they would serve well for storage for several pieces, I was looking for something more aesthetically appealing for the counter-top for daily users. Yes, the design is based loosely on the Wagner stands I saw in the red book, just a shorter version.

Maybe I will get my little wire feed welder out and attempt a couple that I could turn out much quicker. I do, however, like the look of some old wood and wire together.

I guess there is not yet found an ideal, space saving solution to storing iron without one pan nested in another...nested....nested....I don't have a huge issue yet as I only have 70 skillets and ample storage but I certainly hope that further down the road I will have issues! I am a little OCD with the old iron.

Thanks for the tips!:icon_thumbsup:

 

[Jay E.]

Here's a different approach to "some old wood and wire together." I thought this would be a good place to share this instead of starting a new thread.

I recently made this rack from a salvaged oak forklift "sticker" (a piece of wood strapped under a load of building materials to allow a forklift to get under it).

I wanted it to look a little like an old barn timber, so I just stained the rough sawn piece of wood... no fancy finishing. I did cut the piece down a bit and removed the rabbet that was there for strapping it on the load. The finished dimensions are 2 1/8" W x 2 5/8" H x 28" L. It holds ten pieces with the spacing increasing toward the rear to allow for increasingly larger skillets. The one at the front is an old BSR Red Mountain 5S and the one at the rear is a more recent Lodge #14 with the "egg logo" and heat ring. I estimate the total weight around 65 lbs... so obviously it is properly hung from the ceiling joists.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/1009418...6106285953849955426&oid=100941803054389854755

 

[BruceD]

Looks pretty nice. I would find some dark silver/brown paint and try to age the chain and other metal hardware. I hope that is well anchored it would be a shame to have all the CI crash to the floor.

 

[Ken Davis]

Jay, That is a very nice looking system you put together. I like it. One thing, however. The hooks screwed into the ceiling appear to be the weakest point. The diameter of the shanks look pretty small. I'd swap them for something heavier and with more aggressive threads.

And don't forget to drill appropriate sized pilot holes so you don't split a joist.

 

[Jay E.]

Thanks for the comments and concerns. Although it may appear weak, I assure you it is not. Although I gather that some folks in the cast iron cookware hobby aren't the most handy craftsmen (which I find a bit counterintuitive), I am not one of them. I have plenty of experience in the building trades. In addition to cookware, I have a CI addiction of another sort... Vintage shop power tools... Mostly Craftsman. No piece in the chain and hook assembly is rated below 300 lbs, and not only are the hooks anchored into the 2 x 8 joists, they are dead center (appropriate pilot holes drilled) and the 3/8" lag hooks are about 2.5" deep. So... if you ever have any questions about how to do something like this right... Feel free to ask me. :grin:

 

[BruceH]

Looks good! I too am a fan of repurposing old wood into something different. Smart idea to find the joists to screw into for good support. I see a Griswold Iron Mountain near the back of the rack. One day my collection will be complete and will stand tall in my countertop rack. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Jay E.]

Thanks, Bruce. You have a keen eye to spot the Iron Mountain hidden in the back there. It is a #9 and cooks a fine steak... used it this past weekend.

I do have to retract my 3/8" I stated earlier. I was at work when I responded and had forgotten that I had only used 5/16" hardware... I originally considered 3/8"... but decided it was overkill when it came time to actually hang it up. The quick links that I used to attach to the hooks are rated at a mere 1,700+ lbs each... I sure hope it holds.