5e3 build project Summer 2012

Hey all!
After great recommendations from the membership, I'm making the 5e3 my Summer 2012 project. Last summer was a compression pedal and TS-808 from General Guitar Gadgets. I've gotten the bug to do the whole thing myself, so here is the plan:

Cabinet using the plans from here: http://trabantland.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/tweed-deluxe-cabinet-construction/

A friend has a dovetail jig/machine. I'll try to get finger joints, but, if I can't, how much will dovetails affect the assembly and functionality of the cabinet? I'll be using cabinet grade pine for all 3/4" thickness parts and ply for all 3/8. What adhesive do you use to fix the tweed to the wood? I'll finish it using laquer. Does this sound like a correct method?


Boothill 5e3 kit
I like the grounding bus method and quality of this kit. Plus my solder iron should have an easier time without the brass plate grounding method. Question here is I've heard a lot about getting this circuit from 12W to 25W. Is there a difference in components and transformers or just drop in 6L6's for 6V6's if needed?

I'll post pics as I go. Hopefully the kit will be ordered by the end of the week and cabinet construction will begin this weekend.

BTW, I cannot stress enough how much of a great resource you all are. Thank you in advance!

Awesome! I'll be excited to see your cab build.

To get close in the 25W range I would think you need an upgraded output and power transformer.

https://taweber.powweb.com/store/5e3p_layout.jpg

I sell the Chassis and components to make this 6L6 powered 5E3.

I use Power transformer P-TF41316 and 4ohm Output Transformer P-TF22848 from www.tubesandmore.com

I also built one using an 8 ohm OT. HY404248 A Heyboer unit purchased from www.taweber.com

Bigger Filter Caps and a GZ34 (5AR4) rectifier are also called for.

We're almost in business! Can't wait to get this project going.
Update: The Boot Hill 5e3 kit (standard no pro-luxe for this go around) was ordered from Hackworth1 (Dave) today. $189
Went with Weber to save on shipping and the warranty they provide on their products. 12" Signature AlNiCo speaker, Weber PT, Weber OT, WY3GT copper cap rectifier, and a 1/4" mono-speaker plug. $144.75


Lead times are 1-2wks, I'm guessing, so this'll give me time to do the cabinet. I'm off of school for next week so we'll see how far she gets.

Male 1/4 inch speaker jack, speaker wire and faston connectors are included in your Kit (packed and ready - ships from Central Florida before 2 pm tomorrow).

Male 1/4 inch speaker jack, speaker wire and faston connectors are included in your Kit (packed and ready - ships from Central Florida before 2 pm tomorrow).

Small mistake on my part then. Thank you.

Question for those who know: Is 3/8" birch ply sturdy enough as baffle material? The plans (linked above) call for both 3/8 and 1/4 for various components. Seems like it'll be easy enough to just use one width for all ply components. Maybe 1/2" ply? Your opinions, please.

Got the board done and set it in the chassis to see how it looks. An ebay vendor is shipping me a cab as we speak and I'll let the group know how it turns out. Question: Do you break the tabs off the pots when you mount them? Also, could I just strip the grounding bus and run it along the top of the board to the grounding bracket? The bracket would be located at a PT bolt.

hackworth1 has been great so far and any other tips are appreciated!

Got the board done and set it in the chassis to see how it looks. An ebay vendor is shipping me a cab as we speak and I'll let the group know how it turns out. Question: Do you break the tabs off the pots when you mount them? Also, could I just strip the grounding bus and run it along the top of the board to the grounding bracket? The bracket would be located at a PT bolt.

hackworth1 has been great so far and any other tips are appreciated!

You can break the tabs off so the pots sit flush.

Finished the pots, jacks, and board. Wow the input jack harness was difficult to fit. Thanks to hackworth1's for his jig suggestion. I actually used the box the kit was shipped in to recreate all the mounting holes. Thought I'd share. Any hints for the rest of the build? Thanks everybody!

Finished! A lot of fun and very challenging. I've rechecked every connection probably a dozen times for cold joints, orientation, and continuity. Here's to hoping for success when the light finally comes on. Any feedback on my wiring is appreciated so I can do it better or fix anything before I set it in the cabinet. Thanks!