DIY Speaker Building, Repairing, & Upgrading

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Beerserker

Great veneer job crazy, bet no one else has a set of polks like that.
I think you should come be one of my minions, I'll give all the veneering jobs to you.

@zicmubleu, thank you for the props. I don't know about "artisan" but maybe "capable".

Thanks for the compliment Beerserker . They are one of A kind speakers .

[vsidhu]

crazyb your ideas have the potential to destroy my staycation time

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by vsidhu

crazyb your ideas have the potential to destroy my staycation time

No . Don't let what I do destroy anything !! I put that there so other people could do it if they wanted too.

[vsidhu]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

No . Don't let what I do destroy anything !! I put that there so other people could do it if they wanted too.

But it's too tempting...

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by vsidhu

But it's too tempting...

This is why I did it .

This

Or This

[vsidhu]

If I can do this the number of options in the used speaker market goes up for me.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by vsidhu

If I can do this the number of options in the used speaker market goes up for me.

True . & you can be like me & say you have one of A kind speakers .

[vsidhu]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

True . & you can be like me & say you have one of A kind speakers .

one of a kindwhy don't I just build a tower set...must do some reading

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by vsidhu

one of a kindwhy don't I just build a tower set...must do some reading

Do some research & make your own . I plan on doing it in the future with 3 front towers like I have now for my front sound stage .

[Beerserker]

Originally Posted by vsidhu

one of a kindwhy don't I just build a tower set...must do some reading

vsidhu, crazy, start by looking at builds done by other people to get an idea what is involved. Figure out what tools you will need to borrow/buy and if you or a friend have the skill set necessary. I think anyone can do it, but working with saws and such can be dangerous so experience is recommended.

You can follow along with my build in this thread, but there are also tons of builds on other forums out there as well. Look at designs by Jed Kuntz, Jim Holtz, Zaph Audio and Jon Marsh to name a few. There are also tons of links at the start of the thread, courtesy of BD.

If you think you like your gear now, just wait till you are listening to speakers YOU built that sound amazing. Plus the price/performance ratio is unrivaled, even if you have to buy a few tools.

EDIT: There are also kits available that you can get shipped to you, wood and all. I know parts express offers a couple, as well as pre-made cabinets.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Beerserker

vsidhu, crazy, start by looking at builds done by other people to get an idea what is involved. Figure out what tools you will need to borrow/buy and if you or a friend have the skill set necessary. I think anyone can do it, but working with saws and such can be dangerous so experience is recommended.

You can follow along with my build in this thread, but there are also tons of builds on other forums out there as well. Look at designs by Jed Kuntz, Jim Holtz, Zaph Audio and Jon Marsh to name a few. There are also tons of links at the start of the thread, courtesy of BD.

If you think you like your gear now, just wait till you are listening to speakers YOU built that sound amazing. Plus the price/performance ratio is unrivaled, even if you have to buy a few tools.

EDIT: There are also kits available that you can get shipped to you, wood and all. I know parts express offers a couple, as well as pre-made cabinets.

Beerserker. I have been working with wood for over 20 years , Everything I would/could need is at my fingertips at work . I can even write A program for cutting the cabinet pieces out of the MDF on one of the CNC machines . This will be vary easy for me when I decide to do it !

[Animo]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

True . & you can be like me & say you have one of A kind speakers .

But I do have one of a kind speakers, and they look nothing like yours....

[Beerserker]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

Beerserker. I have been working with wood for over 20 years , Everything I would/could need is at my fingertips at work . I can even write A program for cutting the cabinet pieces out of the MDF on one of the CNC machines . This will be vary easy for me when I decide to do it !

OK. You can disregard my advice then. I shall expect nothing but excellence!!

[vsidhu]

Originally Posted by Beerserker

vsidhu, crazy, start by looking at builds done by other people to get an idea what is involved. Figure out what tools you will need to borrow/buy and if you or a friend have the skill set necessary. I think anyone can do it, but working with saws and such can be dangerous so experience is recommended.

You can follow along with my build in this thread, but there are also tons of builds on other forums out there as well. Look at designs by Jed Kuntz, Jim Holtz, Zaph Audio and Jon Marsh to name a few. There are also tons of links at the start of the thread, courtesy of BD.

If you think you like your gear now, just wait till you are listening to speakers YOU built that sound amazing. Plus the price/performance ratio is unrivaled, even if you have to buy a few tools.

EDIT: There are also kits available that you can get shipped to you, wood and all. I know parts express offers a couple, as well as pre-made cabinets.

I'm going to get a jigsaw on boxing day. I have a drill, electric paint sprayer, handheld circular saw. I will also need clamps, wire cutter/strippers, probably some other stuff. Most major cuts I'll leave to home depot. My experience working with wood include three years of shop class making simple things like clocks. My experience with speakers/wiring includes upgrading outlets, 1st year physics classes (worked with super tweeters...some serious ear bleeders). I also have my dad for tips (he worked in cutting mouldings/doors for 7 years). Still a beginner I guess, but I'm going to do A LOT of research.

[Beerserker]

PART TWO!!

After a little light stretching, I fed the hounds and then waded back into battle...


Here is my wittle table saw. Aint it cute?? Because of it's size it's use is limited, although it was helpful today. With a saw like this you can't trust the measurements on the fence guide. Take your own measurements at the front and back of the blade to ensure a good, straight, safe cut.


Dry fitting the cabinets to make sure all pieces are present and everything fits before glue hits wood.


Cutting out braces with a Jigsaw. Some people will take a roundover to their braces. I didn't.


Using right angle corner clamps, regular wood clamps, glue and brad nailer to begin cabinet construction.

[IMG][/IMG]
One cabinet with center carcass and one side attached. I will attach the second side with a few brad nails only for now. I do this for the sake of taking measurements when routing, and then pulling the side back off to install sonic barrier, crossover and wiring.

[IMG][/IMG]
Marking out cuts for router. I will be using a circle jig, but still like to draw the circle with a compass to get a good idea how everything will fit.

SEXY PREVIEW!!

[Beerserker]

Originally Posted by vsidhu

I'm going to get a jigsaw on boxing day. I have a drill, electric paint sprayer, handheld circular saw. I will also need clamps, wire cutter/strippers, probably some other stuff. Most major cuts I'll leave to home depot. My experience working with wood include three years of shop class making simple things like clocks. My experience with speakers/wiring includes upgrading outlets, 1st year physics classes (worked with super tweeters...some serious ear bleeders). I also have my dad for tips (he worked in cutting mouldings/doors for 7 years). Still a beginner I guess, but I'm going to do A LOT of research.

You have a good base to begin a build. I would suggest a plunge router and a circle jig if you don't have one, as they will make your life infinitely easier. Also practice some soldering if you haven't done much. I'm sure you will have no problem.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Animo

But I do have one of a kind speakers, and they look nothing like yours....

Yes Animo , Vary Unique one of A kind !

BUT
YOU
INSTALLED
THE
SUBWOOFER
BACKWORDS !

-

[crazyBLUE]

Beerserker , Is that the center speaker you are showing there . Thing looks real nice ~ Turned out Excellent .

[vsidhu]

That looks awesome

That is the biggest center I have ever seen outside of a real movie theater.

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by vsidhu

That looks awesome

That is the biggest center I have ever seen outside of a real movie theater.

I would think from the layout of the speakers that it would be A Horizontal center channel .My center channel is Vertical & stands 40 inches tall .