We investigated commerical systems that provided a wire mesh locker that would give the members more space and also allow better drying of the gear. We received quotes of $8,500 -$9,000 for a commerical system that would do what we wanted. We did not have that much money in the budget.

We went to the drawing board and devised our own system based on several of the commerical systems. After designing the system on our CAD program we contacted Galloway Bros. Of Sandusky, Ohio and they ordered the steel for use. We worked with Tim’s Custom Exhaust of Sandusky, Ohio on the tubing. Tim ordered and bent the tubing to our specs.

Once we had the materials we made some simple jigs for the repeat operations like drilling holes and welding supports. With the help of both our full-time and paid-on-call members we completed the project in less than three weeks. We sent the racks out to be power coated and mounted to the walls. Along with the mounted units two of the racks are on casters and can be removed during fund raising events. The units turned out every bit as nice as any commerical unit.