[JoshK]

There is a subtopic of the "What analog setup can you acquire for $5K?" (paraphrasing) that was about making plinths and potentially platters out of soapstone.  Ed and Rim gave me some feedback, but I thought it was worth creating a thread to discuss the topic.

I won't promise this thread will updated by me frequently, but its still worth keeping the idea documented.

So far we know that soapstone is machinable and can be cut and routered with woodworking tools. 

Here is a source suggested:
http://www.finnishsoapstone.com

Questions I have regarding soapstone include:

1) How dimensionally stable is it?  (I.e. will it expand/contract with humidity, time, other?)
2) What care needs to be taken to preserve it?
3) What are the best methods for polishing it?

[BradJudy]

Interesting, it appears that you can turn it on a lathe too, so you could be sure it's balanced.

It appears to have a density of ~0.1lbs/in^3, which is 3-4x as dense as a typical hardwood, so a platter would likely require a heavy-duty lathe for turning. 

Preserving and polishing it seems to be covered by websites that sell soapstone countertops. 

[JoshK]

I don't have a lathe yet, but it is on the further down the road acquisition list.  I was intending to use a circle jig to cut out a round piece.  The piece itself would have to be fairly consistent in density.

I'll be sure to do my research when it comes that time.  I was throwing out the questions I have yet to answer for myself.

[Mariusz]

Hi Josh

Great to hear your interest in Soapstone as the material for turntable construction.
I personally do not have the hands on experience with implementing it in any of my creation monsters but who knows.
When I have this gut feeling sensation, it usually turns out to be a hit. That's how I feel about Soapstone in turntable design.
Do not know about using it exclusively in the process but definitely in some aspect of the design.

Right on Josh & keep us posted as the idea matures and develops into a real thing.

Mariusz

[BradJudy]

The piece itself would have to be fairly consistent in density.

That's a good point.  I can tell when a piece of wood on the lathe doesn't have a constant density, but that's usually when there's a significant difference (dense knot or light bark inclusion).  I can't imagine buying a lathe just for a project like this.  I'd ask a local woodturner to do it for you. 

[Tone Depth]

If you're going to work/carve soapstone, make sure you first get a lab analysis certification that the piece is free from asbestos.  The dust seems to get just about everywhere when carving.