Replies

1. 
   ABenker | Aug 01, 2003 07:04pm | #1

   It is certainly possible to build a entertainment center out of solid wood. I would look at using floating panels in the sides and possibly back and you will have to allow for movement for all fixed shelving. I have not done an entire unit out of solid wood. I usually opt for plywood for the back and fixed shelving as I believe, at lease for the armoire type designs that I have built, the plywood makes the piece stable and the clients aren't always willing to pay for full hardwood. If you make careful design decisions you certainly can us solid wood for an entire piece.

   Aaron

2. 
   SCFrankland | Aug 02, 2003 02:33am | #2

   You have to be careful with your design.  The sound waves from the speakers could case the panels to vibrate and it will detract from the enjoyment.  There was a recent issue of FFW that covers just this topic.  It is worth the read it takes into account vibration, ventilation, wiring, and other design elements.

   Scott C. Frankland

   "This all could have been prevented if their parents had just used birth control"

3. 
   patricks13 | Aug 02, 2003 03:17am | #3

   There is a product out called Spaceballs that you put in the panel groove of your stiles and rails to keep them form rattling.
4. 
   jobranch | Aug 02, 2003 03:43am | #4

   I recently completed an entertainment center that is 75% solid red oak.  I used pine as a secondary wood and oak plywood for shelves and back.  I was going to use oak on all of the visible parts of the EC, except the darn thing became extremely heavy.  You should really consider this.  I was greatly surprised at the weight.  This looks like an reproduction hutch - open on the top with a series of graduated drawers underneath.  The top and base are separate units.  A friend and I had a terible time moving this into place.  The top took three men due to the fact that we had to lift it up over the base.  The sides are solid wood, so no vibrations at all.  The FWW article mentioned payed alot attention to vibration, but my surround sound system causes no vibrations at all.  After snaking all the wires for the electronics, I slid the EC into place with scrap carpet under the bracket feet to keep from damaging the hardwood floor.  I removed the scrap carpet by using my wife's car jack to raise the EC!

1. 
   Fingrs | Aug 04, 2003 05:10am | #5

   I just finished a cabinet for my home theatre components.  It's solid cherry, except for the drawer sides and inside bottom...that's baltic birch plywood framed in cherry.  I used plywood for the bottom for extra stiffness, as the receiver unit weighs about 85 pounds.  (see the photo)  The sides use floating panels, again solid cherry planed to 3/8" thick.  The top is two wide boards joined together and attached with screws in slotted holes in the upper frame.  The bottom drawer unit has a gazillion mortise and tenon joints.  All straightforward stuff. 

   
1. 
   Robbie | Aug 05, 2003 02:13am | #6

   Knots:

   One of my first big projects 6 or 7 years ago was to build a huge armoire for a 35" TV and stereo.  I use cherry ply and it turned out great.  That was around the time I got into reading FWW. 

   Have often wished that I build it from solid wood.  My wife and I bought a Stickley bedroom set and the men's armoire is solid wood, except for the back panel, which is 1/4" ply.  Stickley used solid joined wood, not frame and panel, but I think it would look spectacular either way.  I would encourage you to build it that way if the cost is not an issue.

   Good luck.

5. 
   TomT226 | Aug 06, 2003 01:50pm | #7

   Before you build, you may want to evaluate what you're going to use it for. Plasma TV's are coming down in price, and will render the CRT TV's obsolete in a few years. Audio and video componants are downsizing also.