BuddytheReow
Moderator
I've been getting back into woodworking recently and am wondering if anyone has tried this at all? I would think the only difficulty would be shielding/grounding the inside of the enclosure. Good idea or bad idea?
Wooden Pedals - Anyone Tried This?
- Thread starter BuddytheReow
- Start date
wintercept
Well-known member
I've wanted to try something like that. I think it would be awesome, and I imagine shielding tape or paint would suffice for most circuits. Awesome idea!
DAJE
Well-known member
I've seen it done. They can be lined with anti-slug/snail tape for a cheap insulation that's a bit classier (and probably more effective) than tinfoil. It's the same stuff that is used to line pickup cavities and so on, except cheaper because it isn't marketed at guitarists.
Dan0h
Well-known member
I have thought about this as well. I made this walnut and cherry box for my daughter and just changing the dimensions would make a pretty sweet pedal enclosure. Only issue is it would be more of a show item versus function because you wouldn’t really want to stomp on a wood box too many times. But if you think of pedals like the old range masters that would sit on top of the amp I could see it working out.
BuddytheReow
Moderator
That is some great work you've done!!!! I'm itching to build stuff like this, but I'm crossing my fingers that my wife will get me a router and bits for the holidays coming up. I've only got a table and miter saw and a power drill
Dan0h
Well-known member
Thank you, don’t let the lack of power tools stop you. This box was all by hand. No power. Power sure makes things go faster though.
vigilante398
Authorized Vendor
Cherry B Size Enclosure Unfinished
squonkersdiy.com
I've seen other people use these in builds and have been meaning to try one out, but never got around to it. Generally a good idea yo use copper tape or something similar to line the inside for shielding.
fig
Village Idiot
Double entendre alert!
wintercept
Well-known member
I think the shielding could be done on the cheap with spray adhesive and aluminum foil.
One thing to look out for with the copper snail tape is that it has conductive adhesive. That’s what makes shielding tape different.
I had to shield my guitar and only had HVAC tape, which does not have conductive adhesive. So, my dad and I meticulously cut and folded the edges of the tape over and overlapped the pieces. Then we checked for continuity between each piece. Worked like a charm, but was a bit of extra work.
One thing to look out for with the copper snail tape is that it has conductive adhesive. That’s what makes shielding tape different.
I had to shield my guitar and only had HVAC tape, which does not have conductive adhesive. So, my dad and I meticulously cut and folded the edges of the tape over and overlapped the pieces. Then we checked for continuity between each piece. Worked like a charm, but was a bit of extra work.
Bricksnbeatles
Member known well
I made a pair of finger-joined walnut and mahogany enclosures with cedar lids back in my 10th grade woodworking class, but I’ve yet to build anything in them because I’m too indecisive and don’t want them going to waste (of course it could be argued that them sitting in a drawer for 6+ years is more of a waste, but yeah).
Stickman393
Well-known member
Ehhhhhhh.
Great idea, but with caveats:
Wood has a tendency to expand and contract based on RH and temperature Some species are better than others in this regard...but it's something that needs to be taken into account.
This means that, generally, you should expect to see some flexing and cupping in your enclosure depending on conditions. Allow the enclosure to get too dry, and cracking could be an issue.
Quartersawn or rift sawn lumber would be your best bet. Finger jointing would require very steady hands, and/or a good router table jig. Dovetailing may be a better option if cutting by hand.
The enclosure walls would certainly need to be much thicker than a typical aluminum enclosure...even internal bracing may be required. It's a stomp box after all...
Copper shielding tape could help...just understand that it won't be quite as effective at rejecting noise as a 3.5mm thick aluminum plate.
A good option here, in terms of ruggedizing the enclosure, would be to use resin-impregnated wood. This requires a vacuum pump and a vessel, but the process effectively replaces all the water in the wood with resin, prevents the wood from expanding and contracting, and adds a bit to it's structural integrity.
It's a good thought for something unique. There are plenty of pitfalls along the way. Wood is great...but it's a rabbit hole. Lots to learn. Be prepared for some mistakes along the way...don't go spending serious bucks on zebrawood and figured bubinga at first.
Great idea, but with caveats:
Wood has a tendency to expand and contract based on RH and temperature Some species are better than others in this regard...but it's something that needs to be taken into account.
This means that, generally, you should expect to see some flexing and cupping in your enclosure depending on conditions. Allow the enclosure to get too dry, and cracking could be an issue.
Quartersawn or rift sawn lumber would be your best bet. Finger jointing would require very steady hands, and/or a good router table jig. Dovetailing may be a better option if cutting by hand.
The enclosure walls would certainly need to be much thicker than a typical aluminum enclosure...even internal bracing may be required. It's a stomp box after all...
Copper shielding tape could help...just understand that it won't be quite as effective at rejecting noise as a 3.5mm thick aluminum plate.
A good option here, in terms of ruggedizing the enclosure, would be to use resin-impregnated wood. This requires a vacuum pump and a vessel, but the process effectively replaces all the water in the wood with resin, prevents the wood from expanding and contracting, and adds a bit to it's structural integrity.
It's a good thought for something unique. There are plenty of pitfalls along the way. Wood is great...but it's a rabbit hole. Lots to learn. Be prepared for some mistakes along the way...don't go spending serious bucks on zebrawood and figured bubinga at first.
