Lucas Roberts
There is a new movement happening in the music scene with people rediscovering vinyl records . When my friend asked if I could build his new obsession – a turntable stand complete with a space for speakers and storage for vinyl, I had to say yes!
The inspiration for this project – a record player stand console that retails for $10,000! Top center panel opens to reveal a compartment for a record player
Push to open front door for record storage compartment This is a more involved build and it does need a table saw in addition to the usual basic tools like a drill, miter saw, and Kreg Jig.
For the wood tone layer, I recommend picking a nicer plywood that looks great once it’s stained like oak or walnut. I have a full step-by-step video showing you exactly how to build this vinyl record player console. This entire project can be divided into 3 phases – building the inner carcass (out of the nicer plywood because that will be visible), building the outer layer (out of plywood that will be painted), and the finishing touches – doors, legs, etc.
Cut the walnut 1×2 boards and glue them up to build the frames for the speaker compartment. I had used dowels the first time but decided to simply go with a glue-up since this would not be bearing any weight. At the center of all 4 sides – make a hole halfway through the boards using a Forstner bit.
I am using the Cricut Easy Press Mini here to apply the edge banding. Also, it took me a while to figure out the perfect hinges to make this work, and that left the back of the turntable compartment bruised with holes that are impossible to camouflage with stain.
The edges of the plywood are beveled at the joints to help create a sharp and clean corner.
Once the door is attached with the lid-support hinges , the sides can be lined up and trimed accordingly to ensure that everything is well-aligned. Once the top and outer layer of plywood is attached, add the 1×2 trim around the front of the console. This is beveled on the sides and mitered at the corners for a sharp clean design.
This is very important and critical to achieve a nice sharp edge between the wood tone and the painted area. I used a 2×4 sheet of walnut plywood and cut it so that the grain in the front was continuous. Build the speaker covers using 1×2 boards joined together with pocket hole screws and wood glue. I could have gone for glue-up here, but I decided to use pocket hole screws instead so I didn’t have to wait for the glue to dry, and they would be hidden anyway. Attach the acoustically transparent fabric to the frames using a staple gun. However, I tried to keep the pocket holes on the inside, which resulted in me having to pull out my right angle bit, and it was a lifesaver!
Honestly, I am so happy I got a do-over because the walnut is perfect, and everything works exactly how I wanted it to. The plans have all the dimensions plus step-by-step instructions with illustrations to help you build the turntable stand.
