Sapele speakers and mid-century modern music console

Over a year ago I embarked on making my own high-end speakers from parts/plans by GR-Research following delays in shipping thanks to the pandemic. I decided to use Sapele veneer for the speakers and at the time Sapele was on sale at Woodworkers Source, so I purchased enough to also make a corresponding media console. I couldn't leave good enough alone and went way overboard on the speakers to ensure there would be no cabinet resonance. The speaker cabinet is made from laminating MDF to Baltic birch plywood to make 1.5 inch-thick walls. The interior is lined with vinyl floor tiles and acoustic foam to further reduce resonance. This was my first foray into veneering, and overall, it went very well. My initial attempts at using polyurethane for the finish reminded me why I hate polyurethane and ended up taking the cabinets to a cabinet refinishing shop to get a lacquer sprayed on.

The media console went together much faster. I wanted a mid-century modern look, which makes for a very straightforward build. I made the console from solid 4/4 Sapele and used Festool Dominos throughout for all joinery. The rear panels of the cabinet are 1/2-inch baltic birch ply set into dados. Legs are metal hairpin legs from some reseller on Amazon. This time I used my go-to finishing product - Osmo Wood Wax. It is a penetrating finish that is both protective and very forgiving. I apply 2 coats, wiping off excess after 30 minutes. Finally, I apply a paste wax with a fine abrasive pad to create a silky, semi-gloss finish.

The speakers sound as good as they look and I couldn't be happier with the overall appearance of the speakers and cabinet.

Finish: Osmo Wood Wax, clear lacquer