Couldn't find a sub grille that looked right...

[Longhorn FRC]

So I made this one. Used some extra leather from the stuff I got on eBay for my amp rack and a little MDF to make this: http://webspace.utexas.edu/jth6506/grille.jpg This is the first time I've tried to wrap something like this in leather, so some of the seams don't look so hot. Fortunately most of them can't be seen in the trunk.

[EatRice]

That looks pretty good. Alot of fun wrapping that leather, eh?

[Longhorn FRC]

yea it's not quite as pliable as I thought it would be, hopefully I can get the amp rack done in one piece.

[EatRice]

I have only used leather a few times for custom stuff like that. After the first time I only used it again when the customer insited. Then I had to rethink my usuall way of building stuff to make sure I could wrap whatever I built with the leather. Do you use routers much? I use a little trick that might help you out.

[Longhorn FRC]

Haven't ever used a router actually, what's the secret?

[EatRice]

Well one thing is give a slight round over to all your edges. Depending on the situation I use anywhere from a 1/8" to a 1 1/2" round over. The other big trick is to use a rabbit bit on the backside of everything you are wrapping. I usually use a 3/4" rabbit bit to put a shallow shelf all wround the piece. This gives you a specific spot to put the material and it will make the material flush with the back of the piece instead of standing off of it. It wil make pieces fit together better and a bit cleaner. I make grills like yours alot (never have in the Corvette badge though) and when I do I finish all the edges. If you rabbit in the the material you can use something like formica or plexi glass to finish off the backside of the grill. If you like wood working I highly recommend you get into routers. Everything I build out of wood I use a rotor on....I own 14 of them :)

[Longhorn FRC]

yea I think I'm gonna have to get one. I used a random orbit sander to try and round off the edges, but a router would give me a much cleaner round - and a heck of a lot quicker. I've just never learned to use one.

most of my woodworking consists of building boring speaker boxes, but I'm sure it won't be too long before I branch off into more interesting stuff, so a router looks like it would be a great idea.

[EatRice]

You can do almost anything with a router. I prefer Porter Cable routers myself. I suggest getting something with a little bit of nuts like 1.5hp and makes sure it has a 1/2" collet. Try to use only 1/2" bits ...they brake less. You should also look at a plunge router.
This is a sweet setup here

http://shop.woodcraft.com/Woodcraft/...8350E04F3A79A6

Also check this attachement out. I cut 99% of all my circles with a router. I have cut circles almost 8' in diameter with a router and a jig like these.

http://shop.woodcraft.com/Woodcraft/...8350E04F3A79A6

[gdh]

looks great, did you use a template?

[Longhorn FRC]

thank ya! no template - it's all freehand with a ruler. even the circles. couldn't find a plate big enough and my compass has mysteriously disappeared.

if you look closely at the checkered flag the checks on the left side are slightly wider than those on the right - shhhhhh...


[Modified by Longhorn FRC, 11:21 PM 1/4/2004]

[_Nomad_]

Looks good. :cool: :thumbs: