Hi All,
I figured I've made enough progress that I can start to share build pictures. I've made a ton of cosmetic mistakes so far - but I've learned not to go out the way to point them out (lol).
It's been a challenge so far. Some comments for others that may consider this build:
Progress going forward might be a bit slower. I was previously moving fast just because I was curious if I can even build such a speaker. At this point, I don't expect significant further build challenges (fingers crossed)- so I might just take my time.
In regards to finish - I think I might just go with the natural plywood finish. I don't have the skills to paint it, nor do I have the skills to veneer them. I also think the mistakes I made will be best hidden in a plywood look. The veneer and paint will definitely draw more attention to the multiple less-than-perfect cuts.
Okay - some pictures:
I figured I've made enough progress that I can start to share build pictures. I've made a ton of cosmetic mistakes so far - but I've learned not to go out the way to point them out (lol).
It's been a challenge so far. Some comments for others that may consider this build:
- Modeling the plans into 3D was a huge help - it helped me visualize how I need to lay the pieces on the table saw to make compound cuts
- The front and back of the top cabinet assembly have different angles (the tilt forward angle) - but, I think, if you make them the same (as the front baffle angle) - the top becomes a little easier to build. Once you start the build, you'll understand why. It has to do with how one makes cuts using a track-saw - and being able to use the front or the back to make cut lines.
- For compound cuts on the table saw - make a sliding jig - that way you can make identical cuts for the two cabinets.
- A track saw was a must! I don't have a good miter saw, so I resorted to using that track-saw to make angle cuts. I only wished I had a larger track-saw - mine can only cut a max of 2" deep - and you lose some of that depth when you start cutting at angles. The baffles here are 3" thick.
- I cut the facets using an electric planer. It's an absolute nightmare to sand plywood edges, so one may be tempted to get as close to the cut line with the planer as possible - DON"T!!!! Get close, but still sand down with a hand sander. There is no way to add material if you cut too much.
- Do NOT rush with the build. I think I can become a better woodworker by simply slowing down - there is no timeline for when the project needs to be completed - so why the rush? It's not like we all don't have 10 million other pairs of speakers we can't listen to in the meantime. Lacking patience is just a personality flaw of mine. This results in a lot of unnecessary mistakes along the way. Haste makes waste. If you follow some of the best builds on this website (e.g. various Ardents build) - and if you pay attention to their build timeline, you will notice that no matter how skilled of a woodworker they are, they took their time with the build. I've made this much progress in 2-months. Most skilled woodworkers stretch this progress over a much longer period - and be really methodical with their build.
Progress going forward might be a bit slower. I was previously moving fast just because I was curious if I can even build such a speaker. At this point, I don't expect significant further build challenges (fingers crossed)- so I might just take my time.
In regards to finish - I think I might just go with the natural plywood finish. I don't have the skills to paint it, nor do I have the skills to veneer them. I also think the mistakes I made will be best hidden in a plywood look. The veneer and paint will definitely draw more attention to the multiple less-than-perfect cuts.
Okay - some pictures:
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