Anarchy/Dayton TM build - Page 8

There are different approaches you can take for polishing your finish. I keep experimenting with each build project.




The sun is out, so I got a few more shots.

The cross-grain figure in the wood on the front baffles is pretty subtle, but it's there.

Thanks, guys! I'll let you know how they sound.
I still have to do the crossover boards and make some stands, so I'm not nearly done yet.

Thanks for the tip on sourcing the Abralon pads cheaper, Joe.

Well, I thought I was going to use CADsoft's Eagle software to do the crossover board layout. I've never done that before. I've just laid them out by hand on 1/4" MDF or plywood. After sitting through several tutorial videos on YouTube, I discovered that the Free version of Eagle limits you to a 4" x 3.2" board, which is too small and they want $169 for a version that lets you use a 6.3" x 3.9" board.

So, I looked for another free software package.
I'm getting ready to try PCB Artist. I'll let everyone know how it goes.
If it takes me too long to learn, I'll just do the crossover boards like I've done before and learn the software later.

You're talking about PSA discs. PSA pads are not commonly found on electric sanders/polishers. Some PSA pads are available for a few models of certain brands, but most of us who work in our garage at home go with what is more commonly available to us, which means Hook & Loop (velcro) discs. PSA pads are mostly found on pneumatic sanders. But, those typically require a huge amount of air flow, something on the order of 80 CFM. My 60 gallon tank is rated for 11 CFM. Or was it 13? Not enough, anyway.

Yes the Abralon discs are pricey, but I only use them for polishing, so they last me a pretty good while. If you are aware of some good, practical alternatives for home use that include P-1000, P-2000 and P-4000, let us know. Links would be helpful.

I'll start with something definitely worth knowing about.
Micro-Mesh 5" Hook & Loop no-hole sanding discs are available as a 9-disc set of 1 each of the following:
1500, 1800, 2400, 3200, 3600, 4000, 6000, 8000, 12000 grit.
Here is a link. The price is shown as $17.99. I think I posted a build that used them for polishing. I don't post every build I do, so I can't say for sure if any of those projects got posted. You will definitely see them again in a future build.

Still not as good as $35 for 50-150 PSA disc rolls, but cheaper than Abralon discs. It's too bad the Micro-Mesh discs are not available in 6", or I would use them more often than I do, as I prefer the larger 6" size for sanding and polishing.

I try to show different alternatives, so people can decide for themselves what might work best for them and I welcome suggestions and ideas from others. We all learn from each other.

I made some nice progress in learning how to do the board layout with PCB Artist, but I have a way to go yet and I'm getting impatient. So I decided to go the purely manual route for this project so I can get it done sooner.

Some of the components will be standing up, so I can cram them into a smaller space.

tuxedocivic--Maple is difficult to stain evenly. A pre-stain sealer would help to even things out, to avoid blotchy results. But, experimenting with Trans-Tint on some scrap would be interesting. I haven't tried ebony on Maple before, so I can't say what to expect. Another approach is to use black paint in one or two light coats, like I did on the Stentorians. That would give you the color and the wood-grain texture you're after.

If you try Trans-Tint, I'd say dissolve it in DeNatured Alcohol and spray it. Then spray some Lacquer for your Top Coat.

Erich H--Thanks, man. You're very kind.


Don't worry, my friend. You can get great results which ever way you go.
If you want the wood texture to show, you will need to limit the number of coats of finish. I tossed out the Lacquer suggestion as a possibility, not a necessity. Poly will work just fine. If you have any doubts or reservations, experiment on some scrap--no worries.

WoodFiend--I will watch for your project. I am sure you will get great results with your new finish sprayer.


I am on the road this week, so no progress will be made on the cabs this week. And I am so close to completion.

I will be back on the Widow-Makers after the Memorial Day weekend.

I had the pleasure of meeting a great group of guys, who were enjoying their hobby at Hefner Lake in Oklahoma City. These Kite-Surfers or Kiters as they call themselves have a really cool hobby and one of them is even an Audio-Video pro--Fred has a company called Unique Home Audio and is even a member of AVS.

There is no boat. The kiters use their kites to pull themselves up and down the lake. I really want to try this sometime.









Some of the jumps were easily 40 feet off the water.

I used some 5 minute epoxy to secure some standoffs on the 1/8" MDF boards, which had gotten a little silver paint to make them look a little nicer.




While I wait for the epoxy to cure, I may as well cut some holes for the terminal cups.