tk49

Poplar, being a soft even grained wood, if sanded smooth like to 230 grit, will take a water or oil base stain well. I see your stands have both light and dark grain, the stain will mute that some but you will still see the difference. I haven't worked with the stain and poly all in one so I can't speak for it. If possible, I would test sample on the back.

I have the Sonos Connect feeding my living room system. Turn it on in the morning and listen all day. Never touch a cd and find Pandora a great way to hear new music. I have found it to be a good way to manage my music collection and non serious listening. Would like to get another Connect feed the deck system.

Good point Bruce, I found I had to custom fit each brace. Placing the pattern on card stock or card board and then cut a bit oversize helps find the proper fit for each opening. Keep in mind the sides of the dog house and the sides of the bass bin may not be parallel. Tom

Can you post a PDF of them? The pattern is too big for me to scan and I never made a technical drawing, I'm rather IT challenged. But I'll look into it next week when I get back from my spring fishing trip. t

PM me with address's and I will send paper patterns.

I agree with the bracing method, did it on my LS's and heard the difference. If your set on wrapping, use the plywood, the solid stock will be a nightmare keeping it flat and you're right the solid stock will move at a greater rate than the ply. I still have my patterns for the bracing and would be happy to make paper copies and mail them to you. Tom

Sounds like either you're leaving the finish on too long, which will allow it to tack up, before wiping clean, or you cabinet surface is too rough and snagging the fine fibers

Good article Moray, I agree with staying away from the oil/varnish finishes with steel wool, though the 0000 works well in between coats if you're using shellac. I like to use the Watco an 1200 wet/dry and creat a slurry as the final application before going to the Watco satin wax, but only if you want a glassy finish. Another great product is Sam Maloofs Oil and wax finish, I believe it a combination of tung oil, boiled linseed oil and shredded bees wax, but don't quote me, it leave a great natural finish. Down side is dry time, but it worth the wait. All of the finish talk is moot if you don't use proper sanding techniques before appling finish though. t

Most stains will blend the differences in the grain color, the darker you go the less the difference, like music it all boils down to personal choice. t

I have to agree with Dean, boiled linseed oil will smell for some time but will leave a well sealed finish. I have found if you don't follow with a wax type finish it will eventually have a muted/dull look. Watco is a great product but will also get a flat look after a period, I like to follow it with Watco Natural Satin Wax. It seals and leave a nice luster that won't go flat, retreating every six months with the wax keeps the surface sealed and clean. You can also use Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac over the Watco instead of the Satin wax, steel wool it with 0000 and have a more protection than the wax and eliminate the 6 mo. treatment. Best is to try any of your finishes on left over stock to see if you like it. t

Schu, pm sent.

I was with muel till you got to the part where they are going to college. Skip the stain, protect them with the poly, then if they ever come home you can repair the damage and re-skin them with muels buuuuubinga. Actually the gym seal will do a better job, used it on my bench tops in jr hi shop , wears like iron. t

Can't believe this hasn't been snagged. A NOSValve rebuild and a mahogany case, sweet deal.

Another non-contributing member present.

I've done some "drop over the top" for Scott 299's and Fisher. PM me and we can discuss. I see you're in Omaha, I'm in Lincoln.

Those Belle's are beautiful. The venting was done with highly discipline termites. Cameron, very generous, thanks. t

Thanks. The JM Blueberry is a great piece, only sold it because I had JM Merlin (hot-rodded by Craig) and no need for the phono section at the time.

Thanks for the compliments, I really enjoy what I do. Tom

Mike, thanks for the good word. Tom

Just sent info tk

Message sent Tk

Have fun.