Entertainment Center Cabinet

[DIYer]

I installed a home theater in my brother-in-law's basement several months ago. The plan was for him to purchase a cabinet to hold the electronic equipment at the front of the room. He had no luck finding anything the correct dimensions or costing less than $800, so I offered to build the cabinet for him. It is still a work in progress, but here is a picture for the time being.

The plywood is all veneered with red oak. The trim is solid red and white oak I had on hand. I am using black aniline dye and then topcoating with satin lacquer.

I still need to add trim around the top panel and on the front of the vertical panels. One of the cool design features is the top panel is hinged and opens up like a chest. This is so you have unrestricted access to all of the wiring.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff8/hddummy/Cabinet/Picture004-1.jpg

[thekl0wn]

Very nice... One of the biggest pains I've found in the HT setups is access to the wiring. Building a beautiful piece such as this, and then having to wire everything up while keeping the expensive piece of equipment tilted on your lap, and then having to slide the equipment across the finish... I believe the correct internet term would be PITA! :D I like this solution to the problem! That is until your brother's wife starts accumulating pictures of the kids, dogs, grandparents, and their trips to Hawaii on top of the cabinet... Then when you need access to the wiring you have to ask permission! :p

[DIYer]

I've been debating how exactly to apply the lacquer finish.

http://www.deftfinishes.com/trade/OurProducts/details.cfm?ProductID=4

Right now, the guy at Lowes talked me into using a foam brush. I did some test samples and it turns out nice enough. This thing has over 100 sq ft of surface area and I can't help think that an HVLP would be time saving purchase. Does anyone have any opinions either way?

I was looking at this one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45001

I only have a 17 gallon compressor and a 7 gallon passive tank, so I'm sure if I even have enough air to run an HVLP. I don't know the CFM off hand.

[Dagster]

I have a Wagner HVLP gun that is very good at only $175 but I can't seem to find it on-line... it should still be on their site. I alwasy spray lacquer, it is one of the easiest finishes to spray on. Great results too and if you are good you don't even have to rub it out.

Wait! Found it: http://www.wagnerspraytech.com/portal/wagner_conversion_gun_spray,43206,747.html

[Terry Mac]

I used to brush or foam brush all my finishes. About 2 years ago bought an automotive touch-up spray gun, and have been using it exclusively since then. I've got a Binks, but just too much gun for what I do. There's something about spraying on the finish that seems easier and quicker, and the finish really looks professional. Plus those hard-to-get-to corners and seams, "arn't nothin no more".

Just something to think about in terms of capacity of your hvlp sprayer or lvlp sprayer: I found the smaller capacity, 1/2 quart or smaller to be an advantage over the 1 quart or bigger sprayers. The Binks I have is 1 quart, but rarely do I use up whats in the cup, then I have to do something with the excess until the project dries, and ready for the next spraying. ( I typically thin my finishes so I don't pour them back into the original can or bottle). With the smaller spray gun, I haven't had that problem, I can clean the gun, not have excess to mess with, and be ready for the next spray. If I need a little more, its not that much trouble to mix-up a little more.

Just a thought or two.

By the way, nice looking cabinet!

[DIYer]

Is there an advantage one way or the other between over-gun or under-gun canisters? Since this is a brush on lacquer, I assume I would have to thin it to spary it. How much should I thin it down?

[Terry Mac]

This is a photo of the sprayer I use now. Most of my projects are smaller in size. The smaller cup works fairly well, it covers quite a bit though.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/sh20w/00015-1a.jpg


As for thinning, I tend to go 60/40 or 50/50, lacquer to thinner. But it does depend, i.e. type of finish, type of thinner, how many coats you want to spray, etc. I use a test piece and basically trial & error until I get the right mixture. It really doesn't take that long to get the mixture you want. The time spent on the test piece is worth the savings using the sprayer.

Not real sure on the advantages and disadvantages on the type of gun used. Hopefully someone will chime in, I'm curious too.

[Don]

That gun is what we used to call a "door jamb" gun for automotive spraying. I have one and like using it for the same reasons stated. Sometimes I like the feel of the top mounted trigger.

dawjr

[Terry Mac]

"door jamb gun". LOL

Gives an all new definition to multi-tasking tool! :D

[DIYer]

I started dying the wood. Here is the top piece and a few of the uprights.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff8/hddummy/Cabinet/Picture0051.jpg

[thekl0wn]

Hmmm.... I really like that look! :D

[Dagster]

The black dye or stain is one I've been meaning to try out on speaker cabinets. I like it!

[DIYer]

That's funny, because building a set of speakers is a project I've been wanting to try!!

[Dagster]

You should go for it. It is a very satisfying project. I've built many pairs of speakers and subwoofers and really enjoy the process.

[thekl0wn]

Building speaker cabinets is a never-ending process though... At least for me... I think I just enjoy the process of playing with new toys! :D

[DIYer]

I finally have some finished pics. Thanks to everyone who gave advice and helped make this a successful project. Enjoy!

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff8/hddummy/Theater/IMG_3374.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff8/hddummy/Theater/IMG_3375.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff8/hddummy/Theater/IMG_3376.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff8/hddummy/Theater/IMG_3378.jpg

[Don]

Real good idea for wiring, nice job.

dawjr

[DIYer]

I tell you what...I've never had an easier time wiring up an A/V Receiver. The chest style top makes a HUGE difference.

[Dagster]

Very nice! I love the tilt top for easy access to wires!

[woodman43]

Thats really nice DIYer!
What kind of dye did you use? I think I'd like to try it.

[bogydave]

Great job & Great idea.
Solves standing on you head to connect the wiring.
Flat screen can mount above it on the wall.

[muffin814]

I bought a 3-stage Accuspray, based on its rating in a recent issue of a magazine. It's everything the article said it would be. So far, I've only sprayed paint, primer, and shellac; but it's great. It's not the fastest sprayer, but it's faster than a brush, and the finish lays out nice and flat.

[thekl0wn]

Very nice idea on the wiring! :D

I'm assuming the white (silver) wall is photoreflective? :)