Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

[bpmoose]

Based on the well known design: https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/sprite

I used 1/2" and 3/4" poplar, stained with wine then a solution of steel wool and vinegar. Finished with tung oil. Its a totally green finish, which is ideal considering this was built in my kitchen with family around. I used the dta-2 amp https://www.parts-express.com/dayton...odule--300-385

Its a gift for my parents, so I tried to keep everything fairly simple. I used a 3pdt to switch between two different 3.5mm inputs. Thanks Paul for the great design! Its an unbelievable sound and I think I need to make more.

[Derekj]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

I like the look of the poplar - nice job!

[[email protected]]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

I didn't know Poplar could look that good. They'll love them.
Any pics of the insides?

[fixthedoor]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

I didn't know Poplar could look that good...

+1

I really like how these came out. Good work.

[Eternal Student]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

Did you change the internal dimensions at all? If so, what are they. It looks good.

[bpmoose]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

Did you change the internal dimensions at all? If so, what are they. It looks good.

internal dimensions are 4"w x 10.5"h x 6.5" d. In a separate thread, Paul said it was safe to deviate as much as 10% from the specified dimensions, especially with a project like the sprite. My internal volume is about .158 cuft, minus the driver, port, and internal components, its not too far off the 0.141 cuft (4 liters) from Paul's original design.

I didn't know Poplar could look that good. They'll love them.
Any pics of the insides?

See attached. They are prettier from the outside...God bless super glue

[lowpolyjoe]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

Great looking cabinets

[tc]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

I must apologize first......I came in to look when I saw "stained Poplar". I was imagining a train wreck, thinking to myself what a bitch Poplar is to look good.

A tip of my hat to you sir. That ended up being a fantastic finish job. Just beautiful work.

[Paul Carmody]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

They look great. I really like how clean the inputs look.

[Saltine]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

I used 1/2" and 3/4" poplar, stained with wine then a solution of steel wool and vinegar. Finished with tung oil.

Was the poplar more gray or green in the grain? I really like the looks of the finish, but all my board is more on the green side.

[bpmoose]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

Was the poplar more gray or green in the grain? I really like the looks of the finish, but all my board is more on the green side.

Mine was green and purple, actually. I think over time the wood will turn grey on its own, but the combination of stains I used masked the color completely.

[knowledgebass]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

I'm building the Sprite out of poplar too. What type of wine did you use? I've built with poplar in the past and wasn't excited about the finish. I plan on at least using the steel wool/vinegar mix, but if using wine helps it look even better, I'll go that route too.
Thanks,
Mike

Use a red wine. The tannins in the wine react with the pickling mixture (aka the vinegar and steel wool solution) to 'age' the wood. You would wipe woods low in tannins with wine (or tea) if you were looking to increase the effect of the picking mixture. Not sure whether poplar is high in tannins or not.

Here's an article discussing wood pickling with more info on the how's and the why's and where my information is from.

[BusterIrvine]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

Really nice work.

[bpmoose]

Re: Sprite build as separates in stained poplar

Use a red wine. The tannins in the wine react with the pickling mixture (aka the vinegar and steel wool solution) to 'age' the wood. You would wipe woods low in tannins with wine (or tea) if you were looking to increase the effect of the picking mixture. Not sure whether poplar is high in tannins or not.

Here's an article discussing wood pickling with more info on the how's and the why's and where my information is from.

this is a great resource, thanks for the post! I had found pages on this method of staining wood, but nothing with this sort of description. you really can pickle anything! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYey8ntlK_E