DIY Stereo Stand

[FrostEOne]

Designed new stereo stand, horizontals are 2 layers of ¾" quarter sawed red oak plywood faced with ¼" solid red oak.
Verticals are 1¾" turned red oak with hole through center to accommodate fasteners, see attachment detail in top right.
Chosen vertical diameter allows a sleeve of several different types of thin wall metal to be slid over as a cover.
Aluminum, stainless, brass, nickel, chrome are some of the options readily available. I'm leaning towards stainless steel.
Here's my drawing of new stereo stand and sheet layout:

https://i.postimg.cc/VvwJy139/1_Stereo_Stand.png (https://postimg.cc/1nWmwxR4)
https://i.postimg.cc/rwCWd9gp/2_Sheet_1.png (https://postimg.cc/k2GDzK0r)
https://i.postimg.cc/8CpvLrnm/3_Sheet_2.png (https://postimg.cc/tsc7j7bs)

[FrostEOne]

Shelves assembled, verticals turned, all are sanded and ready for staining.

https://i.postimg.cc/wMjCr6bK/Shelves.jpg (https://postimg.cc/gX1tXPW4)
https://i.postimg.cc/fyqGn66V/Supports.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ctY9f51W)

[FrostEOne]

Fastener List:

14 - 3/8-16 x 25mm Zinc Hex Drive Flanged Thread Insert for Wood

14 - 3/8" x 0.812" OD Low Carbon Zinc Finish Steel SAE General Purpose Flat Washer

8 - 3/8"-16 x 10" ASTM A307 Grade A Zinc Finish Hex Bolt

3 - 3/8"-16 x 3 ft ASTM A307 Gr A Zinc Plated Low Carbon Steel Threaded Rod

14 - 3/8-16 Case Hardened Zinc Plated Serrated Large Hex Flange Nut

[FrostEOne]

Fasteners and stainless steel vertical sleeves

https://i.postimg.cc/g2f7dVRm/Stereo_Stand_Parts_3.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XrkLkyQz)

[FrostEOne]

All holes drilled, under side counter bores that hide fasteners done, thread inserts installed, bottom sides have second coat of stain. Will flip all pieces and put second coat of stain on top sides next.

https://i.postimg.cc/xqrWDHQL/DSC00582.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bST61Zsv)
https://i.postimg.cc/2Sx8Gjd0/DSC00583.jpg (https://postimg.cc/BjX0Q0VF)
https://i.postimg.cc/HnJgCdy1/DSC00584.jpg (https://postimg.cc/CnVtGy7c)

[JohnJo]

Wow, great project Mark. Love the colour and grain of the red oak, looks like top quality materials you’re using there.

Also like the planning you’ve done up front, let’s you see exactly where you’re heading.

Looking forward to seeing this come together for you.

Nice garage too, UK garages are typically tiny in comparison.

[FrostEOne]

Thank you for the compliments John, I'm glad to hear you like the project. (and 28' x 22' garage as well)

[FrostEOne]

Top sides with second coat of stain, drying today and start the varnishing process tomorrow..

https://i.postimg.cc/MZRmhwf7/DSC00586.jpg (https://postimg.cc/HjYMyf2n)
https://i.postimg.cc/85vLQdcp/DSC00587.jpg (https://postimg.cc/S2yncMc3)
https://i.postimg.cc/3rCDXxDc/DSC00585.jpg (https://postimg.cc/NLFMYYD6)

[FrostEOne]

For varnish, I'm using Epifanes Clear Varnish thinned 50/50 with mineral spirits, a lot of thin coats.
https://www.epifanes.com/page/clear-finishes
Here's a pic of my stain test board, sanded it after 9 thin coats of varnish and added a 10th coat today.
I'm after a glass smooth gloss finish, just about there, think 12 coats is likely to do the job.

https://i.postimg.cc/QdMGDTn5/DSC00589.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dLgSmLFt)

[brian2957]

Cracking job Mark , I look forward to seeing your rack finished . I wish I had your skill with wood .

Oh..and very nice garage . I've always wanted one of those . I worked as a mechanic many years ago and had a Snap-on roll cab , tool box , and a full compliment of Snap-on tools . Sold them all when I left the trade a long time ago .

[JohnJo]

For varnish, I'm using Epifanes Clear Varnish thinned 50/50 with mineral spirits, a lot of thin coats.
https://www.epifanes.com/page/clear-finishes
Here's a pic of my stain test board, sanded it after 9 thin coats of varnish and added a 10th coat today.
I'm after a glass smooth gloss finish, just about there, think 12 coats is likely to do the job.

https://i.postimg.cc/QdMGDTn5/DSC00589.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dLgSmLFt)

Nice Mark, definitely starting to get that glass finish. You’ve obviously done a lot of this before. Keep ‘em coming!

[Edward]

Speaker cabs that match that beautiful finish will together qualify for art gallery standards.

Truly envious of the workmanship in this build.

[FrostEOne]

Thanks Brian, compliments always appreciated.

Wood skill? Let's just say I understand the process and have the required patience. To be honest, metal working and paint is my SOP.

The garage, here's a pic of my "attached garage from the outside https://i.postimg.cc/X7YnpxNd/DSC00552.jpg

I worked in a HP automotive machine shop out of high school, the Remline toolbox on left in shelve pics came from there, purchased highly used from them for $40 1971.
Couple Snap-On pieces in those 2 boxes but mostly of old Craftsman tools. Went on to much better paying jobs, but never lost the interest.
If you look closely, to the left of the toolboxes is the original 4.3L V6 for my 2001 S-10. The current unit under the hood is highly modified.
Good friend of mine owns a HP Machine shop, he gives me free reign there. 6 years ago I spent 3 weeks vacation time there machining and building a HP motor for the S10. Enjoyed every minute of it!

[FrostEOne]

Nice Mark, definitely starting to get that glass finish. You’ve obviously done a lot of this before. Keep ‘em coming!

Thanks JohnJo, this is my first wood project in many years, last was the lawn shed in back yard 7 years ago. Borrowed use of neighbors table saw, received the advice below regarding use of Epifanes varnish and ran with it.

Epifanes is indeed the best spar varnish ever made. And expensive :)
A tip you already might know, I always cut Epifanes with mineral spirits and apply light coats with a lint free cloth, not a brush, slowly building layer upon layer. I start a 50/50 and work up to a 80/20, always with a light scuff between coats (i use '000' steal wool and '0000' for the last few coats). Yes, it takes a lot more time, usually 8 t0 11 coats to build a deep mirror finish, but it will be smooth and any little imperfections can be scuffed out and re-applied seamlessly.
I have no idea your skill level, but applying it 'uncut' requires great skill (and most likely an apprenticeship) to achieve a seamless smooth mirror surface Faster, yes, but brush strokes and dust imperfections are the bain of spar varnish.
I always used a fresh clean cloth for each application. I liked to use a cloth (scrap cotton shirt) about 15 by 15 inch and I would fold it in half to keep it manageable. Now for vertical surfaces, watch the drips. it's self leveling in horizontal, not vertical. I have experimented with a foam brush on vertical surfaces with great results, but hand rubbed was just easier.

[FrostEOne]

Speaker cabs that match that beautiful finish will together qualify for art gallery standards.

Truly envious of the workmanship in this build.

Thank you for the fine compliments Edward, I think it comes down to good planning, great advice from those more knowledgeable, the right tools and a lot patience.

[RobbieGong]

Great work and skill - Impressive ! :thumbsup:

[FrostEOne]

Great work and skill - Impressive ! :thumbsup:

Thanks Robert, I'm glad you like my work, compliments are always welcomed here.

[FrostEOne]

A very recent suggestion from a person that did French Polishing is to "rub out" the final coat for an even flatter and shiner surface.
He advises using 1500 or 2000 wet/dry sandpaper to flatten final coat, then buff with a light compound.
I have a small auto buffer and fine compound, need to pick up the sandpaper and try this process out on the test piece.

[karma67]

that was me!:cool:

[FrostEOne]

that was me!:cool:

Yes, it sure was! Thanks again, it's tips like this that really make a project special.

[Zoidburg]

Hey Mark,

Great looking design and seems like you have the practical side of things well & truly covered as well. Gonna look stunning when fully assembled mate. I have to say I have serious garage envy as well!

[FrostEOne]

Hey Mark,

Great looking design and seems like you have the practical side of things well & truly covered as well. Gonna look stunning when fully assembled mate. I have to say I have serious garage envy as well!
Ben, thanks for the fine compliments! I received a lot of very good advice before starting this project, did some testing to verify their recommendations and my abilities. Thanks to all who contributed, their sharing of knowledge has made this possible. Having a big garage is new to me, my first home of 40 years had a small single stall garage, I'd have had to do this in the very unfinished basement there, limestone gravel floor, lot more humid and very poor lighting.

[brian2957]

Thanks Brian, compliments always appreciated.

Wood skill? Let's just say I understand the process and have the required patience. To be honest, metal working and paint is my SOP.

The garage, here's a pic of my "attached garage from the outside https://i.postimg.cc/X7YnpxNd/DSC00552.jpg

I worked in a HP automotive machine shop out of high school, the Remline toolbox on left in shelve pics came from there, purchased highly used from them for $40 1971.
Couple Snap-On pieces in those 2 boxes but mostly of old Craftsman tools. Went on to much better paying jobs, but never lost the interest.
If you look closely, to the left of the toolboxes is the original 4.3L V6 for my 2001 S-10. The current unit under the hood is highly modified.
Good friend of mine owns a HP Machine shop, he gives me free reign there. 6 years ago I spent 3 weeks vacation time there machining and building a HP motor for the S10. Enjoyed every minute of it!

You have some nice gear there Mark and access to some fantastic equipment . It's nice to be able to use your acquired skills on a friend's equipment .

The link to your picture isn't working for me . I'll have a look when I get home .

[FrostEOne]

You have some nice gear there Mark and access to some fantastic equipment . It's nice to be able to use your acquired skills on a friend's equipment .

The link to your picture isn't working for me . I'll have a look when I get home .

Brian,
I've known Mike that owns MAS Automotive since grade school, our fathers were friends. We've done a a lot of things together over the years, a truly great friend.
Here's a better garage pic, garage door is open, wasn't in first pic. Photobucket this time, other friends in GB have issues with i.posting.cc from their work networks too.

https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/o530/FrostEOne/s0/a8381e4d-cd0b-414b-9fe1-155dd8c4f990-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/FrostEOne/p/a8381e4d-cd0b-414b-9fe1-155dd8c4f990)

[Yatsushiro]

Who is A T Ruck?

[FrostEOne]

Who is A T Ruck?

Paul, try "A Truck" state doesn't allow us to use a space in personalized plates because they reserve it's use for their Std plates, which appear like this "XXX XXX"

[brian2957]

Wish you hadn't shown me that Mark , now I'm even more envious :lol:

Plenty of room , good lighting , and loads of tool storage and benches . Been a dream of mine for years . Big double garages like yours are few and far between in Scotland . They're mostly pokey little things which you can barely get a car into :)

I don't use my garage for my car , there's tools hanging up and a couple of folding work benches . Still small though :rolleyes:

Does yours have an electric door ?

[FrostEOne]

Wish you hadn't shown me that Mark , now I'm even more envious :lol:

Plenty of room , good lighting , and loads of tool storage and benches . Been a dream of mine for years . Big double garages like yours are few and far between in Scotland . They're mostly pokey little things which you can barely get a car into :)

I don't use my garage for my car , there's tools hanging up and a couple of folding work benches . Still small though :rolleyes:

Does yours have an electric door ?


Yes it has an electric garage door opener, they're quite handy in adverse weather conditions. Since the garage is under the house, it also has heat and air conditioning. Definitely my dream garage come true.

[brian2957]

Electric door and heating :eek: I would live in there :D

Seriously , I would probably spend a bit of time in there . I was a Diesel mechanic many years ago and we repaired parts rather than replaced them . Sometimes parts had to be manufactured and some engineering was involved . Just needed the right machinery .

[FrostEOne]

Electric door and heating :eek: I would live in there :D

Seriously , I would probably spend a bit of time in there . I was a Diesel mechanic many years ago and we repaired parts rather than replaced them . Sometimes parts had to be manufactured and some engineering was involved . Just needed the right machinery .

I do spend quite a bit of time in the garage when it gets below freezing outside, that's when the truck gets a lot of attention, planning to setup my solid state stereo in garage. As you can see in the garage pic, it's in pretty good shape for an '01. I give it a lot of attention, hoping it lasts another 20 years or better. Can't get a S10 here anymore, 2004 was the last year they were sold in US.

[FrostEOne]

Seriously , I would probably spend a bit of time in there . I was a Diesel mechanic many years ago and we repaired parts rather than replaced them . Sometimes parts had to be manufactured and some engineering was involved . Just needed the right machinery .
I've done a lot of machine work, we blueprinted engines. Grind the crankshaft to specified stroke and correct 90 degree positioning, (we even had a crankshaft welder, stroked crankshafts anyone?) line bore or hone main bearing saddles in block, bore and power hone cylinders, deck the block parallel to crankshaft center line, bored and bushed connecting rods for floating wrist pins (all same length as well) balanced entire rotating assembly, extensive porting and polishing head work, bored heads for replacement valve guides and valve seats. I was the engine builder there as well. Great time, sadly it just didn't pay well.

[brian2957]

We live in a throwaway world now Mark . This kind of work isn't carried out much any more . I would have loved to have worked in an engineering shop back in the old days .

[FrostEOne]

I don't purchase throwaway junk, build most of what I need/want, old school ya know.
High performance is the only place I know the functions I listed above are still performed, have to be after every bit of performance available to spend that kind of money on an engine.
Drag racers, tractor and 4WD pullers, a few boat racers, and a very few guys with fancy street cars are the only ones I know willing to spend a lot for small gains.
We're a dying breed!

Cheers, Mark B

[brian2957]

Yup , I'm sitting here looking at a Goldring Lenco GL75 which I'm maxing out mechanically . Just love the engineering which has gone into it . Sounds pretty good too :)

[FrostEOne]

Yup , I'm sitting here looking at a Goldring Lenco GL75 which I'm maxing out mechanically . Just love the engineering which has gone into it . Sounds pretty good too :)

Yamaha YP-800 here, had to clean the speed controls, lube the motor and replace the mirror that reflects the speed markings, other than that it's been going strong since I purchased it in 1976.

Gotta love the quality of old gear!

[FrostEOne]

SSD boot drive failed in my workstation Fri night, took a while to reload and configure it again.
8 thin coats of Epifanes on bottom sides and edges of shelves, starting to get the softer parts of grain filled in and leveled.
Pics likely next weekend.

[brian2957]

Looking forward to them Mark :popcorn:

[FrostEOne]

Found out something new to me today and I am totally impressed!
Noticed back when looking for 00 and 0000 steel wool local availability, that Lowes lists Scotch-Brite as steel wool.
Been thinking about that in the back of my mind since, so today I tried a piece of brown Scotch-Brite (comparable to 00 steel wool) under my sanding block.
Using it under the sanding block kept it flat, achieving way more surface contact.
Works faster than steel wool and keeps the surface much flatter as well.
Going to put the 14th coat of varnish on now, pics late today or first thing tomorrow.

[FrostEOne]

Pictures: Finish is still not totally flat yet, but very close.
Scotch-Brite on sanding block vs hand held steel wool has definitely improved the finish flatness and shine.
Hopefully a few more times through the process of Scotch-Brite, clean and recoat will get them there.

https://i.postimg.cc/D024bLFb/DSC00594.jpg (https://postimg.cc/qh5vPtNk)
https://i.postimg.cc/139PhBBF/DSC00595.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Ln0Gjzr4)

[struth]

coming up a treat.. well done

[FrostEOne]

coming up a treat.. well done

Thank you for your compliments Grant, this process is slow but very rewarding.

[JohnJo]

coming up a treat.. well done

+1

Looking great Mark, like the Scotch-Brite tip. We use it in work for cleaning up copper busbars (with bit of spray cleaner as a lubricant). Good stuff, bit of cutting power but doesn't scratch much.

[FrostEOne]

+1

Looking great Mark, like the Scotch-Brite tip. We use it in work for cleaning up copper busbars (with bit of spray cleaner as a lubricant). Good stuff, bit of cutting power but doesn't scratch much.

Thank you John, I'm using the brown scotch-brite right now, it's comparable to 00 steel wool. Will likely pick up some white for the finish coat prep, it's comparable to 0000 steel wool.

[FrostEOne]

Here's a couple finished pics at a different angle, pretty close to glass smooth, Quite happy with how these came out, going to allow them to dry a couple more days before turning them over to do top sides.

https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/o530/FrostEOne/s0/f0ad8c97-9a5d-4cb2-bdbb-75d42c4c6af1-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/FrostEOne/p/f0ad8c97-9a5d-4cb2-bdbb-75d42c4c6af1)

https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/o530/FrostEOne/s0/556c58d5-39a9-4187-9ae2-55c5c87fdca1-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/FrostEOne/p/556c58d5-39a9-4187-9ae2-55c5c87fdca1)

[karma67]

pat yourself on the back mark,a very classy job,and thats just the underside?? :eek:

[JohnJo]

:clapclapclap::drool:

[brian2957]

Beautiful work Mark . Well done .

[FrostEOne]

pat yourself on the back mark,a very classy job,and thats just the underside?? :eek:
Thanks Jamie, I did the undersides to get some experience before doing the top sides. Wood and varnish are not my norm, metal with polishing or paint are how my usual projects are done.

[FrostEOne]

Beautiful work Mark . Well done .

Thank you Brian, only took 19 coats of varnish, a lot of elbow grease and 3 weeks to get that finish. Now on to the top sides!

[FrostEOne]

:clapclapclap::drool:

Thanks John, rarely get applause these days, glad you like them.

[brian2957]

Thank you Brian, only took 19 coats of varnish, a lot of elbow grease and 3 weeks to get that finish. Now on to the top sides!

Looks like this rack will last a lifetime and maintain its looks for many many years . Well worth the effort :)

[FrostEOne]

Figured out this morning that by putting bolts in the mounting holes to act as feet, I could turn the shelves over and not have to worry about damaging the finish on the under sides. First coat of finish was just applied to top sides. Long road ahead but we're on the down hill side now. Feel good about this now that I have the experience of doing the under sides.

https://i.postimg.cc/cJV6V5Yf/DSC00607.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zLFJh7xf)

[FrostEOne]

After 6 weeks wait, my 3-Post Sound Anchor speaker stands have finally shipped. Scheduled to arrive Wed 10/24, was beginning to think I'd have the stereo stand finished before these arrived.

https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/o530/FrostEOne/0/b2c5f36a-6943-484a-9be0-c29f80e4c33b-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/FrostEOne/p/b2c5f36a-6943-484a-9be0-c29f80e4c33b)

[FrostEOne]

First stand arrived Tue, second stand arrived early Wed morning, have been listening to them for just over 6 hours so far. Pleased indeed!

There's no doubt the Yamahas now sound much tighter on quality stands with spikes. Long way forward from home made wood stands that had a butt load of contact with the floor without spikes.

Bass is so much more prominent, clarity of all frequencies has improved a lot more than I ever expected.

Had some chores top do Wed, put them all off, going to put them off again Thu too. Being single and retired has it's perks!

Been listening to CDs so far, tweaking speaker positions slightly yet. Thu the vinyl comes out.

One word description - Impressed!

https://i.postimg.cc/DyJ1trfG/DSC00613.jpg (https://postimg.cc/qzrtKC3B)

[FrostEOne]

Merry Christmas everyone! Just finished assembling the stand, it's finally done.
Well now that was an experience, 60 coats Epifanes Gloss Spar varnish on top sides, sanded w/400 between each coat to get them totally smooth.
Then 3 coats of Minwax Helmsman Gloss Oil-based Spar Urethane Varnish sanded with 800 between coats. Last coat was sprayed.
Here's a picture of it sitting in front of stereo. Will take another once it's in place with equipment on it.

https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/o530/FrostEOne/0/b899ccbb-c9ed-4509-926b-536153ca917b-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/FrostEOne/p/b899ccbb-c9ed-4509-926b-536153ca917b)

[brian2957]

Merry Christmas Mark . Beautiful work , and something to be proud of indeed :)

[Jimbo]

Nice finish.

[Hypnotist]

Just read this through and amazing work and you won't see another made as well as yours, quality of workmanship is to be commended.

[Hammer]

Very nice job:)

[FrostEOne]

Merry Christmas Mark . Beautiful work , and something to be proud of indeed :)

Thanks Brian, I am indeed proud of it!

[FrostEOne]

Nice finish.

Thanks James, it was a labor of love for sure.

[FrostEOne]

Just read this through and amazing work and you won't see another made as well as yours, quality of workmanship is to be commended.

Thanks Dave, my version of how flat pack could be built.

[FrostEOne]

Very nice job:)

Thank you Martin, I am indeed happy with the outcome.

[FrostEOne]

Here it is loaded with gear, almost a shame to cover some of that beautiful grain. Drawer at bottom left is a prototype.

https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/o530/FrostEOne/0/573cde15-2e34-41cc-afd1-1d41e9a2df05-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://beta.photobucket.com/u/FrostEOne/p/573cde15-2e34-41cc-afd1-1d41e9a2df05)

[JohnJo]

:wow:

:clapclapclap:

Looks even better fully loaded!

You must be very proud of that Mark and so you should be!

[FrostEOne]

Looks even better fully loaded!

You must be very proud of that Mark and so you should be!

Thank you John, yes I am quite pleased with the end result. Enough so that I may have to build a new album cabinet of the same design.

[RobbieGong]

Oooh la la !! :thumbsup:

[rigger67]

I've been following this thread for a while now and the final pay-off is incredible : hands down the best looking rack I've ever seen.

I bet it performs beautifully too.

Truly, a wonderful creation. Hats off to you !

[Macca]

That is some beautiful work.

[FrostEOne]

I've been following this thread for a while now and the final pay-off is incredible : hands down the best looking rack I've ever seen.

I bet it performs beautifully too.

Truly, a wonderful creation. Hats off to you !

Thank you for the fine compliments, you are correct it performs well too. Original goals included getting gear off the carpet and on the wood floor, very pleased with improvements.

[FrostEOne]

That is some beautiful work.

Thanks Martin, it was a long time coming but well worth the effort.

[FrostEOne]

Oooh la la !! :thumbsup:

Thanks Robert, I take it you approve.