Record Player Stand | Build It | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a record player stand out of oak plywood.
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Time: 7-8 hours
Cost: $200
Skill Level: Difficult
Tools List for Building a Record Player Stand: [YT]
Track saw [amzn.to/2AMYmdU]
Measuring tape [amzn.to/2ntXLee]
Mortising drill [amzn.to/2AW8d0V]
Hammer [amzn.to/2ntXU1g]
Table saw [amzn.to/2LSzesE]
Router [amzn.to/2AMv5jF]
Miter saw [amzn.to/31UcqOR]
Circular sander [amzn.to/2MkJUzl]
Paint brush [amzn.to/2OtHq4q]
Drill [amzn.to/31VOnPx]
Shopping List: [YT]
Pre-turned table legs [amzn.to/2ASn8t4]
3/4 inch plywood [amzn.to/30XQWPv]
1x3 inch red oak [amzn.to/35faxyc]
1x4 inch red oak [amzn.to/35faxyc]
Wood glue [amzn.to/2MkX7YH]
Floating tenons [amzn.to/35bEoHM]
Oak molding [amzn.to/2VvF5Yd]
100 [amzn.to/2AP9yGT] -220 grit sandpaper [amzn.to/2MkKzkj]
Tack cloth [amzn.to/2MrQ4Oe]
Wood conditioner [amzn.to/2LVt2jF]
Wood stain [amzn.to/31UASQb]
Rags [amzn.to/33eMkq3]
Gloves for applying stain [amzn.to/2ASYZTs]
Tom and Kevin built the record player stand out of 3/4” oak plywood and 1x4” and 1x3” red oak, which can be found at home centers. To cut all the boards to the proper dimensions and assemble the cabinet, Tom used a variety of tools, including a Domino Joiner, a Kapex KS120 sliding compound miter saw and a TS 55 circular saw, which are all manufactured by Festool [www.festoolusa...].
To secure the face of the cabinet to the base, Tom and Kevin used wood glue by Gorilla Glue [www.gorillatou...].
For the finish, Tom first applied a Pre-Stain wood conditioner, then a gel stain in Walnut. Both are manufactured by Minwax [www.minwax.com/].
Tom ordered prefinished legs from the internet.
Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.
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Record Player Stand | Build It | Ask This Old House
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[@briancnc]

That moment at 1:26 when tommy realized that he gets shafted on a dull blade even when home depot is sponsoring the video.

[@OlympusHeavyCavalry]

Shows you what they think of their customers too.....

[@bilderbeargroup4217]

To be fare pros aren't the only ones that shop there and then you have liability, so i get it.

[@underthetreebbq7341]

💀💀😂

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

nice of them to feature the U-Turn Orbit, a turntable made in the Boston area.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Tom is just watching Kevin twirl that LP. "Put it down kid".

[@Gitarzan66]

I know right? Fingers all over it and stuff.

[@george8873]

Except Tom would've called him Sonny instead of kid, lol.

[@euartista]

Great build, perfect ending with the Grateful Dead.

[@clarkcord]

This is the best episode yet! Might actually build this.

[@agruici]

Gotta buy one of those Festool mortise makers amazon has them for $960.00

[@clarkcord]

agruici luckily I’m a woodworker and can do the same thing without needing the same tool!

[@kennethgreer]

@@agruici Or you could use a biscuit jointer from harbor freight for $60. Just because Tommy has professional tools doesn't mean you need professional tools.

[@johnm5714]

@@agruici that’s a nice system- Fes-Tool makes awesome stuff

[@ahronstern5540]

If you’re gonna build it FYI you can skip the prestain conditioner. It’s not necessary on oak and definitely not necessary if you’re using a gel stain.

[@christopherlamontagne1206]

This will come in handy since Grandpa Joe wants a record player in the home again!

[@JimmyTurner]

Even though I'll never build one of these, or even buy one.... I'm still watching

[@Eaglebird]

Thank you for putting the molding back!

[@dtemp132]

I feel like ATOH should put away the Domino jointer tools and never bring them back out. They are undeniably a great tool for a professional shop. But they are $1000 tools, and a biscuit jointer is $50. If ATOH is trying to inspire a new generation to get into the shop and make things, they need to use reasonable tools.

[@PMichaels]

dtemp132 Yes! I couldn’t agree more. 👍🏼

[@kennethgreer]

You can do basically the same thing with a drill and wooden dowels. Professionals use professional tools; don't knock them for it. If you do a little research you can find many different techniques that can replace the need for expensive tools. TOH does a lot to inspire and train many generations in multiple crafts. Do you think you'll actually make a open-face, four-legged cabinet like this, or are you complaining for no reason?

[@dtemp132]

Kenneth Greer I’m a woodworker with $10k of tools in the garage and even I don’t have a domino jointer

[@scofab]

Suggestion: Make the drawer a real one to hold record and stylus cleaning supplies. Nice one, and I still love listening to Elvis. And CSN&Y, and the Dead. Long live music.

[@w9gb]

scofab Vinyl record sales passed CDs, earlier this year. Reel-to-Reel, 8-track, and cassettes (all magnetic tape) have not had revivals.

[@scotttovey]

@Hiccum Blurpaedius "We need war to kill the Christian government" Really? You want to destroy the Government that has enabled the most advances in technology and enabled more people to become millionaires than any government in the history of mankind? Just because you don't like the religion it was founded on? Have you not read Bible prophesy? Soon,all the kingdoms of the earth will become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and Jesus Christ. He will sit upon His throne in Jerusalem. Revelation 11:15: And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. In the end, you cannot win your war which you wage against God. Even if you do attempt to hide it behind the claim of destroying religion, or of having the true religion. You are fighting against God Himself and not against Christians.

[@scofab]

@Hiccum Blurpaedius The stuff he put out before he went downhill is Gold, agreed the later years were not his best.

[@scofab]

@@w9gb I still use cassettes, right now there's a Nakamichi 670ZX and an Aiwa XK-009 in the stack. Reel to reel is also seeing some resurgence, as is cassette tape. 8-track... no thanks. Sounded bad even when it was 'good'.

[@scofab]

@Hiccum Blurpaedius I have no great affinity for invisible entities of any type, but in this case perhaps you're pointing fingers in the wrong direction.

[@chrisbrown456]

that is a GORGEOUS piece when finished,nice job

[@2loco]

That oak finished off very beautifully but the legs look horrible. Other than that good job guys.

[@rambor1497]

Beautiful stand I just wish they sold them like that now.

[@bigalsguttersandlandscapes909]

This is a great episode.... But my shelf would have to be at least 50 ft long to hold my albums

[@CMFOT]

Tools needed Festool track saw ($599.99) Festool domino ($1040.00) Plywood ($50.00)

[@williamskrainski8407]

1:45 Tommy just gets finished cutting off a piece of oak to save $3, just to go back to the shop and plug in his $800 circular saw

[@NewHopeAudio]

that cabinet is incredible.

[@larrymoore6640]

Nice job Tommy and Kevin. Tommy has great taste in music.

[@jhkindred]

Is there a video on how to afford all those great tools? I used to love watching this show with my dad when I was younger!

[@dalesworld1308]

Looks like the Festool truck just backed up to the barn with some new tools. Legs don't match the carcass.

[@FrankC76]

I have to agree. I think black legs would have been a better choice.

[@baoxi9553]

My favorite show always!!

[@ACWerling]

10:00 Basically we just found out that Jenn is a major stoner.

[@darrylfitzys8632]

Next week Tommy moves into the attic and makes Marcia jealous... and Alice makes meatloaf.

[@Slyguy96]

Would have done it in walnut myself!!

[@TheHobbyShopFilms]

My kids ask, Whats a record? LOL! I tell them a round mp3 player :-))

[@bxb590]

I told my nieces about telephone booths. They wanted to know why I just didn't use my cell phone.

[@TimmyMoza]

Awesome build. A crowning touch would have been a cable management system to hide the power and audio cables to the outlet and hi-fi amplifier console...

[@mellemelmo]

And a space for the receiver/amplifier since you can't actually use a record player on its own. A lot of these turntable stands seem to go to a lot of trouble for a non-working system.

[@nightfangs2910]

Next week Tom builds a holder for his 8 tracks 😂😂😂

[@FritzOShea]

Another groovey episode

[@bobbymalta73]

Thks for sharing.

[@josephmartinez3851]

Norm is the Man....

[@bobmartin7409]

Nice build. I may try this for my daughter. She's into records now. The legs didn't match at all.

[@KenMrKLC]

I love this piece, Classic

[@monsta21cb]

festool must be a sponsor

[@aftpsmith9045]

Two Kings Tommy and Elvis,

[@bennyfactor]

I always love watching Tommy build things, and this is one of the coolest yet. I would like to see a build it like this some time, though, that only uses simpler hand/power tools. I have a couple drills, a sander, a rotary cutter, a few hand saws and one of those "oscillating mutitool" saws that I use to repair stuff at home. It seems like every one of these kind of projects (not just from TOH!) ends up needing a table saw or a mortiser or some other large or more specialty tool. Cheers!

[@kennethgreer]

If you get a circular saw, you will have everything you need to make this cabinet: You can cut plywood on the ground on top of a thick foam insulation sheet (~$20 reusable). With a straightedge, some clever math, and a steady hand you have a track saw/table saw. You can make floating tenons using a drill and wooden dowels. It takes some skill on the 45 degree tenons, but it can be done. Or you can pick up a biscuit jointer for ~$60 from Harbor Freight. They aren't as strong, but would definitely work for this application. Another option to make the project easier is to use iron on edgebanding instead of the solid oak edge. That will save quite a bit of mortising and money. Also, you can skip the mortising and use screws. The glue is doing most of the work anyway. Of course, these options will change the look of the cabinet. My point is that you don't need a workshop with ten grand in tools to do woodworking. A garage with $1000 of tools will get you started. You just have to understand how you can adjust project to work with your toolset. CLAMPS!!! You will need clamps for woodworking. You'll probably want like 4 long clamps and an assortment of other in pairs.

[@bennyfactor]

@@kennethgreer Thanks! This is just what I need.

[@MinecraftLetstime]

Loveeeee thiiiis. I think I have watched all your videos.... They are so informative and relaxing to me. Thank you!

[@comcfi]

Great work Tommy.

[@donsmith3167]

Must be nice to be sponsored by Festool, Great tools but man are they expensive.. Great job as usual

[@xidexs]

Watching this video : Lot of professional tool. Me : I have a hammer and nails...

[@beveik]

it really helps i got all these special festool's so i can easily replicate what you did. I do not.

[@prisillaspace]

I 💙 all of yous!!!

[@jej3films]

WOW! Amazing record stand!!

[@StevieLee2114]

Holy crap did I need this!

[@FIXMYHOMEShawn]

Thanks for the information . I like to use the simple tools because everyone's dosen't have all the tools.

[@davy1972]

Great work.

[@jerrymansbergersr2876]

i am trying to start a wood working shop but cant afford all the tools needed to get started

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Thanks for sharing that

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Tommy having to use a blunt hand saw at Home Depot is sad.

[@phonedave]

But accurate. At least he brought his own tape measure, and didn't have to take one from the other aisle. Honestly, the cutting station has steel slots to put the saws in. Who's brilliant idea was that.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

@@phonedave very time I go to home depot the saws are really bad at the cutting station....lol

[@scotttovey]

@@phonedave "Honestly, the cutting station has steel slots to put the saws in. Who's brilliant idea was that." The accountants! Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[@roscoejones4515]

Haha, the famous Home Depot World's Worst Mitre Box.

[@RebelAlliance42]

Awww come on, play some Elvis! Lol

[@Twilight_Charger]

Miter Saw needs a sacrificial fence, I'm sure that off camera there were a few miter off cuts flying around the shop. I'd like to see close ups of the coped corners, I don't see that much anymore, lost art. Yes I agree with others the legs aren't too good a visual fit . Fun project for geezers though, like me.

[@americanstreet8704]

Elvis yay

[@aftpsmith9045]

American Street Elvis is the GOAT !!!

[@user-pj4wq7qs9n]

How to make a beautiful record player like a giratree😀

[@hwodolw0rkthisthin798]

No one who owns even a single piece of Festool equipment has ever purchased their wood stock at a home center.

[@Bill24558]

Very few diy homeowners have a domino due to price. Would you sub biscuits or pocket holes instead?

[@mattb9664]

Home Depot = Home Center

[@altamiradorable]

Great piece ! Not sure about the color though !!

[@krizm]

8:22 after tom shows kevin the booty walking ..

[@justinwoods240]

I’m only 14 turning 15 next week but if that plywood is red oak and the solid board is red oak wouldn’t the colors match up they are completely different colors on that

[@justinbacon7330]

anyone else think that having like 20 tenons was a little over kill

[@Mike_5]

Super stereo Old School

[@AcutePanic41]

This reminds me of a son helping his father build something. Not that I really know what that feels like, my "dad" spent most of his time not at home or being a horrible bas*ard.

[@fredmuehter3307]

Hey what abt us mere mortals? $200 in materials but $3000 in tools needed. Never thought I'd call a carpenter an elitist :-)

[@leewilson7653]

pro job!..

[@AaronMal1978]

Is there a drawing for this available? I like the cabinet, would probably do something different on the legs.

[@jumping438]

I wanted to hear Elvis on the record player.

[@Gitarzan66]

Anything but The Grateful Dead.

[@JW77]

Nah because copyright claims

[@dalesworld1308]

Without an amplifier or speakers it would be unlikely.

[@Gitarzan66]

@@dalesworld1308 You caught that too lol.

[@nobodycares9201]

Thanks for the builds Tommy now the the new yankee has become the old retired yankee.

[@PLBIV]

AHHHHHH someone tell kevin how to properly hold a record!

[@ericmcginnis9413]

No a build like this I would expect Norm!

[@NeworldDesigns]

Nice program that reminds me some os the works we usually do at home. Question to Tony Silva. You are an Azorean descendent correct? Is so from what Island?

[@seandunlap1743]

U-Turn!

[@444MarlinSS]

Are track saws taking over table saws? It seems the table saw is turning out to be a great work table.

[@PMichaels]

James Blattner He wanted to do it with common weekend warrior tools, like the Festool track saw, Domino, and miter saw. 🙄

[@kennethgreer]

@@PMichaels If you cared to learn about woodworking, you'd know that you can accomplish anything those professional tools can do with simpler power tools. Go make some sawdust!

[@444MarlinSS]

Just thinking about investing in a track saw is all.

[@daleannharsh8295]

@@444MarlinSS you can also get long straight edge tools that clamp down. Definitely get you across a piece of plywood.

[@444MarlinSS]

Thanks! I have done that. Table saws have their place. I agree a straight edge works very well. I use a heavy gauge metal stud and whatever clamps i need. But i been wanting a track saw cordless or corded. Tommy makes using a track saw seem quick and practical.

[@beav1962]

When did "floating tenons" supplant biscuits?

[@george8873]

Norm said on of the episodes of the new yankee workshop that the biscuits can swell and cause the wood around the biscuits to swell too, leaving bumps on the joints. The tenons are stronger too.

[@cgriesemer]

@@george8873 Much, much, MUCH stronger.

[@ilovefunnyamv2nd]

everyone wants to know how they screwed up? no stereo system, who wants to listen on the built in mono speaker, ick

[@Diabolik771]

Hate to be the ruiner but....Where is the receiver and pre-amp going to go? Obviously they don't actually play vinyl records.WANNNN WANNNNN WANNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

[@VIRGONOMICS]

Where did she come from ? Bay Area ?

[@JW77]

That rubber mallet would have left black marks all over the wood.

[@kennethgreer]

It wouldn't leave marks, and if by chance it did, the sanding would take care of them.

[@silverSScamaro]

dead head....explains a lot

[@johanesmuylargo]

What was that at 6:40!

[@kennethgreer]

Tommy was cutting the mortise into the cabinet for connecting the 1x4 face of the cabinet (sort of a false drawer). The 1x4 was sitting in the cabinet so Kevin could help Tommy line up the marks so the mortiese would line up. Then Tommy taps the 1x4 into place.

[@-AnyWho]

whats a record?

[@GrahamDIY]

You guys in the USA have no idea how lucky you are to just walk in to Home Depot and look through a selection of veneered plywood and just drive it home You simply cannot do that in the UK. You care barely find decent plywood. Mostly you have to order even decent non-veneer plywood. I’m so jealous!!! 😟

[@chuaysantan6646]

ccr

[@demonknight7965]

are tenons better than buiscuits?

[@baspluim5925]

A mortise and tenon joint is stronger than a biscuit joint. For this build, biscuits and glue are plenty strong. Only the miter joints really need them, the tenons/ biscuits for joining the solid wood to the plywood is mainly for alignment

[@BradThePitts]

6:50 Oh no! Anybody anybody else notice that the molding was not flush against the fence?

[@kennethgreer]

Cope-cut miters are more forgiving of slight variances. So the molding not being flush is no big deal.

[@bobhoskins9595]

Never use a design for sound production designed by someone clearly doesn't care about good sound. You want a 3 point support....duh. Wood resonates: Not good for a support material. This is a piece of furniture that holds a turntable. Its not a well designed audio device. Turmtable are very sensitive to their support system. Often its best to just place them on a spiked board on the floor. The taller the device the more likely the legs will resonate and act like vibrating strings (in principle).

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

Only poorly built turntables are sensitive to their table. A well designed turntable should be able to isolate itself from the furniture.

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Being an old furniture builder I would have put 3 coats of lacquer on such a well built piece...just saying.

[@Leprechaun33]

Do U know how 2 fix a turntable & Tonearm then Come 2 Bangor Maine & help me

[@TrainFlood]

Domino? lol

[@milesj.943]

Miid cenchry moahd'n

[@watuzi]

Too difficult to build, i don't have the specialty tools seen in the video

[@scotttovey]

You don't need those specialty tools. You can use a doweling jig in place of the mortises and tenons.

[@scotttovey]

You also don't have to miter the joints, you can use but end joints if you want..

[@kennethgreer]

@@scotttovey But then he can't complain about a professional contractor using professional tools like have a dozen other people in the comment section.

[@scotttovey]

@@kennethgreer 😎👍

[@jej3451]

Some day Tommy will learn that you mate "tenons" with mortises, not "tenants".

[@trippnbilly7130]

Wier everywhere!! NFA!!

[@duckman2682]

First

[@BaconSniffer578]

Haha who the hell is buying a festool domino that watches toh

[@prisillaspace]

I 💙 all of yous!!!