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Designing a Plinth

From a couple of other threads here, I've developed an interested in making a plinth and am wondering about material(s) and design.

Looking to make a simple, solid plinth (unsuspended) on which to place the components from a Well Tempered Classic. Many here seem to think that Cocobolo wood is one of the best materials, but what else would work equally as well or better? Perhaps Mesquite? Perhaps a sandwich of different materials?

Also, what kind of engineering (thickness, shape,etc) is needed? Do I simply cut a piece of material to taste? Non-parallel sides are supposed to be the best, but are there any other guidelines? Do I somehow isolate a separate armboard from the plinth? What kind of feet?

On the surface, this project seems easy (cut up some wood and drill a couple of holes), but what's the secret to a great plinth for this application?

Jim

jimbo3
buscis2's avatar
buscis2
468 posts
 
Jphii, I just had to tell you, absolutely beautiful work. How does it sound? I also, am capable of creating a turntable of this quality.

My tool of choice? A checkbook.

My compliments Joe.
jimbo3 OP
304 posts
 
4yanx- How does Mesquite compare in hardness/stability to the woods you mentioned? A local guy told me that it's twice as dense as Red Oak. Could probably get a couple of pieces for next to nothing, but wouldn't waste my tome if it's not an excellent choice.

Also, from a previous post, I suppose I could drill in a few large holes in the plinth in the portion under the platter and fill with shot/sand/oil mix. I suppose that the proximity to the bearing would be good in draining it's energy??

Jim
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Jimbo3, mesquite is very hard and dense but I don't feel it passes the "stable" test. Mesquite is also brittle and, more concerning, often has inclusions or cracks within the wood that are not apparent. It is a gnarly tree so it stands to reason. But the grain is fairly straight, and since I would be piecing together a number of smaller piece were I to make a plinth, I might consider it worth a TRY if I had enough to be very selective. Bottom line, it would not make MY short list but, if cheap, all you'd be out is your time.
cadet1
50 posts
 
I've been interested in doing this with a well tempered myself, But how is the bearing mounted to the well tempered plinth?
jimbo3 OP
304 posts
 
Thanks, 4yanx. I'll probably go with one of your recommedations. You indicated that there would be a number of pieces to the plinth, but I was thinking that it would only be about two or three pieces glued&screwed together to come up with the right thickness- am I missing something?

Cadet1, I think the bearing and the arm tube are simply a press fit into the plinth. See a picture of the bearing under "accessories" at .

Jim
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