Should you stack your VCRs, video units?
 

Often times I see people stack players on top of each other like this:
Attachment 16410

Is this a good practice? I assume it's not, even when the units are not running, since it puts pressure on them and builds up dust between each VCR.

Well it doesnt build up dust between each VCR, it prevents it, which in itself is a good thing.

But it can also lead to overheating if ventilation is restricted. For a long term setup I try to make sure any unit on the top has no ventilation holes on the top surface, so no dust can enter, but for units underneath I insert spacers (usually wooden) so dust entry is still lessened but ventilation is not unduly restricted.

Then there's the weight of all those machines. The lowest machines in the pile may not be happy!

I don't think Lordsmurf will be too happy about one of his prized SVHS JVCs on the bottom of that lot! :D

If you have lots of equipment, buy a AV rack... Game changer.

Can you pile up some more ? I'd like you to verify a theory:D

I made a cheap DIY rack with two of these monitor stand/risers to hold 3 different types of units. They come with pieces that allow for leg height adjustment, which is handy. However, the stands don't lock into one another when stacking, and I wanted some extra space between risers, so I slid some narrow pieces of foam core board under the legs and then used black gaff tape along the sides of the entire rack to keep everything in place. All in all in, it feels sturdy and looks decent for ~$40.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NKMFM82...roduct_details

You can stack 2-3 units, but no more.

Realize you're possibly trapping heat, though others may actually absorb it.

All of the posts here are spot-on.

Never put gear in a shelf unit. You'll cause overheating issues, and ruin tapes on heated heads.

For storage I find pilaster strips with shelf clips work well in media cabinets or armoires/wardrobes. Very easy to adjust height of shelves to perfectly fit whatever you are storing. It's almost as space efficient as stacking.

Key is to allow unimpeded air flow around the unit, including behind it. Commercial/industrial/broadcast gear was often designed to be in an equipment rack which may even provide forced air flow in some cases and each unit self supported with no other gear putting weight on it. As LS notes consumer gear was likely designed around no more than one or two pieces of similar width and depth gear sitting on it. Most later model VCRs were low wattage, but gear such as PCs, amplifiers, and monitors can put out a lot of heat. Some VCRs had fans, be sure the air openings are not blocked and not facing the hot air discharge of another poece of gear.

Also some VCRs were heavy beasts the AG-19xx, Sony EV-S700, etc. I think twice of stacking them on top of light weight VCRs.