Kirk's WTMW Center Build

[kirknelson]

I'm building the WTMW Center for use in a system with Khanspires as mains and NataliePs as surrounds. I began the build shortly after completing my NatPs and am building my Khans concurrently. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot while building my NatPs and couldn't wait to get going on my next projects. The quality of sound acheived by the NatPs really made me motivated to finish off the system.

Freshly cut boards:



Glueing together the side panels and the Mid enclosure:



I chose to glue the braces together rather than cutting them out with a jig saw because it's easier :P and because it results in less wasted MDF. You do have to be careful to keep the ends even when putting them together. I used the floor as an end plate to keep them aligned and it worked well. When attaching the Mid enclosure the rear wall was to far into the interior for the clamps to reach, so I used a piece of scrap MDF as a bridge and placed a clamp on either end to apply pressure.





Attaching the braces to the bottom:



Attaching the top:



Glueing the baffle pieces together:



Next up is routing out the baffle and waiting for my cross over components to arrive.

[---k---]

You need 2 more clamps, 1 on each end.
Just joking. You're probably fine. But on your next project, you might want to use some pieces of scrap wood between the clamps and the finish piece to help spread the clamping force out.

I agree with you about just gluing the braces up. I've done it that way in a few places.

I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions of the NatP's next to the Khans. I don't expect there to be differences in quality, but maybe slight differences in voicing for personal preferences between Jon and CJD - don't know. Just remember, everything is adjustable.

[kirknelson]

I'm back from my ship's exercise and it's time to do an update on my progress.

Glueing the rear panel on:



I sealed all of the cabinet joints with silicone to help prevent leaks:



The front baffle is all routed up and looking good. I'll be giving it a 1/2" round over after it is attached to the cabinet:



The camfered edges for the woofers:



I also managed to get all of the crossovers wired up.

Here's the Tweeter:



The Mid:



The Woofer:



All of the joints tested great with the continuity tests on my multi-tester. I also hooked them up to the drivers outside of the cabinet to make sure everything was functioning properly. My apartment didn't burn down so it seems everything works great. Out of curiosity does running them like this pose any risk to the drivers?



Up next: Veneering the cabinet.

Unfortunately it will be delayed again due to my getting lasik surgery (can't explose my eyes to MDF dust for about a month while they heal) and more underway periods for my ship. I'm hoping to get them done before the holidays.

[---k---]

Welcome back. Looking good. :T

[JonMarsh]

Yeah, those cruises at sea can definitely cut into your available shop time! :W

Looking good- you're making a lot of progress. Sometimes slow and steady is the only practical way.

[cjd]

Just don't expect it to play loud - you can overdrive the woofers in particular quite easily that way.

Your patience is about what you need to embark on one of my projects if the crossover hasn't been designed yet! I like it.

[kirknelson]

I think I missed taking pictures of a few steps, but here it is finished and put in place in my theater.



Time to sit back and enjoy some movies!

[john trials]

Very nice looking!!!!!!

[kirknelson]

Please see my Khanspire build thread for comments on the sound of this system.

Like the Khan's the WTMW ended up a little closer to the front wall than it is in the previous picture. This is an excellent center channel for the Khan's and I would recommend it for anyone needing a free standing center channel instead of placing the speaker above or below a TV like the khancenter is designed for.

Here is my BOM:

Parts Express
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(1)1 Ohm Resistor		$1.25
(1)4 Ohm Resistor		$1.25
(1)5.1 Ohm Resistor		$1.25
(1)30 Ohm Resistor		$1.25
(1)0.25mH Inductor		$3.43
(1)1.0mH Inductor		$8.53
(2)0.5mH Inductor		$10.20
(1)4.7mH Inductor		$16.78
(1)100uF Capacitor		$23.43
(1)12uF Capacitor		$6.34
(2)10uF Capacitor		$11.54
(1)39uF Capacitor		$13.60
(2)4.7uF Capacitor		$6.44
(1)1.0uF Capacitor		$1.38
(1)15uF Capacitor		$6.26
(1)Dayton RS28AS-4 Tweeter	$55.87
(1)Dayton RS150S-8 Midrange	$35.19
(2)Dayton RS225S-8 Woofer	$104.96
(1)Dayton Binding Post		$7.89

Parts Express Total		$316.84
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Big Box
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MDF				$27.74
Gasket   			$2.42
Polyfill			$2.47
Veneer				$109.98
OC703 ($8.18 per panel)		$4.09
Misc. Consumables (Approx.)	$7.50

Big Box Total			$154.20
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Project Total			$471.04
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