Replies

1. 
   KeithNewton | Oct 15, 2009 02:42am | #1

   Sorry, I missed seeing your dimensions. I would certainly stiffen a 36" shelf.

   
   

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   Edited 10/16/2009 6:44 am by KeithNewton

2. 
   hammer1 | Oct 15, 2009 05:25pm | #2

   One technique to add strength to a shelf is to use a larger edge band. These can be placed front and rear, if needed, in whatever size you think you need. 36" with 3/4" plywood will likely bow over time. I typically rabbet the edge band on. The pic is out of focus but you get the idea.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

   
1. 
   lostcreek | Oct 15, 2009 05:30pm | #3

   Hammer,
   Perfect. I was going to edge band anyway, but only with glue. I will now use your idea...
   Thanks,
   lostcreek

3. 
   doorboy | Oct 15, 2009 05:41pm | #4

   Another thought on your shelf support--With that turntable, the weight won't be an issue, but vibration might.
   I used to have trouble with the needle skipping merely from the vibration of people walking by. That was a pier and beam house, so the floor always shook a little.
1. 
   lostcreek | Oct 15, 2009 05:57pm | #5

   doorboy,
   Thanks for the thought. My turntable is early 1970's vintage. It weighs a ton, not like the new ones, so I hope vibration is not an issue. I can always set in on a pad...
   lostcreek

1. 
   davcefai | Oct 15, 2009 09:42pm | #7

   If the turntable is heavy then you're bound to get _some_ sag. If it is a high quality one, with counterweights rather than just a spring on the arm then you might have some problems due to the sag.(because of the light downward pressure on the stylus)Why not set up a piece of plywood on supports, place the turntable on it and observe whether you get any sag.This might not be in the spirit of ultrafine woodworking but have you considered supporting the shelf with a length of steel box-section which will be hidden by a wide edge band?

4. 
   JohnWW | Oct 15, 2009 08:34pm | #6

   If the load stays as light as you are predicting, you won't need need to stiffen the shelf for the weight.

   The shelf will however be a bit flexible along the front edge, perhaps not so good for a turntable, and it is wishful thinking to expect the plywood to stay dead flat-it will probably bow up or down from internal stresses.

   John White
   Shop Manager for FWW Magazine, 1998 to 2007