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Designing a Plinth

From a couple of other threads here, I've developed an interested in making a plinth and am wondering about material(s) and design.

Looking to make a simple, solid plinth (unsuspended) on which to place the components from a Well Tempered Classic. Many here seem to think that Cocobolo wood is one of the best materials, but what else would work equally as well or better? Perhaps Mesquite? Perhaps a sandwich of different materials?

Also, what kind of engineering (thickness, shape,etc) is needed? Do I simply cut a piece of material to taste? Non-parallel sides are supposed to be the best, but are there any other guidelines? Do I somehow isolate a separate armboard from the plinth? What kind of feet?

On the surface, this project seems easy (cut up some wood and drill a couple of holes), but what's the secret to a great plinth for this application?

Jim

jimbo3
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Jim, I have some of my own ideas with respect to grain aligning and using what I call "switch-back diagonal piecing" within the platter which I'd like to use. However, I have not fully worked out my approach, as yet.

Joe has already done one, I assume using the Teres design directions, and perhaps he can share that piecing and gluing method for an immediate project. Likely, the lead-shot weighting pattern, too.

Of the woods I mentioned, all except the Argentine LV are roughly half the cost of cocobolo.
prpixel
876 posts
 
I just checked the price of the Lignum Vitae. It's $5.80/lb and a cubic foot weighs 78lbs. So, thats $452.40 a cubic foot! Maple is about $60.00 a cubic foot for comparision. They have a little over at the local lumber supplier and I have touch it every time I stop by. Can't afford it but at least I get to hold it in my hand.

Good luck,
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Prpixel, there are may varieties of Lignum Vitae, but wow!. Where do you go that charges for wood by the pound?
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I find it interesting the fact that it is more costly to use acrylic than certain exotic woods...if there is a method to the madness of using acrylic, perhaps there is a madness to the method of using wood.

I certainly like the look of wood.
smotyka
62 posts
 
Jimbo,

I'm curious about the design of the plinth. Are you trying to model it after the WT table or come up with a different design? Also, do you have a jointer, planer to work down raw wood and also be able to glue joint smaller widths? If so, your possibilities could be real interesting. I was thinking of an Ebony Top, Rosewood middle and a Ebony bottom. I would also consider using the WT feet.

Quite a few years ago, the square motor days, a guy in the Chicago area was custom painting the tables & some looked very sharp.

Steve
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