Santa's workshop now using exotic woods

Big Red Machine · « **on:** 25 Dec 2020, 11:04 pm »

A woodworking project almost done. Picked up a Don Sachs Model 2 from Hum4God but it did not have a wooden case. So, what the heck, let's make one, and it might as well be an exotic wood.

Start with the proverbial sketch on an envelope, then a plan in my audio notebook:

Spend some quality time with your router:

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Dec 2020, 11:06 pm »

Love the Forstner bits:

Start sealing the MDF so the veneer will have a chance to stick on a very smooth surface:

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Dec 2020, 11:15 pm »

I cut 3 tops before I got it right. My bits did wander some even with pilot holes so I used one of the scrap tops as a template for the forstner bits so no more wandering. Needed a sharp edge so the veneer would not crack under an unsupported edge.

I decided on Sapele Pommele veneer and had PSA attached to make it a little more idiot proof because gluing requires more skill and preferable a vacuum bag.

I was planning to just use Polyurethane but for giggles I tried some cherry stain center and a darker stain on the right for comparison. No contest, Poly all the way.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Dec 2020, 11:21 pm »

Veneer being applied. My sequence was not as planned. Probably getting senile. I wanted all the sides on first and then the top. IN the end it didn't matter.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Dec 2020, 11:28 pm »

This Sachs case has vents and logos cut into it on all sides. It is a heck of a lot easier to drill holes than cut slots so I opted for offset vent holes on the top surface.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Dec 2020, 11:45 pm »

Final coat drying. The trick with Poly is those last 2 coats (of 5) are slathered on then wiped off with a cotton rag. Brushes just leave nagging air bubbles. A firm wipe is needed.

Should have this completed in the AM after a full night curing in the laundry room.

Don_S · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 12:07 am »

Looks wicked. Well done.

mresseguie · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 12:56 am »

Very nice.

Will you slip the metal encased Model 2 into the this 'sleeve', or will you remove the top (or bottom) plate beforehand?

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 01:47 am »

Slip right in. Custom fit all the way. Locked in with the original mounting feet and longer screws.

JakeJ · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 05:11 am »

Very nice, sir!

uncola · « **Reply #10 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 11:13 am »

No pics of the preamp installed? Veneer looks great, lots of depth

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #11 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 01:59 pm »

Quote from: uncola on 26 Dec 2020, 11:13 am

No pics of the preamp installed? Veneer looks great, lots of depth

Patience.

uncola · « **Reply #12 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 02:01 pm »

but I want it NOW

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #13 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 03:42 pm »

Looks awesome BRM!

Best,
Anand.

twitch54 · « **Reply #14 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 04:09 pm »

Love it !

hats off to those with talent !!!

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #15 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 06:37 pm »

Okay, fully dried. And I needed to take new system photos anyways with the new devices - pre, amp, and PC.

Pythons in the house!

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #16 on:** 26 Dec 2020, 06:38 pm »

Quote from: twitch54 on 26 Dec 2020, 04:09 pm

Love it !

hats off to those with talent !!!

First time doing any real veneer work. I got lucky and don't zoom in!!

I did not bookmatch the veneer because I was cheap and only bought a 24 x 24 piece.

JakeJ · « **Reply #17 on:** 27 Dec 2020, 02:10 am »

You can alway make another after the skills become more developed. It still looks good, BRM. Wish I had the time to do stuff like that.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #18 on:** 27 Dec 2020, 03:51 am »

Quote from: JakeJ on 27 Dec 2020, 02:10 am

You can alway make another after the skills become more developed. It still looks good, BRM. Wish I had the time to do stuff like that.

A couple of hours each night for about 5 days and then incessant poly coating, sanding, coating, sanding, rinse and repeat. Not too much time. Mental therapy for me.

I'm looking around the house for more veneering opportunities!

I achieved what I wanted and that was a much sexier suit for the preamp to wear.

Stercom · « **Reply #19 on:** 27 Dec 2020, 05:03 pm »

Looking good BRM! Is that a VTV Purifi amp? How you liking it with the Wilsons? What buffer does it have?