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
I've been interested in doing this with a well tempered myself, But how is the bearing mounted to the well tempered plinth?
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
Cadet- I guess Agon's system didn't like the website I refered to in the previous post. Try this- Stanalog dot com.
Jim, I have some of my own ideas with respect to grain aligning and using what I call "switch-back diagonal piecing" within the platter which I'd like to use. However, I have not fully worked out my approach, as yet.

Joe has already done one, I assume using the Teres design directions, and perhaps he can share that piecing and gluing method for an immediate project. Likely, the lead-shot weighting pattern, too.

Of the woods I mentioned, all except the Argentine LV are roughly half the cost of cocobolo.
I just checked the price of the Lignum Vitae. It's $5.80/lb and a cubic foot weighs 78lbs. So, thats $452.40 a cubic foot! Maple is about $60.00 a cubic foot for comparision. They have a little over at the local lumber supplier and I have touch it every time I stop by. Can't afford it but at least I get to hold it in my hand.

Good luck,