Project by Ron Stewart | posted 01-18-2016 10:04 PM | 1766 views | 0 times favorited | 3 comments | ![]() |
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Here are some photos of the custom plinth (base) I designed and built for my Thorens TD 166 MkII turntable a few years ago. The sides are maple with cherry accents (dowels). The base plate is 1/2” oak plywood with birch edge banding, inset by 1/4”.
I used a three-step finish. First, I used Watco danish oil to warm the maple and accentuate the little grain it has, and to darken the cherry dowels. Then I used spray shellac to build the finish and add gloss. Finally, I applied paste wax with #0000 steel wool to smooth the shellac and soften the gloss to create a smooth satin finish. I stained the edges of the base plate a very dark brown (almost black).
Around back, I added phono jacks (Dayton RCA-CHRB from Parts Express) and a binding post for the ground wire. I also routed slots for the dust cover hinges.
If you’re interested in seeing other designs I considered or in reading more about how I sculpted the sides, please see my two-part blog series for this project.
-- Ron Stewart
3 comments so far
observer100
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#1 posted 01-18-2016 10:33 PM
Very nice!
Gary
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#2 posted 01-18-2016 11:48 PM
Wow. Nice.
-- Gary, Florida
Mean_Dean
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#3 posted 01-20-2016 12:39 AM
Very nice looking turntable base! I grew up with turntables, and it’s nice to see them still getting some love!
-- Dean -- "Don't give up the ship -- fight her 'till she sinks!" Capt James Lawrence USN
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