Building a Thorens TD-160 Super Reproduction

Behind the Scenes: Building a Thorens TD-160 Super Reproduction

Most hardware is removed and cleaned ultrasonically. Then the old TD-160 top plate is removed and the old adheisve residue sanded away.
Most hardware is removed and cleaned ultrasonically.  Then the old TD-160 top plate is removed and the old adhesive residue sanded away.
Underside surfaces are cleaned with 100% isopropyl alcohol, then dynamat is applied as close as possible to how Thorens did it for the original TD-160 Super
Underside surfaces are cleaned with 100% isopropyl alcohol, then dynamat is applied as close as possible to how Thorens did it for the original TD-160 Super

 

After the reproduction plate is carefully attached with contact cement, the turntable mechanism is mounted in a 3/4" solid wood plinth (African Sipo, in this case)
After the reproduction plate is carefully attached with contact cement, and the cleaned hardware installed, the turntable mechanism is mounted in a 3/4″ solid wood plinth (African Sipo, in this case)
The reproduction top plate is carefully modeled after the original Thorens, sans the warnings written in German.
The reproduction top plate is carefully modeled after the original Thorens, sans the warnings written in German.
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Tonearm is mounted using a state-of-the-art machined one piece armboard. Solid and gorgeous!
Anodized aluminum with gorgeous brushed finish
Anodized aluminum with gorgeous brushed finish. Note how each hole is perfectly round.

 

Completed table in Zebrawood
Completed table in Zebrawood
Another in African Sipo
Another in African Sipo
This one in Bloodwood
This one in Bloodwood
Padauk, also showing the custom acrylic cover
Padauk, also showing the custom acrylic cover

 

Brazilian Cherry...
Brazilian Cherry…

 

Every Super plinth is crafted by a finish carpenter with over 30 years in the trade.
Every Super plinth is crafted by a finish carpenter with over 30 years in the trade.
Each is finished with three coats of finish appropriate to the wood
Each is finished with at least three coats of finish appropriate to the wood. For example, this Padauk needs UV protection, and so two coats of Teak Oil are used followed by two in Polyurethane.