5e3 build project Summer 2012

[Ledoux]

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/201...-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!

[andyfromdenver]

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

[printer2]

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

[hackworth1]

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.

[Ledoux]

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.

[hackworth1]

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).

[Ledoux]

Originally Posted by hackworth1

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.

[Ledoux]

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!

[gtrfarm]

Originally Posted by Ledoux

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.

[Ledoux]

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!

[Ledoux]

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!