[spastic]

I recently preordered a 60" GWIV XS (KDF-60XS955). I really don't want to pay $800 for the Sony stand (SU-GW12), or $500+ for some of the other options I've seen that won't hold many components. I've also found out that the Techcraft Sony stands (SWE50, SWE60, etc) probably won't work with the new GWIVs (correct me if I'm wrong). The Ikea Oppli would be an option, if they didn't want me to pay $150-$200 to ship a $100 stand. I'd like to build something similar to the Ikea Oppli over the weekend. Browsing the forum, I've seen a few people who have done this. I'd like to get a better idea of what's involved: plans, materials, issues, etc. I will doing my shopping at Lowes and Home Depot.


I have basic wood working experience, but no experience making furniture I'd put in my family room. Rather than add this to an existing thread, I thought it would be useful to create a new one.


The Sony SU-GW12 is roughly 66.5"W x 17.5"H x 16.5"D and the TV weighs around 115 lbs. Like the Oppli, I'd like to divide it three sections, each with into two shelves for components.


Thanks in advance.

 

[ceccacci]

Building a TV stand shouldn't be any more difficult than building a bookcase. If you aren't comfortable doing that, there are lots of books available at woodworking stores. Many of them even have plans that could probably be easily modified.

 

[egads]

The main difference between Ikea knockdown units and something you build yourself is the Ikea unit will assemble using cam locks leaving no visable holes. You can use birch plywood and countersink the hole and then fill them with plugs. The ready made plugs are birch. You will also need to teach yourself to use edgebanding, a roll of thin wood with pre-applied hot melt adhesive. You use it to cover the plywood edge. Experiment with trimming on scrap. There is a trimming tool available. When you have it built, I recommend water based polyurethane. It's very forgiving and fast drying. Use a foam brush. One more suggestion...many on here have found coffee tables at Target that work also. And if it makes you feel any better, even if you had an Ikea nearby, they would probably be out of what you wanted.

 

[ehlarson]

Quote:

Originally posted by egads The main difference between Ikea knockdown units and something you build yourself is the Ikea unit will assemble using cam locks leaving no visable holes

It is quite possible to purchase cam lock hardware and use it your construction project. I have done this on two bookcases I built, and am in the middle of a HDTV stand using the same techniques. I am building a stand becuase the typical gray stuff doesn't appeal to me, plus I have an unusually large center channel speaker