Mahogany Entertainment Center

[gdatomic]

So, we go out and buy this big TV. Then, look at entertainment centers we like. After recovery from sticker shock, I tell my wife:  I can build what we need... And then, the Christmas gift that keeps on giving. :-)

 

Actually, not so bad. The center credenza for the entertainment center I'm building. It's unfinished and that's next. After the credenza, I have to bookshelves. Open framing. They'll be 18" x 12" x 68".

 

Here's the project link here...

 

Worked from my own plans, but based on a design we saw at Crate & Barrel, then modified. Crate & Barrel had 2" framing, which was kind of clunky looking. And, didn't like their doors much.

 

• My first time working with Mahogany. I didn't expect it to be this relatively soft. But, what beautiful grain. The 1/4" ply for the doors is simply stunning in person.
• Getting to learn about the difference between Philipine and African Mahogany. Like the African color I'm getting better. And, this Philipine ply has paper thin veneer. Scary- thin.
• Kreg joined almost all around. Couldn't join the middle horizontal because it's routed for the tracks for the sliding doors. Just not enough wood there to do that AND to use Kreg Joints. So, that's joined at either end with screws.
• Also couldn't join the bottom of the two inside panels creating the three spots for components - just no room to drive the screws. They are also joined with screws through the middle horizontal panel.
• Bought a portable Kreg router table to rout the track for the doors. Worked GREAT - especially since it was my first time seeking that precision.
• The mahogany posts are 1-5/16 square (that's what the 1-1/2 planks ended up as after planing). Overall dimensions are 30" x 60" x 20".
• Kreg joining worked for this post style framing. Had to be quite careful to join so that the holes are hidden. A bit nervous about the bookshelves since the posts will be even more heavily featured. And, here the panels are pulling everything together. There's a bit less of that with the post shelving with only having vertical panels at the bottom.
• Wished there were more screw options at the longer lengths. Had to spend some time sorting that one out.

This project was a bit of a struggle. Christmas chaos, building in the cold, etc. I think all that put my brain into a dead zone because I made some very basic mistakes. But now that it's built I'm really liking the look.

 

[Steven Machado]

Looks great. I also went out and got a replacement set for my bedroom but anything that can hold it is $$$ (the TV is 55" LED). Been looking at a number of projects and considering getting the Kreg Jig. You've definitely inspired me.

[gdatomic]

That's a Sony Bravia 55" LCD on this credenza.

 

The especially nice thing about building it for myself is making sure it works how I want it. There's things you can size for exactly what you want. There are shelves behind the doors sized for media storage boxes. And, those vertical separators on the top row leave about 3" behind them for passing cable between components.

 

Too many of the store bought aren't sized quite correctly to fit what I want.

Steven Machado said:

Looks great. I also went out and got a replacement set for my bedroom but anything that can hold it is $$$ (the TV is 55" LED). Been looking at a number of projects and considering getting the Kreg Jig. You've definitely inspired me.

[Michael Campbell]

very nice work, you will enjoy that more than anything you can buy and it will last.  I love mahogany, fell in love with it a few years ago when I use it as exterior trim.

[Michael Campbell]

here is a couple of picts of that house..

[gdatomic]

That's beautiful wood on that house. It was interesting wood to work with. Loved the somewhat sweet smell from cutting the lumber.

 

My only regret was that the veneers on the phillipine ply I had were just paper thin. Couldn't wave a sander at them without the color thinning out.

Michael Campbell said:

[KregRep]

Thought I'd embed this here for ya!

 

 

Find more photos like this on Kreg Jig Owners Community

[gdatomic]

Sweet. Thanks!

KregRep said:

Thought I'd embed this here for ya!