Veneering the Baffle

[m1ke323]

I just finished veneering my entire speaker and am looking for a way to cut the veneer around the driver recesses. I already used a flush trim bit to cut the veneer to the thru baffle diameter, but there is still an about a inch where the recess is. I have come up with two solutions so far.

Option A: I can buy the whiteside dado flush trim bit which only requires a 1/8 depth to use. Not sure if I have enough depth on the tweeter and mid to use it. Also, because the dado flush trim bit has no bearing, I am wondering if it will just burn the mdf around the entire cut out. Also, the 1/8" where there is not bearing I fear is spinning to fast and might just cut into the mdf and enlarge the driver recess diameter. Any idea if it that would happen?

Option B: I use a utility knife and cut real close to the edge to where it needs to be. I then use a circular piece of mdf with sandpaper on the edge of the circle as a sanding block and just finish the last 1/8 thats left.

I am open to other suggestions. Thanks for any help.

Mike

[TacoD]

I think option B is also the technique used by many others. But I have no eperience with veneering.

[m1ke323]

Thanks for the quick reply. I think I am going to give option B a try and see if it works out. If it doesn't then I will look for other options. Thanks again

Mike

[chasw98]

Look for one of these http://www.absolutehome.com/web/cata...b1vJQ7SzJzkw== .
I have found them at Home depot. Once you buy it, then grind the end down so you can use it in the recess. Gives a nice clean pro cut.

[JonW]

Here's a link to what I tried:

http://speakerbuilder.net/web_files/Articles/ventut/ventut1.html

Unfortunately, some of the photos are not showing today. But the basic idea is to start with a flush trim bit like you did. Then use the same rabbeting bit on the veneer as what you used for the cabinet.

I've only tried this out once and it worked OK. I also tried some hand cutting one. Not too great, but OK. I'm new to this and haven't yet settled in on a method I really like.

[m1ke323]

chasw, this looks like the same idea as what you were going for, but without the grinding. It only has an 1/8" on the bottom.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=8025

[chasw98]

chasw, this looks like the same idea as what you were going for, but without the grinding. It only has an 1/8" on the bottom.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=8025

That is exactly what you are looking for, but keep in mind, it is usually offered in 2 diffeent models. One is a straight flush cut, the other is an angled 7 degree cut. I have always used the straight flush cut. You still usually have to grind or file some off the end. At least I have had to anyway.

[Brian Bunge]

That's the bit I've used as well. It works very well most of the time.

[m1ke323]

Brian, I am buying that bit, but am curious what you meant by most of the time? Did you mean the recess isn't always deep enough or something else? Thanks

[Brian Bunge]

Yes, sometimes the recess isn't quite deep enough and I have to take care not to accidentally have the bit jump out of the recess and damage the veneer. The key is to take your time with the laminate trimmer and try not to burn anything up.