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So the time has come to build from scratch a combo cabinet, complete with tolex and piping. Is there any hints and tips for me e.g. How do I get the corners nice and smooth, how do I do the piping etc.

The actual woodwork should not be a big problem, I have complete drawings of every part in the cabinet and I should be able to cut them and assemble them properly. The thing that worries me is the tolexing, and to make it look like it was done by someone who knew what they were doing. It is going to (I hope) look something like this:




I've contacted few people who build cabs but they either wanted more moolahs than available or they said they cannot do a cab like this. So I'll have to do it myself then I guess. Any hints regarding sources of tolex, grill cloth etc will be greatly appreciated. If you CAN build one like this for me (or maybe just handle the upholstering), PM me please and we can discuss.

I think it will be fun building an entire amp this time round. I'll have some help, naturally (I don't own much in the way of tools).
    I retolexed my JMP head and 4x12 Marshall cab. I made a couple of mistakes, but fortunately bought more telex than I needed, so I could redo my mistakes. Anyone who has seen this head and cab reckons the tolex job is as good as original.

    Best advice I could give you it to get the right glue. Do not try to glue tolex with normal contact glue. Get proper latex based tolex glue. It is much easier to get professional results if you use the right products at the outset.

    The corners are the toughest to get right without any plastic covers to hide things. I'll share the technique with you when you are ready to do it. Is not so bad, just need to be patient and have the right tools and right glue, and you will get good results.

    Good luck. It's a tough job to do it really well, but very satisfying when you get it right. Can probably give you more advice if you have specific questions.
      OK cool, thanks Shaun. I'll ask away when the time comes.
        bottledtone...

        from what i understand, he sells the tolex etc too...

        also, if you do end up doing it yourself, a heatgun works wonders for shaping tolex... hairdriers take too long and burn out..
          ez wrote: So the time has come to build from scratch a combo cabinet, complete with tolex and piping. Is there any hints and tips for me e.g. How do I get the corners nice and smooth, how do I do the piping etc.

          The actual woodwork should not be a big problem, I have complete drawings of every part in the cabinet and I should be able to cut them and assemble them properly. The thing that worries me is the tolexing, and to make it look like it was done by someone who knew what they were doing. It is going to (I hope) look something like this:




          I've contacted few people who build cabs but they either wanted more moolahs than available or they said they cannot do a cab like this. So I'll have to do it myself then I guess. Any hints regarding sources of tolex, grill cloth etc will be greatly appreciated. If you CAN build one like this for me (or maybe just handle the upholstering), PM me please and we can discuss.

          I think it will be fun building an entire amp this time round. I'll have some help, naturally (I don't own much in the way of tools).
          If you plan to order grille cloth like the one in your pic, please let me know. Need some for my 2x12.. (and the white piping ? )
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