Meinl DIY Cajon

[Fretworn]

I'm currently building one of these for my son, and I'm interested to pick you brains for finishing ideas. I've been able to sand it pretty smooth so far, but the plywood isn't that great. I think I'm going to have to grain fill it to get a decent finish. I need some sort of finish that will be able to cop a beating, literally, and help to protect against splitters (not a great thought for an instrument you sit on , and beat with your hands. Contrary to what it has said in my signature, I think I've decided that Wudtone is not the way to go due both to the cost and the lesser quality of the wood involved.

Any ideas?

[AJ]

bit of thinned timber mate, pine color, (for sealing)
westerns stain, clear coat acrylic.. then you can keep it polished up for him..

[Timsan]

This looks really cool...

Like AJ said, you'd be looking at a varnish of sorts. After all, it will be spanked very soundly, not gently strummed. I have a Mano (cheap Meinl) cajon that performs just as well as its more expensive counterparts, and it seems to have a pretty standard acrylic clear finish. A good solid sanding would take care of the splinters.

Where did you get this kit? Building a cajon would be a nice little project. Was it a local buy, or did you order it from overseas?

If young Master Fretworn is really getting into the cajon, keep one of these in mind for a Christmas present:

[Fretworn]

I got the kit off eBay from a music store in Melbourne. They also had the Cajon Bongo kit. From memory it cost around $100+postage.

[Fretworn]

Finished it. The body is F&W Japan Brown with F&W clear varnish. The Playing surface was sprayed with exterior surface clear gloss varnish.

Now I need to sell some guitars so I can buy some more guitar kits.

[stan]

nice result Fretty!