Thickness For Solid Wood Cavity Covers

[fyb]

You guys have been alot of help!

I would like to do a solid wood cover for a rear control cavity. How thick do you think it should be to keep it pretty stable? Should I put more finish on the cover or even finish it on all sides to help with stability? Thanks!!!

[thegarehanman]

I normally make mine about 1/4" thick, maybe 3/16" if the wood is quite strong. That thickness is partially chosen because I need covers thick enough to house the magnets I use to affix them to the body. Also, yes, it would be a good idea to spray or wipe on a light coat of sealer just to make sure the cover doesn't warp due to climate changes.

peace,

russ

[fyb]

I normally make mine about 1/4" thick, maybe 3/16" if the wood is quite strong. That thickness is partially chosen because I need covers thick enough to house the magnets I use to affix them to the body. Also, yes, it would be a good idea to spray or wipe on a light coat of sealer just to make sure the cover doesn't warp due to climate changes.

peace,

russ

Magnets are a great idea! I hadn't thought of that.

[Bobby]

magnets there are a sweet idea for that purpose, how do you take grip on the covers to pull them off?...is there a little lip?

[thegarehanman]

c'mon, i already gave you guys the magnets idea. work the rest out for yourselves.

[soapbarstrat]

Jeez, I though everybody knew that when you pass a fist full of kryptonite over magnets, it renders them useless for a few minutes.

[mattharris75]

I just use 'The Force'. But then again, i'm a very powerful Jedi, your mileage may vary.

I believe if you search for the topic you'll find a reasonable amount of information on various people's interpretations of the magnetic cavity cover.

Edited August 7, 2007 by mattharris75

[Mattia]

I've currently got a guitar underway that's going to have wood cavity covers, but I'm of two minds here; I'm thinking I might want to go thin (like, 3mm total) by laminating (epoxy) copper or brass sheet between two thin veneers (1 to 1.5mm thick, headplate veneer thickness, say), which should make the whole thing more dimensionally stable (odd number of laminations, one non-warping one in the middle) while also providing (with a little facy jiggery) proper shielding for the cavity.

Thoughts? (and yes, I'm going with magnets, thin 2mm in the cover, taller ones in body. I thought of using steel as the center lam in the covers, but it's harder to process than copper or brass)

(this guitar, if anyone cares: http://www.xs4all.nl/~mvalente/guitarpics6/kelly/body01.jpg)

Edited August 7, 2007 by Mattia