Tolex ... overlap or perfect seam?

[Bluefinger]

Which route would you go on a two tone amp? Would you overlap the two colors like the top layer of a tweed amp or glue them down edge to edge? Opinions???

thanks a lot!

[J M Fahey]

I always go for the perfect seam, but don't "glue them down edge to edge".
The proper procedure is to overlap them by, say, 1.5" or 2" , cut both of them at the same time down to the wood with a real sharp knife, pull the unneeded strips and only then slightly correct edges for a perfect seam, if needed.
But cutting both at the same time takes care of 95% of the job.
A perfect seam can be used anywhere, you can use 10 alternating color strips if you wish.
Overlapping Tolex (or Tweed) only works on the top and bottom edges, Fender style.

[Bluefinger]

I think the seam looks a lot cleaner and I will probably go for it. I just wondered if there are any benefits to it like it's more durable or so ...

thanks!

[J M Fahey]

In theory, the overlapped Old Fender type may get torn open by careless handling, such as sliding a heavy cabinet or drum case or whatever over it; while the more even cut seam is flatter.
Or, perhaps more important; the cut seam means porous fabric Tolex bottom is glued to porous wood, while in overlaps, porous bottom fabric gets glued to non porous Tolex (plastic side).
I have seen this weaker joint somewhat unglued a couple times, in very old stuff.
Old animal hide glue used by Fender is water soluble (think rain/beer/etc.)
I bet properly applied neoprene type contact cement is stronger.

[morbe]

I've restored a couple of cabinets, I tend to keep true to the manufacture or match the cab to the head its going to. I think both look great in their own respects. If I was making my own head a cab, I think Seamless would last longer. I hope we get pics when your done.

[Chuck H]

If the cab is going to be two tone, do you plan to use piping as well? Because that will require some allowance but also give a little imperfection leeway.

[Enzo]

I did a design - but never built - an urban themed amp, and I wanted to tip my hat to two-tone wingtip shoes. It would have layered leather/vinyl, the upper layer tooled. Such a layer could hide a seam.

Two tone wingtips - TheFind

[Bluefinger]

nope ... no piping.
I has a kind of unusual front panel tho but I tried stretching a piece of tolex around it and it should work ... I think I'll take the chance.

here's what it looks like so far. I still have a lot of work to do until I get to the tolex especially because I don't have any experience with woodworking:

Amp Project

thanks god for the internet! I found all information on how to do it and what tools I need on YouTube and this forum ...

[J M Fahey]

Hey !!! NICE woodwork !!!!!!!!!!!

[Bluefinger]

Thanks! I was always reluctant to go and build my own cabinets but with a little patience and some decent tools it went really smooth so far. But I have just started ... let's wait and see how it will turn out.