Paul Carmody's Swope MTM build from India

[jeanpher]

Hello Everyone

I am new to DIY, after extensive search, I have decided to go for Swope MTM. This is my first build on proven designs. Main reason to decide on this design is because of the parts availability in India. I have collected all major design info's from multiple threads.

Parts Ordered from Diyaudiocart.com

I chose 18 mm HDF material for enclosure, orders 4X4 sheet of same and prepared the cut list too.

Will update some pics tomorrow of the progress.

Looking forward some tips from your experience

Regards
Jean

[jeanpher]

I have received the parts in good condition looks cool and cut down the pieces too.

[jeanpher]

Parts for the build

[technodanvan]

Interesting wood! Any idea why it's all green? Something to do with local trees used to make it?

[jeanpher]

Interesting wood! Any idea why it's all green? Something to do with local trees used to make it?

Not sure, I think it is to differentiate from MDF(which is reddish brown in color), just for marketing.

[dar47]

You should have fun with these, I built these twice for others. The matching center channel punches way above it's price point. Did you go for the more expensive tweeter?

[jeanpher]

You should have fun with these, I built these twice for others. The matching center channel punches way above it's price point. Did you go for the more expensive tweeter?

Thank you, For the Center channel I am missing M6N which is currently not available in Indian market. No I went with Dayton audio not the SB's.

[PMazz]

That is exterior MDF. Denser than regular .

[jeanpher]

That is exterior MDF. Denser than regular .

In here exterior MDF called HDHMR(High Density High Moisture Resistance), this is just HDF, Yes, denser than MDF.

[blue934]

I too built a set for a friend. You'll love them

[PoorboyMike]

I built a pair of these for my father inlaw and he really enjoys them. It's a great design for a great price!

[jeanpher]

Update: Last Sunday, I got some time to put together the one of the enclosure. Without clamps it was very difficult job keep it in place(square) when drilling and screwing. Somehow with my brothers help, I could put it together. Waiting for next Sunday.

[jeanpher]

Update: I got some time this week, so I have put together the other enclosure too except the baffle, even I trimmed the edges using the router. it looks like only a minor sanding necessary later.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/filedata/fetch?id=1469617&d=1621000748

I have decided to use a double-layer baffle, done the cutout too.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/filedata/fetch?id=1469618&d=1621000800

Just the speaker holes to be routed, experts tips to do so are most welcome. The dry fit looks perfect.

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/filedata/fetch?id=1469619&d=1621000827

There is so much sawdust in my house, So I need to complete this soon before being kicked out of the house.
Using a router without proper workplace and gears was a bad idea, should have taken it to a carpenter.

There is heavy continuous rain in our place(Kanyakumari) so there is often power failure, which again slows down my progress. Hope it will be better tomorrow.

So far so good thank you for looking.

Regards
Jean

[technodanvan]

Yeah, I've been there before. Used a router in an apartment once...was not a great experience!

[jeanpher]

Today I had some time to route the holes. I have made some mistakes too like forgot to lock the depth couple of times, Will fix it with wood filler or putty.

[theSven]

The progress is looking good. How are you going to finish the cabinets, paint or veneer?

[jeanpher]

I have done chamfering and lined the wall with acoustic felt.
I have arranged the crossover parts and haven't done the proper soldering, I need you guys to verify the connection points and placement in the enclosure.

[technodanvan]

I think that looks right to me! What substrate are you using for the boards? It kinda looks like cardboard in one of the pictures, but I'm guessing it's stiffer than that?

[jeanpher]

I think that looks right to me! What substrate are you using for the boards? It kinda looks like cardboard in one of the pictures, but I'm guessing it's stiffer than that?

It is thin particleboard, stiff enough to hold it in place.

[jeanpher]

Weekends are awesome Finally, I got some time to put together everything and had a good listening session too. Initially, when I listened to it, I felt like something is missing in HF. Then I checked the wiring and found one of the tweeter polarities has been reversed. Oh, Thank God you helped me figure it out soon. It sounds good looking forward to inviting my friends to listen to it post COVID. Thanks again Paul for such a nice design.

I am planning to finish it either with paint or laminate sheet, any ideas, please comment.

[technodanvan]

It's always nice when troubleshooting results in a clear fix!

Given the screwholes and such, you might consider the laminate sheet. It may do a better job of hiding those imperfections - unless you are a skilled painter. Downside of the laminate is the port slots, it looks like you have those rounded over so the sheet might not work very well there.

[JonMarsh]

It's always nice when troubleshooting results in a clear fix!

Given the screwholes and such, you might consider the laminate sheet. It may do a better job of hiding those imperfections - unless you are a skilled painter. Downside of the laminate is the port slots, it looks like you have those rounded over so the sheet might not work very well there.

Just a little pull back from where the radius starts might take care of that. I vote for laminate, too.

[jeanpher]

Hello Everyone,

I had caught up with some personal work, couldn't find time to finish the speakers. Finally last weekend I took some time to finish the speakers. The material I chose is Virgo 0.8mm wood grain pattern. I tried to match the grains pattern from side to side, it came out pretty good. I have learned many things from my mistakes in this project and you could see that in the details. I am very happy and satisfied with how it came out after finishing.

Thank you all members of this forum for helping me in some way to finish this project. Special thanks to Danny technodanvan for helping me with all queries.







Regards
Jean

[technodanvan]

They look great Jean, I hope they sound every bit as good as they look! Every project is a learning experience and we only get better by trying again and again, so what is your next project? :P

[theSven]

Hello Everyone,

I had caught up with some personal work, couldn't find time to finish the speakers. Finally last weekend I took some time to finish the speakers. The material I chose is Virgo 0.8mm wood grain pattern. I tried to match the grains pattern from side to side, it came out pretty good. I have learned many things from my mistakes in this project and you could see that in the details. I am very happy and satisfied with how it came out after finishing.

Thank you all members of this forum for helping me in some way to finish this project. Special thanks to Danny technodanvan for helping me with all queries.







Regards
Jean

Very nice job with the build and finishing the project! Now I hope you get to spend a lot of quality time getting to listen to them! Did you pick out your next project yet? This seems to be an addictive hobby

[Steve Manning]

They turned out very nice. Danny is right on the money as well ..... you will learn on every project, no matter how many you do.

[jeanpher]

They look great Jean, I hope they sound every bit as good as they look! Every project is a learning experience and we only get better by trying again and again, so what is your next project? :P

Thanks, Danny, Yes the next project would be the stands for this pair. I am trying to find some design online, couldn't find a good one yet. Please help me find one.

Regards
Jean

[technodanvan]

That's an excellent DIY project to tackle! Unfortunately I don't really know of any particular designs. I think your best bet is to design your own - make the bases larger than the top for stability, and consider using PVC or something for the vertical components. Then you can fill the PVC pipe with sand for some weight/damping.