Looking for Baltimore-DC Area carpenter to build EL70 MicroTower cabinets

[von Ah]

Forgive me if this is inappropriate to ask in this forum, but what would be a ballpark figure I might expect to pay for having a pair of the castle microtower cabinets built by a professional carpenter?
Does anyone know of a reputable cabinet builder in the DC-Baltimore region who wouldn't charge an arm and a leg to build these relatively simple cabinets?
I love do-it-yourself audio but I just do not have the time to build things with my hands these days.
Thanks in advance!
Marc

 

[italynstylion]

Marc, I think it largely depends on what type of finish you want and what type of wood. You may want to set out your expectations to clarify things a bit.

 

[von Ah]

Good point, thanks.
I'd prefer to have baltic birch or a near equivalent, and some sort of darkish veneer (walnut, teak, etc.) with a simple yet durable natural oil finish (tung/linseed/beeswax?).
My intent for the speakers is to have them in the family living room, so 'presentability' is high in priority.
I've never contracted any carpentry before so this is all new research for me.

 

[Doug Kim]

I had good experience with John, but I don't know if he still runs the business. He was in Pikesville area.

Diy Speaker Cabinets Home

The speaker in the middle on his website was mine.

 

[von Ah]

Excellent recommendation, Doug! Thank you. I will contact him.

 

[von Ah]

Well, that builder is out for several months at least.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[italynstylion]

If you're willing to have them shipped to you I know an excellent wood worker who does stuff for my business Stereo Clarity. If you're interested PM me your email and I'll put you in touch with him.

 

[von Ah]

Thanks for the offer. I'll keep that in mind as i try to exhaust every reasonable local possibility.

 

[italynstylion]

You're welcome, always good to have a plan B 🙂

 

[von Ah]

I'm moving forward with a DIYAudio-knowledgeable builder. Thanks to all for the responses -- here and PM. 😎

 

[chrisb]

I'm moving forward with a DIYAudio-knowledgeable builder. Thanks to all for the responses -- here and PM. 😎

once you've documented his build, he might get busier than planned

 

[evanc]

I thought I would post some pics and details as I am working. We decided to avoid veneering by using solid wood for the sides and 3/4 BB ply for the front and back. This will hide the plies, allow a round over of the edges, and avoid any grain conflicts. IMO this will also look good. Since this is a copyrighted design I contacted the appropriate person and got a very nice response that a cabinet or two is OK. I attached a couple shots of the wood for the sides and top after I rough milled it. It is Sapelle 5/4 thick. Each cabinet will use one board. More to come....
Evan

 

[von Ah]

Giggity giggity!
Thanks for chiming in, Evan. 😀

 

[chrisb]

evan: you soon may need to add another category to your website

 

[evanc]

OK, some time has gone by and I now have all the parts cut to size, and the holes machined for the drivers. I went for a tongue and groove to join the parts. Keeping the budget in mind I had my cnc guy make patterns for the driver cut out and recess which I followed with my router....More to come
Evan

 

[zman01]

Evan,

Looking really nice!

Don't forget to chamfer (45 degrees) the reverse side of the rabbeted part (which you have made for flush mounting the driver).

-Zia

 

[von Ah]

If I recall correctly, in the MT PDF, Dave wrote that the chamfer isn't necessary for the top-front bipole arrangement...

In other news, mein lieben, that looks fabulous!

😎

 

[evanc]

Won't be necessary for the front, but since the top is one inch thick I'll relieve these somewhat.....

 

[zman01]

Von.ah, Evanc,

I am not referring to the cabinet external chamfers ala Onkens - I am referring to chamfer behind driver - please see discussion here:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/markaudio/190604-first-build-ever-pensil-10-2-solid-oak-2.html

Post # 12

-Zia

 

[planet10]

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