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

Showing 5 responses by jimbo3

Cadet- I guess Agon's system didn't like the website I refered to in the previous post. Try this- Stanalog dot com.
4yanx- How does Mesquite compare in hardness/stability to the woods you mentioned? A local guy told me that it's twice as dense as Red Oak. Could probably get a couple of pieces for next to nothing, but wouldn't waste my tome if it's not an excellent choice.

Also, from a previous post, I suppose I could drill in a few large holes in the plinth in the portion under the platter and fill with shot/sand/oil mix. I suppose that the proximity to the bearing would be good in draining it's energy??

Jim
Thanks, 4yanx. I'll probably go with one of your recommedations. You indicated that there would be a number of pieces to the plinth, but I was thinking that it would only be about two or three pieces glued&screwed together to come up with the right thickness- am I missing something?

Cadet1, I think the bearing and the arm tube are simply a press fit into the plinth. See a picture of the bearing under "accessories" at .

Jim
Smotyka- No, I'm not looking to replicate the WT plinth. THe thought was to do simple straight non-parallel cuts on about a 2" thick piece of wood. Either triangular or a 4-sided piece with the right side being only about 4" deep- just enough to handle the arm and armrest.

I don't have any woodworking equipment to speak of, so the project needs to be simple. If need be, I can find a little time on a planer.

Alot of species have been mentioned on this thread, but I wonder which would have the best characteristics for a plinth considering resonance and other such technical issues. Maybe a sandwich of ebony and rosewood might be a good combination!

Jim
Ok, I'll plead ignorance- What do the numbers such as 8/4 and 4/4 refer to?

Ed- Thanks for the West Penn website.

Jim