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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
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
jimbo3 OP
304 posts
 
Cadet- I guess Agon's system didn't like the website I refered to in the previous post. Try this- Stanalog dot com.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
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.
prpixel
826 posts
 
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,
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Prpixel, there are may varieties of Lignum Vitae, but wow!. Where do you go that charges for wood by the pound?
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