Need finishing ideas

[gumert]

I'm getting ready to tackle my next project (most likely a pair of statement monitors (http://www.geocities.com/cc00541/Statements_Monitor.html)) and I'm torn about how I should finish them.

I've already gone the vinyl laminate (http://epsilongraphics.com/img/towerbuild/062.jpg) and stained hardwood (http://epsilongraphics.com/img/computerspeakers/020.jpg) (here's another picture (http://epsilongraphics.com/img/computerspeakers/021.jpg)) routes in the past and want to try something new if possible. The links are to the outcomes of my previous, rushed projects. I plan on spending more time on whatever I end up doing next so that they will come out "right" (recessed drivers, better construction, etc).

As of right now I'm thinking about doing another hardwood front baffle because I love the real wood look and I imagine that veneering over a rounded baffle edge would be a PITA. I'm currently planning on using MDF for the sides/top/back due to cost and practicality. I wouldn't mind doing something like the woodies (http://www.parts-express.com/projectshowcase/indexn.cfm?project=woodies), only with smaller strips of wood with no gaps between them for a nice light/dark staining effect (similar to this (http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/images/4cylinder1.JPG), but in speaker form). The only problem is that I don't have a table saw (there goes uniformity between strip sizes) or a planar (so much for everything being perfectly flat). I don't really feel like making a weak attempt with my circular saw on this one, so it's pretty much out unless someone has a suggestion that doesn't involve a whole lot of skill. On a side note, does anyone know if this (http://www.roxyguitarfinish.com/gallery/clearhippie.htm) is a solid piece of wood? I want to say not given the gallery (http://www.roxyguitarfinish.com/gallery_trans.html) it's in, but I have no idea how to get the effect.

I recently discovered sunburst effects (http://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/sunburst.html) for guitars and think that they would be pretty cool applied on a speaker. However, I'm concerned that the speakers will be too dark/black. I like the contrasting colors of my current speakers (black/tan and red/black). The drivers also complement the colors fairly well. I'm worried that the combination of black woofers/tweeters and the general lack of wood in the center of the baffle due to driver cutouts will mean that I will have a little bit of color in the middle of the baffle that looks out of place because it's surrounded by a whole bunch of dark stuff.

I also discovered wood dying (http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Materials/MaterialsArticle.aspx?id=30182), which looks like it will be a lot of work, but will yield a nice result.

Here's a website (http://www.roxyguitarfinish.com/main.html) with a ton of different guitar finishing styles. I also wouldn't mind trying some thing in a more exotic color combination (http://www.roxyguitarfinish.com/gallery/greendragonburst.html), but since I plan on having sides that are MDF it has to be able to blend/contrast somewhat well with whatever I use to finish the MDF (vinyl, melamine, etc. I guess I could veneer the sides, but then the whole exotic color thing might become overkill - ie too much of a vibrant color).

I also really like the way the HOSS project (http://www.parts-express.com/projectshowcase/indexn.cfm?project=HOSS) was finished, but I have no idea how I would get such nice contrasting range of color like that.

I know I've rambled a bit, so I figure that I will simply state what I'm looking for.
1 - Input as to finishing styles. I never knew the sunburst effect existed, or that you could dye wood with such interesting looking results, until about a week ago. If anyone else has any other finishing styles that they know of please share them.
2 - Finishing techniques. A how-to similar to the one I linked to for sunbursts would be awesome. If someone would chime in and say/link to something that would give some instruction on how the HOSS project (for example) was finished that would be great. I would imagine that the stain/whatever was applied unevenly or something, but I have no idea. I'm not afraid to say that I'm a novice when it comes to wood work.
3 - Any and all general input. I'm open to everything at this point, even if it's not directly related to what I've asked.

[arlis_1957@yahoo.com]

im sure that gutair body was on solid piece of wood with the strips inlaid. would not be hard with a good router table. iron on veener will go around roundovers just fine. i have not done it but nicks rb's look great.

[brianpowers27]

I enjoy amber shellac. It is a product that both stains and seals. It can be worked with indoors and is non-toxic.http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=208964-570-704&lpage=none

BTW: I am sure that you have heard this before but just in case you haven't... Always flush mount tweeters... Woofer are optional.

I might also consider a silver paint like the finish on WOlf's Icthus. That would look nice the statement monitor's drivers.

[bobbarkto]

The HOSS is rosewood, that is the natural color and grain of the wood. Only a clear finish was used on it, no stain or dye or paint. You pay extra for wood that nice. ;)

The guitar is made of two panels. The top is a series of alternating light and dark strips of wood glued edge to edge. That piece is then glued to the thicker body. Think really thick venner.

None of the examples of alternating light / dark you link to are done by applying color to the wood. That is a very difficult process to pull off. Straight, crisp lines of translucent color and absorbent wood are antithetical. It's a whole lot easier and much more controllable to just glue a few pieces of wood together.

Dyeing wood isn't very hard. Not much different than applying stain. The article at Fine Woodworking is a good one. Follow those steps and you are good to go.

There are as many techniques and methods as there are finishers. You really are only limited by chemistry and your imagination. That boils down to dedication and $$.

[dlneubec]

I agree with Bobs comments. The HOSS was acutally all mdf with 2ply Santos Rosewood veneer from Tapeease, ordered with light and dark contrast. I think it cost me about $180 for a 4'x8' sheet back in 2007.

I used contrasting hardwood strips for the baffles in my BaSSlines, but it was solid hardwood, edge glued, backed by 1/4" hdf, no stain, with a clear high gloss poly finish. These used Makore and Hickory. The box is mdf with a 2ply veneer (of unknown type).

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/dlneubec/BaSSlines/DSCF0250.jpg