Custom Turntable Build

[Dreadhead]

where do you put the CD in?

Just kidding. That looks great

[swt61]

Today I fabbed up the Walnut side pieces. They're pretty straight forward with a little arch cut into the bottom. But the have a shelf piece on the top that will stick out about 1/2" over the side, and will also cover about 3/16" of the plinth core as well, so as not to leave any gap where the Walnut side meets the Burled Maple top.

I'm not sure if that makes sense, but here's a side view drawing...



They're in clamps now, but should get installed tomorrow w/pics to follow.

But just so I don't leave you empty handed, here are some pics of the holes I milled underneath the plinth to hold the shot fill damping. I knew it would be a PITA to do once the sides were in place, so I made the decision to go ahead with them. The caps are 1/4" plywood and should hold the shot in place fine.





After I install the Walnut side pieces I'll start milling the 2" square corner pieces that will also hold the cone feet. Then the armboard will finish up the woodwork.

I've decided to try out a new finish. I'm a big fan of the DIY network's show "Woodworks" and it's host David Marks is an incredible woodworker. He gives the brand names of the finish products he uses on the website, and it's not pure Tung Oil (he says he's used these products since 1984). There are two products by the same manufacturer, one is a sealer and the other is a top coat. They are oil based finishes, but with urethane and other additives. One coat of sealer and four coats of the top coat w/0000 steel wool buffings in between. They are in transit, but should arrive early this week, and I'll let you know what I think of them.

[DigiPete]

Count me impressed !!!

Did you consider a 10" or longer tonearm?

[swt61]

Originally Posted by DigiPete

Count me impressed !!!

Did you consider a 10" or longer tonearm?

I'll be using a heavily modded Rega RB300, but building a new armboard for another tonearm would be an easy enough modification, should I ever go that route. I left plenty of room on the plinth for longer arms.

One thing I really like about my modded Rega is that with the Pete Riggle VTA mod, it's as simple as unplugging the cables and the tonearm just slides right out w/out any retaining nut. And yes I own a second modded Rega RB300 to mount a second cartridge on.

Color me the quick change artists.

Also the Walnut side pieces are out of the clamps now, and I just installed the first one. After the glue dries I'll move onto the second and so on. So I may have pics later tonight.
I'm using my biscuit joiner w/#10 biscuits. The biscuits and glue are only in the middle of the 5" pieces, so that the Walnut has room to expand and contract with the changing seasons.

[Pars]

I like that pic of the bores for the shot. Did anyone tell you that you do damn nice work?

[LFF]

That looks like it's going to be a killer turntable. Wish I had the machinery and skills to build one.

[swt61]

Originally Posted by Pars

I like that pic of the bores for the shot. Did anyone tell you that you do damn nice work?

Thanks man! Most people tell me I'm way too anal, because I carry my obsessiveness to every project I work on. I'm not the cheapest contractor on this island though, so I consider my attention to detail what sets me apart from the average Joe.

Originally Posted by LFF

That looks like it's going to be a killer turntable. Wish I had the machinery and skills to build one.

Yeah, I think a good table saw, router table and drill press is essential on this project. Most of those tools can be rented however.

[Salt Peanuts]

Looks great, Steve! Can't wait to see pics of the finished product/monstrosity.

Originally Posted by LFF

Wish I had the machinery and skills to build one.

Same here, man, same here.

[swt61]

The last side was just glued and clamped into place, so I should have some pics within a few hours time. The table will still be without the corner pillars and armboard though.

Oh and my sealer and topcoat arrived while I was toiling away in the shop, so the finishing process will start in the next few days as well.

[swt61]

Here it is with Black Walnut sides installed. The corner posts will really complete the look.

[n_maher]

That's going to be one sexy beast, Steve.

[swt61]

Thanks Nate. It is coming out as well as I'd hoped.

[n_maher]

Just looking at that Walnut you can see how it's going to explode when it gets some finish on it.

[Voltron]

Wow, even more amazing than I thought. It really is going to POP with lots of tung oil. Sweet Steve.

[guzziguy]

Yes, it looks really great. Have you ever considered doing woodworking for a living?

[swt61]

Originally Posted by n_maher

Just looking at that Walnut you can see how it's going to explode when it gets some finish on it.

It's got a lot of movement to the grain for sure, more than the pics show. That's why I thought an oil finish might be appropriate for the "Colossus".

And I love that emoticon Nate!

Originally Posted by Voltron

Wow, even more amazing than I thought. It really is going to POP with lots of tung oil. Sweet Steve.

5 coats total should do the trick.

Originally Posted by guzziguy

Yes, it looks really great. Have you ever considered doing woodworking for a living?

Hmmm, I hadn't until now.

Thanks for all the nice comments guys!

[LFF]

Originally Posted by swt61

Yeah, I think a good table saw, router table and drill press is essential on this project. Most of those tools can be rented however.

This is very true. However, with apartment living, it's tough to find the space, let alone not piss off your neighbors. Plus, since I am lacking the skills, I wouldn't even know where to start.

Hopefully in the future I can have some space.

[swt61]

I got the corner pillars milled up, sanded, glued and screwed into place today. I plugged the holes with Cherry dowel stock, but haven't cut or sanded the dowels flush yet, so no pics of that yet. Here are some pics of "Colossus" with it's pillars and feet though...











Everything is sanded to 320 grit now, and after I mill up the armboard the finishing will get underway.

[Salt Peanuts]

Damn, Steve, that thing looks friggin' amazing!

[n_maher]

Good grief, Steve!