Remember I mentioned that I was building something? Well, I finished the project:
The usual thing happened. I could not find the right kind of cabinet that fit the space and function, and so decided that I might as well build one designed to fit exactly what was called for. It holds all the living room media needs, and keeps them discretely hidden away (no electronics and cables everywhere) until called upon. The top chamber opens up to deploy a projector (the holes and hinged side door function as vents placed to match its cooling vents), and when all closed up the whole thing is just a nice simple box.
The design evolved a bit over the construction phase. 
I’d build some of it and then bring it in, put some of the stuff on it, and see if it worked well, making adjustments as needed (such as the venting, and deciding the best sorts of knobs, closures, and hinges to use), doing sketches on the subway on the way to work to help me plan things. (Click on images for larger view.)
The whole thing is made of red oak, and so weighs a ton, as I discovered when bringing it inside after a week of sitting outside after getting its coats of tung oil!
Ah, yes, I finish the wood by rubbing it a few times with coats of tung oil and letting it dry. Really brings out the quality of the wood and the patterns of grain.
Soon time to test it out and watch a movie!
-cvj
Hi Mark,
I’m only showing you the side that worked out ok. It’s a total mess in the areas you can’t see. 😀
-cvj
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That’s brilliant! One day, I’d love to find the time to learn to do this sort of thing.
Jeff would be proud ????
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Damn – This is what happens when you type quickly & do NOT proofread. Please note edited version!
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So clever and well done!
How you find the time to do all of these things boggles my mind but these woodworking projects in particular make me extremely jealous. I have no artistic skills so the sketching, while impressive, doesn’t leave me envious, but I can imagine making a cabinet. Keep it up–its great to have fun vicariously!
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Moh, I’ve made it part of my life’s work to confound the easy scientist-stereotype quips. 🙂 I’m delighted to have heard that I’ve gone to the next level with regards theorist vs experimentalist humour….
Ronda, yes. Thank you! Actually, the use I chose, “discrete”, actually serves for both senses since the doors are indeed *separating* the media stuff from the rest of the room. So really both words are interchangeable in this instance. (As sheer luck would have it! :)) (BTW, Asymptotia is not spelled Asymototia. 😀 …)
Your skills do not allow this experimental physicist to make his usual theoretical physicist jokes….Buzzkill.
Thanks everyone, you are all very kind!
Nicely done Sir…pretty and practical. ..must feel very satisfied
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I’m exhausted trying to keep up with you. When do you SLEEP?
ALSO, per your description on ASYMOTOTIA – “It holds all the living room media needs, and keeps them discretely hidden away (no electronics and cables everywhere) until called upon.” – It might be that you have built something that actually keeps things hidden away both DISCRETELY and DISCREETLY! — Check out the definitions on the two spellings of that word, and let me know if I am right!
The little vent door is my favorite.
Nice work! Looks like you “nailed it!” 😉
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I wish I was better with making things in the “real” world.
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Clifford ! I am SO enjoying finding out about all these wonderful and interesting things that you do! I’m glad to re-joined Facebook.
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RT @BlackPhysicists: Cabinet Caper! http://t.co/WfANY3mLBq via @Asymptotia
RT @BlackPhysicists: Cabinet Caper! http://t.co/WfANY3mLBq via @Asymptotia
Is there anything this man can’t do?!!? Love it Clifford!!
Cabinet Caper! http://t.co/WfANY3mLBq via @Asymptotia