Hi all,

Just hoped to get some guidance on this project. I have a plasma tv mounted
on the wall over a fireplace. I would like to purchase a home entertainment
center that includes two towers that will go on either side of the fireplace
and plasma. The two towers are connected by a light bridge which will sit
over the plasma. The problem is that due to the height of the fireplace,
the light bridge will not clear over the plasma. So I need to raise the two
towers about 3 inches. I know I can get a custom made version of it but I
really love everything about this entertainment center and the price is
right.

I would like to build wood platforms to raise the towers. The towers weigh
265 lbs. How would I build this platform to make it sturdy and what kind of
wood should I use? Also, since I will be able to see the platform, would I
cover the exposed portions of it with formica or some other material? Thanks
in advance for any pointers.

Didn't realize my name was not set up on my newsreader.

Thanks again for any assistance you can provide.

Lou V.

"inetnews.worldnet.att.net" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

Just hoped to get some guidance on this project. I have a plasma tv
mounted
on the wall over a fireplace. I would like to purchase a home
entertainment
center that includes two towers that will go on either side of the
fireplace
and plasma. The two towers are connected by a light bridge which will sit
over the plasma. The problem is that due to the height of the fireplace,
the light bridge will not clear over the plasma. So I need to raise the
two
towers about 3 inches. I know I can get a custom made version of it but I
really love everything about this entertainment center and the price is
right.

I would like to build wood platforms to raise the towers. The towers weigh
265 lbs. How would I build this platform to make it sturdy and what kind
of
wood should I use? Also, since I will be able to see the platform, would
I
cover the exposed portions of it with formica or some other material?
Thanks
in advance for any pointers.

Without seeing exactly what you are talking about makes it difficult but
from what I visualize in my head, I think you could build it out of most any
hardwood and plywood. I would build the box part of out of hardwood and
inset a plywood base with dadoes or rabbets for the tower to sit on. If it
is really large, I might add a foot in the middle of the plywood. I would
paint, stain, or otherwise cover it so that it looks like part of the
original unit. 265 lbs on top of a hardwood platform should not be a
problem.



"Lou V" wrote in message
...
Didn't realize my name was not set up on my newsreader.

Thanks again for any assistance you can provide.

Lou V.

"inetnews.worldnet.att.net" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

Just hoped to get some guidance on this project. I have a plasma tv
mounted
on the wall over a fireplace. I would like to purchase a home
entertainment
center that includes two towers that will go on either side of the
fireplace
and plasma. The two towers are connected by a light bridge which will
sit
over the plasma. The problem is that due to the height of the
fireplace,
the light bridge will not clear over the plasma. So I need to raise the
two
towers about 3 inches. I know I can get a custom made version of it but
I
really love everything about this entertainment center and the price is
right.

I would like to build wood platforms to raise the towers. The towers
weigh
265 lbs. How would I build this platform to make it sturdy and what
kind
of
wood should I use? Also, since I will be able to see the platform,
would
I
cover the exposed portions of it with formica or some other material?
Thanks
in advance for any pointers.

Thanks for the response. The towers are typical hifi cabinets with shelves
and glass doors. The dimensions are 25.5 inches wide by 21.6 inches deep.
They are 5' 8" feet high. I need them to be 6'1" or higher. The exteriors
are covered in what appears to be a brass metal laminate giving them a real
high tech look.

So would I just make a box with the hardwood 2 x 4's or should there be a
foot in the middle for added support? How thick should the plywood? Is it
possible to purchase metal laminates to cover the front and sides of the
platform?


"Rob" wrote in message
...
Without seeing exactly what you are talking about makes it difficult but
from what I visualize in my head, I think you could build it out of most
any
hardwood and plywood. I would build the box part of out of hardwood and
inset a plywood base with dadoes or rabbets for the tower to sit on. If
it
is really large, I might add a foot in the middle of the plywood. I would
paint, stain, or otherwise cover it so that it looks like part of the
original unit. 265 lbs on top of a hardwood platform should not be a
problem.



"Lou V" wrote in message
...
Didn't realize my name was not set up on my newsreader.

Thanks again for any assistance you can provide.

Lou V.

"inetnews.worldnet.att.net" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

Just hoped to get some guidance on this project. I have a plasma tv
mounted
on the wall over a fireplace. I would like to purchase a home
entertainment
center that includes two towers that will go on either side of the
fireplace
and plasma. The two towers are connected by a light bridge which will
sit
over the plasma. The problem is that due to the height of the
fireplace,
the light bridge will not clear over the plasma. So I need to raise
the
two
towers about 3 inches. I know I can get a custom made version of it
but
I
really love everything about this entertainment center and the price
is
right.

I would like to build wood platforms to raise the towers. The towers
weigh
265 lbs. How would I build this platform to make it sturdy and what
kind
of
wood should I use? Also, since I will be able to see the platform,
would
I
cover the exposed portions of it with formica or some other material?
Thanks
in advance for any pointers.

Sorry for the typo. They are 5'10" high. Need them raised 3 or more
inches.
"Lou V" wrote in message
...
Thanks for the response. The towers are typical hifi cabinets with
shelves
and glass doors. The dimensions are 25.5 inches wide by 21.6 inches deep.
They are 5' 8" feet high. I need them to be 6'1" or higher. The exteriors
are covered in what appears to be a brass metal laminate giving them a
real
high tech look.

So would I just make a box with the hardwood 2 x 4's or should there be a
foot in the middle for added support? How thick should the plywood? Is
it
possible to purchase metal laminates to cover the front and sides of the
platform?


"Rob" wrote in message
...
Without seeing exactly what you are talking about makes it difficult but
from what I visualize in my head, I think you could build it out of most
any
hardwood and plywood. I would build the box part of out of hardwood and
inset a plywood base with dadoes or rabbets for the tower to sit on. If
it
is really large, I might add a foot in the middle of the plywood. I
would
paint, stain, or otherwise cover it so that it looks like part of the
original unit. 265 lbs on top of a hardwood platform should not be a
problem.



"Lou V" wrote in message
...
Didn't realize my name was not set up on my newsreader.

Thanks again for any assistance you can provide.

Lou V.

"inetnews.worldnet.att.net" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

Just hoped to get some guidance on this project. I have a plasma tv
mounted
on the wall over a fireplace. I would like to purchase a home
entertainment
center that includes two towers that will go on either side of the
fireplace
and plasma. The two towers are connected by a light bridge which
will
sit
over the plasma. The problem is that due to the height of the
fireplace,
the light bridge will not clear over the plasma. So I need to raise
the
two
towers about 3 inches. I know I can get a custom made version of it
but
I
really love everything about this entertainment center and the price
is
right.

I would like to build wood platforms to raise the towers. The towers
weigh
265 lbs. How would I build this platform to make it sturdy and what
kind
of
wood should I use? Also, since I will be able to see the platform,
would
I
cover the exposed portions of it with formica or some other
material?
Thanks
in advance for any pointers.

"Lou V" wrote in message
So would I just make a box with the hardwood 2 x 4's or should there be a
foot in the middle for added support? How thick should the plywood? Is
it
possible to purchase metal laminates to cover the front and sides of the
platform?

3/4" plywood is plenty. You can make the box from plywood, use the plywood
for the top and then add a matching edge band that irons on to hide the
plywood edge. You can buy plywood in birch, maple, oak at Home Depot. Other
wood suppliers carry an even better selection.

Depending on your decor, you could use brick instead of wood. Or use 2 x
4's and plywood, then put ceramic tile on the edge. Many possibilities
depending on your taste.
Ed

On Sun, 14 Mar 2004 15:21:04 GMT, "inetnews.worldnet.att.net" wrote:

Hi all,

Just hoped to get some guidance on this project. I have a plasma tv mounted
on the wall over a fireplace.

You may not know this, but the natural enemy of plasma TV sets is HEAT!! If you over heat the screen you will cause a
visible defect, which is non-repairable and not warranted.... you may want to keep this in mind and make sure the set
is shielded from excess heat in some way... even a fan on the side would help, hidden in the entertainment shelves.

I would like to purchase a home entertainment
center that includes two towers that will go on either side of the fireplace
and plasma. The two towers are connected by a light bridge which will sit
over the plasma. The problem is that due to the height of the fireplace,
the light bridge will not clear over the plasma. So I need to raise the two
towers about 3 inches. I know I can get a custom made version of it but I
really love everything about this entertainment center and the price is
right.

I would like to build wood platforms to raise the towers. The towers weigh
265 lbs. How would I build this platform to make it sturdy and what kind of
wood should I use? Also, since I will be able to see the platform, would I
cover the exposed portions of it with formica or some other material? Thanks
in advance for any pointers.


Since you need about 3", why not use 2x4s with a plywood top. You can ring the base in some kind of smooth material like
thin MDF and then paint it black.

Thanks for the advice. I think I will be going out this weekend to
purchase plywood and 2x4's. I also found that Formica makes metal
laminates that will match the entertainment units finish.

Also, I checked with the manufacturer and they suggested that I place
a thermometer over the fireplace where the plasma will go and make
sure that the temperature does not exceed 90 degrees when the
fireplace is on. It never went over 75 degrees. It is a gas
direct-vent fireplace with a fan and it blows the heat out into the
room. So no problem with that.



Bob Flint wrote in message . ..
On Sun, 14 Mar 2004 15:21:04 GMT, "inetnews.worldnet.att.net" wrote:

Hi all,

Just hoped to get some guidance on this project. I have a plasma tv mounted
on the wall over a fireplace.

You may not know this, but the natural enemy of plasma TV sets is HEAT!! If you over heat the screen you will cause a
visible defect, which is non-repairable and not warranted.... you may want to keep this in mind and make sure the set
is shielded from excess heat in some way... even a fan on the side would help, hidden in the entertainment shelves.

I would like to purchase a home entertainment
center that includes two towers that will go on either side of the fireplace
and plasma. The two towers are connected by a light bridge which will sit
over the plasma. The problem is that due to the height of the fireplace,
the light bridge will not clear over the plasma. So I need to raise the two
towers about 3 inches. I know I can get a custom made version of it but I
really love everything about this entertainment center and the price is
right.

I would like to build wood platforms to raise the towers. The towers weigh
265 lbs. How would I build this platform to make it sturdy and what kind of
wood should I use? Also, since I will be able to see the platform, would I
cover the exposed portions of it with formica or some other material? Thanks
in advance for any pointers.


Since you need about 3", why not use 2x4s with a plywood top. You can ring the base in some kind of smooth material like
thin MDF and then paint it black.