Trump Tower build

[PassingInterest]

Thanks for all the extra effort, Don!

[mattp]

I'm still trying to figure out the name reference. Are you going to gild the cabinets and stuff them with excrement or something, i.e. turn them into some performance art piece?

I'm not sure why you think this is OK to post but consider yourself warned.

[donradick]

I'm not sure why you think this is OK to post but consider yourself warned.

Thanks Matt!

[PassingInterest]

Thanks, Matt!

[PassingInterest]

I clamped half of a panel at a time.

Tip for beginners: Rather than clamping both ends then the middle, etc. It is easier to get all the work pieces aligned if you start at one end, then work your way down toward the other. I clamped downward for alignment, then placed a clamp very close to the caul and clamped the strips together. Then, moved the caul and did it again - always clamping close to the caul.




Two halves clamped.




I now have four Mahogany side panels ready for the router template.

[Kevin K.]

Do you use biscuits or dowels or do you find them unnecessary when using the cauls?

[PassingInterest]

Do you use biscuits or dowels or do you find them unnecessary when using the cauls?

I often use biscuits, but I didn't this time. In addition to helping with board alignment, biscuits also strengthen a joint. Since these panels will be glued to the cabinets, I didn't think I needed the extra strength from the biscuits. And yes, you are right - the clamping cauls took care of the alignment for me, so again, biscuits were unnecessary.

[donradick]

Thanks again for some great assembly tips.
I never thought about sliding the caul down the length, clamping as I go.

But I always thought that a good caul needed to be on both sides.
What is under that caul that you are clamping to?

[PassingInterest]

What is under that caul that you are clamping to?

The workbench. I placed waxed paper on the workbench. Clamping to it was only temporary, as I kept moving the caul to the next clamping position. I also placed waxed paper under the caul itself. Once all the strips were clamped together, I moved the half-panel off the workbench and started on the next piece.

[PassingInterest]

Fade to black.




Mahogany bases to go under the pair of speakers.




Mahogany side panels for one speaker pair. No stains or tints have been used. Not yet, anyway. I might darken them just a little later. Maybe.

[donradick]

Wow, those mahogany boards look beautiful!
they are going to make the whole visual impression pop.

[PassingInterest]

Thanks, Don!

One of my wife's friends has a daughter who is getting married very soon. I was asked to make this for the occasion. The Cross is Walnut, as is the G, on an Oak plywood backing, surrounded by a Mahogany frame. I cut a Keyhole Slot in the back to facilitate hanging it on a wall.

[ani_101]

very nice, the contrast between the the two woods is strking alongwith that gloss finish.... band saw for cutting out the G?

[PassingInterest]

very nice, the contrast between the the two woods is strking alongwith that gloss finish.... band saw for cutting out the G?

Thanks, ani_101! Yes, I used the band saw to cut out the G, then did some smoothing on the bench top belt/spindle sander.

[Kevin K.]

Dan, I'm looking at that last photo and the reflection of the "G" is pretty impressive. Could you share your process and finishing materials for the sidewalls? Also, did you polish them? Thanks.