Busy gear weekend.

11tsteve

I finally breathed life back into the RTA 11T project, and I think I see light at the end of the tunnel.
The veneer on these cabs was a much fussier application than my 5JR+, and I just seemed to struggle the whole way through. But, progress has been made, and I have one ready for staining and clear coat.
I chose red oak again, mostly due to budget limitations.... and also I have grown very fond of its looks on the Polk cabs. I am going to use a Minwax colonial maple stain with a semi-gloss clear coat.
Also this weekend, my Conrad Johnson is coming off the shelf and a McCormack DNA 0.5 is going in. I have been wanting to hear a Steve McCormack amp for a long time, and a reasonable deal presented itself. I received the amp yesterday but haven't had time to do the switch, as I am going to redo my entire layout and just haven't had the time yet.
I think I might start tackling that now.... some pics for anyone who might be interested.

hochpt21

Those look very nice!

voltz

Awesome!! Nice work!!

SCompRacer

High marks on your work! Excellent job of veneer matching at corners!

11tsteve

thanks everyone. I tried very hard for the matching, though it required much tighter measuring than my previous project. This time I had a new Bosch palm router with a very nice flushing bit, which made things much more relaxed and efficient. ..............
There are many imperfections which went along with my struggles, but I am trying very hard to do my best.
On a side note, I just got the McCormack hooked up to my system, and oh boy....
using a refurbished NAD 1020, the Keces DAC, my 5JR+, and I have a new Paradigm sub in the mix.
I think I might be a fan of Steve McCormack's sound.

ken brydson

Very nice. Envious of your skills man...

ZLTFUL

Nice work Steve. So when you coming to the DSM area to do the re-veneer on my 2.3TL end caps?

gudnoyez

Steve awesome work those look fantastic can't wait to see a picture when they are finished. Seriously though you should do work on the side what would you charge to do CRS+cabinets already stripped. I will be looking for someone in the Quad Cities to do it your neck of the woods is not far and I go through there on my way to Minnesota 3 times a year just say in

scottyboy76

nice work, to me the nice sharp edges and corners make all the diff, and you nailed it, congrats

MrBuhl

Great work - I want to do my cabs someday but the task seems daunting!

Yea - I love my new McCormack - I think you're going to be mighty happy!

11tsteve

All of the kind words are very nice. And thanks!
There are a lot of imperfections, there is a bit of wood filler, more in some spots that I would like, and still they will look better than that walnut vinyl.
BUt, that being said, they are mine and I have no one else to please. I'll be honest, I would be scared to death at this point to try and please anyone else but me with veneer work. I need some more practice, and a lot more knowledge.
Side note.... listened to the McCormack a lot today. besides the usual reference.... Tom Waits sounds spectacular....

teekay0007

I'm glad you're finally getting around to your 11Ts, Steve. They look nice. It's always hardest to please ourselves. I'm sure the imperfections aren't as big a deal as you're thinking they are and they'll look terrific to everyone else looking from arm's distance, or further.

Looking forward to seeing pics of the completed project!

11tsteve

well, not completed. But the cabs are as done as they are going to get. Eight coats of clear, front and back baffles with satin black and satin clear coat. Lots and Lots of sanding, waiting.... and an outside workspace with wild Iowa temp fluctuations which required time for drying and waiting.
So here we are, as ready as I can be for re-assembly.

Polkie2009

What you've done with that red oak looks amazing , they are beautiful Steve. Continue to post your progress!

DaveHo

Those look sweet. Nice work!