Designing a Plinth

Jimbo, I have been sitting back with great interest reading this thread as it has progressed. There have been some great contributions. I was impressed by the workmanship entailed in Jphii's turntable.

Last evening, I stumbled across the website I have provided below. I have never seen such a complete and diverse offering in terms of wood selections and pricing. Maybe that it is simply due to my lack of knowledge and exposure in this subject. Although, I found the "Musical Grade Hardwoods" section particularly interesting.

Hopefully it will provide some additional info for everyone involved. Ed.

http://westpennhardwoods.com/default.htm

Prpixel, I only provided the descriptions of woods that I found in a catalog after giving my own description previously and as an alternative the description you gave of Mara which looked for all the world like a cut and paste. Yes, the descriptions of some woods (not unlike audio components) can be deceiving depending on what the marketer is trying to market.

Having worked in or around a wood shop for 40 years, I knew EXACLTY what you meant by "tear out", I just didn't find it the serious problem that you did with regard to Quina. In retrospect, though, it is probably not the wood I'd suggest to someone who has not used it in more than a few projects or to someone who does not have at least some commercial-grade machines, like a shaper and joiner.

I like the look of the Argentine LV better myself. At the $9.00 I was paying (my guy says $8 today), it isn't badly price. At the $15 you said you're paying, I'd maybe think twice.

Jim, an ebony/rosewood combo would be beautiful. Because I am just getting into this with respect to plinths (not sure I want to go with wood for a platter just yet) I apologize for not being able to offer better suggestions visa vis resonance issues. I know what would sound good and the differences between many woods for musical instruments, but a good number of those would not offer the best properties for a plinth. Since Teres is one of the first companies to offer wood platters and plinths on the market (at least to the degree they use wood) perhaps they have done a comparison of numerous woods and would share the results of those that they reject and why. But then, what sounds good to some might not be the choice of others. In the end, I think the field is very open with respect to what wood is the best combination of looks, performance, and workability. Hopefully, more than a few of us will give it a try and report our impressions. In time, I will certainly do so.

8/4 cocobolo, Joe (he said slobbering at the thought)?

Ok, I'll plead ignorance- What do the numbers such as 8/4 and 4/4 refer to?

Ed- Thanks for the West Penn website.

Jim

Joe, let me ask you this. How did you establish the outer circumference of your platter? Were I to make one, I was considering attaching stock to top and bottom and turning it on the lathe. A shaper and jig might work. Of course, a band saw and shaper is the usual choice for non-critical stuff but I am thinking that the circumference should be pretty damn consistent to achieve rotational stability. What have you found in this regard?

Jim, the dimension is based on 1/4" thicknesses. 3/4 = 3/4", 4/4 = 1", 6/4 = 1 1/2".....Joe's mention of 8/4 cocobolo is 2 inches thick.

The West Penn site is interesting. There are MANY sites offering exotic hardwoods these days, some more reputable than others. In the end, most all are very good places to go look at pictures of different woods and to learn of some their characteristics. However, it is always best to find a dealer locally if at all possible. That way you can go take a look and decide for yourself with some expert advice many dealers can provide. Plus, the shipping costs for more than just a small amount of wood can be STEEP. I know of quite a few folks in the business of using exotic woods. Depending on where you are located, I might be able to offer a suggestion or two. IMHO, it is worth a couple hours drive if it means being able to select just the right piece or, perhaps more importantly, have the ability to reject a piece without the hassles and expense of returns.