Peter, it doesn't have to be a fruit box, I'm sure Ian's is solid in layers. The denon plinths are usually hollow with just the top to sit the turntable in. I made thin ply templates to mark out the ply layers of mine. I only needed two different cut outs. You can have layers cut out and glued together in a rectangle with a cut out for a removeable arm board.
Sony STR 6055 Denon DP80 Stax UA-70 Shure Ultra 500 Zu omen Decca C4E currently in residence
Office system, DIY CSS fullrange speakers with aurum cantus G2 ribbons Najda dsp as dac Akai AM-U02 Jvc QL-A51 direct drive turntable
SAE1000LT leema sub. JVC Z4S cart is in the house
Garage system another Sony receiver, cassette deck and full range drivers in free air
System components are subject to change without warning and at the discretion of the owner.