Router and plywood advice needed

[Matted]

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone would be willing to offer me some advice.

I have a small woodworking project I'm hoping to commence in the coming weeks. In principle I think it's pretty simple, but the reality might be very different.

My plan...

I currently own an old, and slightly damaged Rega turntable which I plan on upgrading and fixing. Some of what needs fixing is easy stuff (replacement of the motor) some of it though is a little more complex.....namely the rebuild of the plinth...

I plan on rebuilding the plinth in high quality plywood (a popular choice). The plinth itself will be almost a like for like replica of the original with a few minor alterations.

Generally speaking the plinth is simple - rectangular with a few select holes (do a google search for "rega plinth"

The underside is very much like the top with the exception of larger cavity (maybe 15x10cm) for the motor.

So.....

I don't own a table saw, but I do have access to a router and a few workbenches. Can anyone tell me is it practical to cut plywood straight, true and clean with router?

Can anyone recommend me a good supplier of ply in norfolk. Iv read birch plywood is a good option?

I am thinking what might look nice is exposed edges (to see the exposed plywood pattern) but with an acrilic (black or white) top. Is it possible/is it a good/bad idea to glue (if so what glue) acrylic to plywood?

I'm lucky enough to own a drill press. So that takes care of all the reliving holes.

That's really about it. If anyone has any tips/advice I would love to hear them!

 

[mseries]

You may certainly cut the ply with a hand saw then trim it straight and square with a router.
For gluing acrylic to plywood, google it, I did a few days ago and IIRC epoxy was a recommendation.

 

[iNewbie]

I had a Rega some moons ago - and a Linn Sondek some years before. I miss the old records...

Throwing it in the pot: there's a material some use called Panzerholz. They may have an offcut here.

Search Google (or an audio forum) as some people buy sheets and sell offcuts for turntables - I came across this stuff some time back looking for hardwearing template material.

 

[Racers]

Have you seen the Rega motor upgrade kit http://www.rega.co.uk/24v-motor-upgrade-kit.html

Pete

 

[Matted]

cheers all for your help - happy that the general consensus is a router is fine for cutting.....All I need to do now is find out what router my friend has, and if I need any bits.

You may certainly cut the ply with a hand saw then trim it straight and square with a router.
For gluing acrylic to plywood, google it, I did a few days ago and IIRC epoxy was a recommendation.

cheers for the advice on the acrylic....I think....depending how it goes I might work up a couple of different treatments to the same template. All for experimenting!

there's a material some use called Panzerholz.

A great recommendation! And doing a Google search shows lots of people use it for turntable plinths! Ill read into this one a bit more.

Have you seen the Rega motor upgrade kit

Pete

Yep - that's almost defiantly what Ill be getting. My current rega has a good working, visually perfect tonearm. But......The motor is slow to start and has a slight grinding sound too it - so without a doubt needs replacing. Also....The plinth is battered a little and the laminate is beginning to peel.

The plinth I can easily replace. But I think the idea of trying my hand at something a little more bespoke ....Even if it cost more (which it will) Im more than happy to learn something along the way.

 

[Matted]

Another small question....

I suspect the plinth will be about 2cm in depth. What I plan todo is buy a sheet that has the depth of 1cm and cut some channels (with a router) for cabeling. Then bond that channeled sheet of plywood together with another sheet. This way the channels will become internal between the layers of sandwiched ply.

From there once binded I will cut the sheets to there final dimention (around 45x35 cm) Using a router for that too.

Is this technique a good idea, and what glue/bonding agent is a good one for ply (I have loads of clamps)?

 

[mseries]

Another small question....

Is this technique a good idea, and what glue/bonding agent is a good one for ply (I have loads of clamps)?

if I get this right, you are gluing ply to ply ? Use some common old garden wood glue, some sort of PVA would suffice. I assume it isn't going to get wet !!

 

[Matted]

Another small question....

Is this technique a good idea, and what glue/bonding agent is a good one for ply (I have loads of clamps)?

if I get this right, you are gluing ply to ply ? Use some common old garden wood glue, some sort of PVA would suffice. I assume it isn't going to get wet !!

Ace!

Yes that's correct - 2 layers of ply.

Pva it is then. Cheers!

 

[Racers]

Have you thought of bonding dissimilar materials to control resonances or even a sheet of lead or car sound deadening sheet.

There are a lot of rega upgrades like sub platers and platers, I can't tell you if they sound better than the standard parts.

Pete

 

[Matted]

Have you thought of bonding dissimilar materials to control resonances or even a sheet of lead or car sound deadening sheet.

There are a lot of rega upgrades like sub platers and platers, I can't tell you if they sound better than the standard parts.

Pete

I thought about it....

But I think as this is my 1st project I don't want to take on too much. If it goes well, and I gain some confidence I think I will probably update the plinth again later...

Regarding the subplatter - yeah...there's quite a few minor adjustments and I do plan on upgrading bits as pay days allows ,