Finishing The 301 Plinth

[iain]

Many years ago I got a really good deal on a vintage console which had some tube gear and a Garrard 301. The 301 had been used in someones home and not a radio station so the condition was great. The 301's are rare in the southern us. I was really excited and used it in a make shift plinth for years. Last year a friend helped me with the woodwork for this plinth which was inspired by all my favorite plinths.

9 layers of 13ply Baltic Birch which makes it 117 individual layers. It weighs 48lbs

There was lots of glue spilling out. If I could do it again I wouldn't have been so sloppy.

I was really happy with the shape. Good size and rather simple.


I'm using the Jelco 12" arm with a denon cart. Not a fan of the arm plate.


I really can't decide how to finish it... I've thought of sanding and staining lightly as it is right now. Also thought of doing a British racing green like a 60's jag finish. I've never veneered but would love some walnut. Sometimes the last bit is the hardest part of finish a project... Any thoughts or advice on finishing this out appreciated.

[Gordon Steadman]

What looks good seems to as much a matter of opinion as what sounds good. many seem to find varnished ply attractive, I don't. For me, it's just an excuse for not finishing it off properly.

I would either veneer it or spray it (or both and the ply layers usually breaks through paint. I have a TT to finish off and will be using birds eye maple. I'm waiting for the glue to be bought from the UK by special messenger (Hi Alan) Contact adhesive here is rubbish water based stuff and I'll stick with Evostick. The maple is badly wrinkled so it has to be contact adhesive.

Whatever you decide, the plinth looks sturdy and well made. You haven't said how it sounds!!

[Andy831]

I recently used simple Finishing oil on mine and I like it a lot.

Andy

[mikmas]

I really can't decide how to finish it... I've thought of sanding and staining lightly as it is right now. Also thought of doing a British racing green like a 60's jag finish. I've never veneered but would love some walnut. Sometimes the last bit is the hardest part of finish a project... Any thoughts or advice on finishing this out appreciated.

looking great - love the rounded corners.
I'm biased because I'm a huge fan of 'naked' Birch (my desktop and shelving are also plain birch ply) and would finish with several layers of polyurethane varnish sanded to a high gloss finish. The result is a beautiful honey-gold finish that makes the wood glow.
That said. Goodwood Green would make the perfect compliment to the cream of the deck (my favourite Mini Cooper colour combo...)

[Tarzan]

That looks stunning- well done mate.

[iain]

Thanks

I keep flip floping on this one.......

I found a veneer seller that will cut veneer down to size for me. Then I would only have to trim it down. I may give that a try. So far I am liking walnut and tineo.

If I mess up the veneer I'll go painted BRG lol.....

[brian2957]

There seems potential here to waste what is IMO some very nice work . If it were me I would leave well alone .

[iain]

There seems potential here to waste what is IMO some very nice work . If it were me I would leave well alone .

And that is also why I have been hesitant to finish it off.

The sides do need to be sanded down so there is abit of finishing work. That would give a clue as to how much the glue would show through on the sides.

I have friends who are experienced with veneer so I wouldn't be the one effing it up. They are good.

[Gordon Steadman]

And that is also why I have been hesitant to finish it off.

The sides do need to be sanded down so there is abit of finishing work. That would give a clue as to how much the glue would show through on the sides.

I have friends who are experienced with veneer so I wouldn't be the one effing it up. They are good.

Excellent Don't listen to them as likes it nude. Walnut sounds nice, especially if you can get some burr.

[struth]

Unless you love the layered look I would definately veneer the sides anyways. The colour is quite good on top so you may want to either do the sides the same or in a major contrast.. Maple would be good as would be American walnut or Burr walnut