• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Sand filled TD-126 MkII Plinth

Divotdog

Divotdog

"I can fix it Grampa"
I thought that I would let you gentlemen (and I use the term loosely) in on the latest Plinth project, this is a sand filled plinth for Sparksaflyin’s TD-126 Mk III, I have been working on this project now for about six months, due to time constraints and some initial design errors it has been moving kind of slow, but as we near completion I thought that it might be of interest to some of you.

Here is the plinth after the saw dust cleared
attachment.php


A detail shot of the front piece
attachment.php


The inner base mocked up.
attachment.php


A test fit of the table in the mock up.
attachment.php


attachment.php


Initial test fit after glue up.
attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • Sparks126 002.jpg
    Sparks126 002.jpg
    85.7 KB · Views: 940
  • Sparks126 006.jpg
    Sparks126 006.jpg
    77.3 KB · Views: 932
  • Sparks126 009.jpg
    Sparks126 009.jpg
    92.6 KB · Views: 931
  • Sparks126 015.jpg
    Sparks126 015.jpg
    116.1 KB · Views: 931
  • Sparks126 022.jpg
    Sparks126 022.jpg
    113.7 KB · Views: 925
  • Sparks126 023.jpg
    Sparks126 023.jpg
    105.6 KB · Views: 927
Register to hide this ad
Construction of the outer shell. The outer shell is made from MDF
attachment.php


A detail shot of the bracing and mounting blocks
attachment.php


Here we are filling the plinth with sand. I used golf course bunker sand, this sand has round corners and will not pack or settle.
attachment.php


Using clamps to press the sand in, we want the sand packed in as tight as possible with no voids.
attachment.php


Here is the latest test fit and trial run, it is at Sparks place now so I haven’t had a chance to hear it yet.
attachment.php


attachment.php


This is where we are as of today, more to come on the finish and the base!
 

Attachments

  • Sparks126 026.jpg
    Sparks126 026.jpg
    72.5 KB · Views: 902
  • Sparks126 029.jpg
    Sparks126 029.jpg
    62.6 KB · Views: 892
  • Sparks126 032.jpg
    Sparks126 032.jpg
    91.9 KB · Views: 899
  • Sparks126 035.jpg
    Sparks126 035.jpg
    106.7 KB · Views: 901
  • Sparks126 039.jpg
    Sparks126 039.jpg
    57.9 KB · Views: 902
  • Sparks126 040.jpg
    Sparks126 040.jpg
    56.2 KB · Views: 901
WOW! Very nice work there. :thmbsp:

If that sand "neck collar" around that TT doesn't help damp vibrations, I'll eat the whole thing! The size and shape of it visually sets off the TT very nicely.

Looking forward to reading about how it sounds, and seeing how the finished product looks. So far, I'm impressed! Congratulations to you both; Sparksaflyin is a lucky man. :yes:


Just noticed something in those pics: are you sawing those boards in the same room as those nice tube amps, TT, etc...? If so, how do you control sawdust? Extra-strong shopvac?
 
Last edited:
Outstanding job, Mel.:thmbsp: ( Thanks for the tip about golf bunker sand ).

Are those feet the Thorens original ones?

Jorge
 
Mel is doing a great job crafting this new plinth, and yes I'm definitely very lucky! I can't wait to see the final product and get some air time with it. Even without the bottom cover, this dude is HEAVY! Without a bottom piece and no veneer, the new base & turntable weigh 41.5 lbs including platter, etc. :thmbsp:

Those are Audio Technica AT605 leveling feet, and were bought off of ebay for a Sansui TT that is missing the originals. They provide suspension and are height adjustable. The original 126MkIII base is made of molded plastic, with four 1" circles & felt pads for feet in the corners.

Jim
 
Last edited:
Mel, another great looking project! How much sand weight do you think you'll add, and where exactly does one purchase bunker sand?

Oh, and by the way, I'm diggin' the garage sound system. Looks like tubey Magnavox goodness in there! :thmbsp:
 
Hi Mel,

I'm curious about the clamp seen in the pictures: is it of the DIY variety? Could you please describe it a bit? I own a TD-126 Mk 2 and always wondered about adding a clamp because of the potential harm that the extra weight, beyond the original specs of the model, could cause.
Many thanks.
 
Awesome stuff! I'm always amazed with people that can do this stuff. I have no handyman skills at all.
 
Arkay said:
Just noticed something in those pics: are you sawing those boards in the same room as those nice tube amps, TT, etc...? If so, how do you control sawdust? Extra-strong shopvac?
Click to expand...

Never fear, all of that stuff gets covered when the sawdust is flying!
 
Redboy said:
Mel, another great looking project! How much sand weight do you think you'll add, and where exactly does one purchase bunker sand?

Oh, and by the way, I'm diggin' the garage sound system. Looks like tubey Magnavox goodness in there! :thmbsp:
Click to expand...

Purchase? :para:
You have a local Golf Course nearby and a bucket!
I was a Golf Course Superintendent for many years so I just asked one of the folks that I used to work with, I would suspect that you could get it from any golf course, they usally keep piles of it around.
 
Last edited:
guiller said:
Hi Mel,

I'm curious about the clamp seen in the pictures: is it of the DIY variety? Could you please describe it a bit? I own a TD-126 Mk 2 and always wondered about adding a clamp because of the potential harm that the extra weight, beyond the original specs of the model, could cause.
Many thanks.
Click to expand...

That is a DIY, Sparksaflyin came up with three rough aluminum pucks that weighed around 1lb each, I just drilled a hole in the center and polished them up, I can't speak for Sparks, but the one I use on my modded TD-145 certainly makes a difference in how it sounds, albeit a subtle difference.
I suspect there is a little more wear on the motor on start up but I would think that it is negligible, once the platter is up and spinning I can’t imagine it causing any problems.
 
I finally got some down time and was able to get back on this project, I finished up the new base plate, it is 1 1/4 baltic birch plywood, I machined three adjustment holes in it, and installed five 1/4 X 20 threaded inserts for feet, I also machined a lip in so that the plinth sits snugly on the base.

attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • Sparks126 041.jpg
    Sparks126 041.jpg
    92 KB · Views: 466
  • Sparks126 044.jpg
    Sparks126 044.jpg
    66 KB · Views: 463
  • Sparks126 043.jpg
    Sparks126 043.jpg
    67.5 KB · Views: 461
Next up, the veneer is pretty close to finished, we chose Madagascar Ebony, I will warn any woodworkers out there, this is gorgeous wood but a real b***h to work with, it really likes to splinter and matching the grain at the corners is near impossible.

attachment.php


attachment.php


attachment.php


We are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel
 

Attachments

  • Sparks126 048.jpg
    Sparks126 048.jpg
    106.4 KB · Views: 462
  • Sparks126 049.jpg
    Sparks126 049.jpg
    121.3 KB · Views: 457
  • Sparks126 050.jpg
    Sparks126 050.jpg
    116.8 KB · Views: 465
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom