Curved Finalist center channel build

[Jayfabs]

A year ago I did a lot of research on DIY speaker but after countless hours my head almost exploded. I kinda lost interest and moved on to other Projects. About 3 months ago I dove back in and decided I wanted to build a set of anthology’s with the finalist center in a curved design. Well I found a set of CNC drawings online for the towers but I have had issues getting it to work on my friends CNC router. So that project is kinda sitting until we have time to figure it out. Well with the covid shutdown I decided to at least build the center by hand. I have most of the box glued up. My next step is to do the curve and once that is done I’ll put everything inside and install the front panel. My one question is I bought eucaboard to do the curve it is 1/8” and flexible. Will this work or should I buy something different? The box is also 1” deeper and at the highest point about 1/2” taller than the original design. I did this to add volume since i was losing some due to the curve. I wanted to say thank you to Jim and Curt for the R&D!

[Steve Manning]

Hey, Probably a year ago I did a lot of research on DIY speaker but after countless hours my head about exploded. So I kinda lost interest and moved on to other Projects. About 3 months ago I dove back in and decided I wanted to build a set of anthology’s and the finalist center in a curved design. Well I found a set of drawings online for the towers but have had issues getting it to work on my friends cnc router. So the project kinda sat until we have time. Well will the shut down I said I’m atleast going to build the center buy hand. I have most of the box glued up. My next step is to do the curve and once that is done I’ll put everything inside and install the front panel. My one question is I bought eucaboard to do the curve it is 1/8” and flexible. Will this work or should I buy something different? The box is also 1” deeper and at the highest point about 1/2” taller than the original design. I did this to add volume since i was loosing some due to the curve. I wanted to say thank you to Jim and Curt for the R&D!

The eucaboard should work fine. I assume it has one smooth side and one rough? You will need to rough up the smooth side prior to applying glue to get better bonding. Depending on how many layers you plan of doing, you might want to do the lamination in several batches.

[Jayfabs]

The eucaboard should work fine. I assume it has one smooth side and one rough? You will need to rough up the smooth side prior to applying glue to get better bonding. Depending on how many layers you plan of doing, you might want to do the lamination in several batches.

yes you are correct one side is smooth and I was planning on doing 6 layers to match the 3/4” thickness. I was going to do these one at a time and let dry in between layers. When I was getting the wood it looked like a good product to use.

[Jayfabs]

I ended up swapping over to a thin plywood. The game plan is to glue the top all on and then remove the temporary front panel. I will put all the foam and boards in and then mount the front panels. I think I wanna try veneer for this cabinet. Although it does kind bug me that I didn’t used Baltic birch. I like using the mdf but I like the stronger 13ply. Ugh

[Jayfabs]

Ok it’s coming along nicely. Does anyone seeing anything wrong with how I mounted my boards inside? Also where does the white stuffing go it was kinda confusing.

[Steve Manning]

Lamination's turned out nice.

[Jayfabs]

Lamination's turned out nice.

Thanks you. This was my first time. I’m super happy with it. It’s actually satisfying to see how it looks once it is trimmed.

[Supernova]

Thanks you. This was my first time. I’m super happy with it. It’s actually satisfying to see how it looks once it is trimmed.

You're doing a fantastic job. Keep us posted with updates and pics.

[Jayfabs]

You're doing a fantastic job. Keep us posted with updates and pics.

Thank you. Not many people reply but I know this will help someone.


Ok the front panel is mounted. I will have it up and running tomorrow. I’m planning on veneer just don’t know what color and grain yet. Also I know with the towers u need a 1/2-3/4” round over on the sides but I just can’t do it. It looks so much better.

[Jayfabs]

Ok up and running. It’s big but should fit in just fine once I get the towers built.

[Supernova]

Excellent work. Did you use brad nails? You'll going to have to give us your first listening impressions.

[Jayfabs]

Excellent work. Did you use brad nails? You'll going to have to give us your first listening impressions.

Yes I did use brad nails. I probably did not need to but I like to used them to line the pieces up and then clamp. There probably were a couple pieces i did not clamp but used only nails. I did not use any on the top though.. I know sometimes it was hard to hear conversations before with my Polk I’m sure some of that was the wife an kids making noise lol. I’ll try and watch some movies and report back to see if voices got better.

[Jayfabs]

I finally got around to veneering the center channel. This was my first time working with veneer and I think it came out great. It is walnut and I only used one coat of poly and decided I was happy so I left it. I might try a couple coats on a scrap piece and see how it looks. I also am halfway through a curved anthology build to match. That’s just way more involved and taking awhile.

[TEK]

whoooo 8O
Those are buitiful!

[Jayfabs]

whoooo 8O
Those are buitiful!

Thank you.

[theSven]

The veneer looks great and who doesn’t love a curve?

[Jayfabs]

The veneer looks great and who doesn’t love a curve?

Thank you

[technodanvan]

This looks great! So when are you going to start on those matching Anthologies?

[Jayfabs]

This looks great! So when are you going to start on those matching Anthologies?

The anthologies are in the works. Both towers are standing I just have to wrap the sides now and veneer them. It might take me several months.