A Company to Finish Baffles

praedet · « **on:** 21 Jun 2011, 07:29 pm »

I am currently trying to finish up my baltic birch N2x speakers. I am looking at either a VERY high quality satin black finish, or maybe black or charcoal gray faux suede. Either way, I would like to get them finished by a company that does this?

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Ted

Wayner · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Jun 2011, 07:41 pm »

Are you looking to paint the baffle? If so, then I do recommend a powder-coat, if the part is made of metal and can be baked at higher temperatures.

Wayner

srb · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Jun 2011, 08:26 pm »

That's a somewhat puzzling answer. Outside of some manufacturers like Magico, YG Acoustics, Krell, Salk Sound (with the previous version SongTower RT) who have machined aluminum baffles, I wouldn't think that too many DIYers have metal baffles on their plywood or MDF cabinets.

Steve

Danny Richie · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Jun 2011, 09:01 pm »

His front baffles are MDF.

Outofthewoods · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Jun 2011, 09:59 pm »

Hey Ted,

I just made a pair of Piano Black N2X baffles for AC member HAL. Maybe he'll chime in with his impressions.

Not sure if you've tried my home number (hasn't been the best way to reach me), but you can reach me anytime on my new business line at 720/412/2248.

Best,

Ruben

Wayner · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Jun 2011, 10:08 pm »

Quote from: srb on 21 Jun 2011, 08:26 pm

That's a somewhat puzzling answer. Outside of some manufacturers like Magico, YG Acoustics, Krell, Salk Sound (with the previous version SongTower RT) who have machined aluminum baffles, I wouldn't think that too many DIYers have metal baffles on their plywood or MDF cabinets.

Steve

The finishes he was looking for lead me to believe they were made of metal. Otherwise, go find some fricken stain........

W

Danny Richie · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Jun 2011, 10:11 pm »

The edges of the stacked Baltic Birch don't stain very well.

praedet · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 12:35 am »

The Cabinets are clear end grain BB, with Curly/Burl Maple veneer on top and bottom.

The front is MDF. It needs some slight trimming, but is pretty much ready to go to finishing. I thought satin black would look nice, but I am also thinking a faux/real suede would look pretty cool...

Ruben, I'll try the work number, I thought you got my cell number...

NeilT · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 12:42 am »

Quote from: Wayner on 21 Jun 2011, 10:08 pm

The finishes he was looking for lead me to believe they were made of metal. Otherwise, go find some fricken stain........

W

fricken stain, can you get that @ Home Depot?

HAL · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 01:05 am »

Quote from: Outofthewoods on 21 Jun 2011, 09:59 pm

Hey Ted,

I just made a pair of Piano Black N2X baffles for AC member HAL. Maybe he'll chime in with his impressions.

Not sure if you've tried my home number (hasn't been the best way to reach me), but you can reach me anytime on my new business line at 720/412/2248.

Best,

Ruben

Ruben,
I just unpacked the N2X Piano Black front baffles. They look great!

Now to see if I can install them and keep them in that shape!

Thanks for all the hard work!

Peter J · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 01:14 am »

If you don't want to see any evidence of the plys when done, the key is going to be in the prep. The edges of ply take some effort to seal the endgrain and fill the small voids. High build primer and some finishing putty will be your friend.

I have a flocking gun, but have never used it to do a baffle...an interesting idea.

http://www.donjer.com/suedetex/product.htm#Suede-Tex

Outofthewoods · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 02:06 am »

Quote from: HAL on 22 Jun 2011, 01:05 am

Ruben,
I just unpacked the N2X Piano Black front baffles. They look great!

Now to see if I can install them and keep them in that shape!

Thanks for all the hard work!

Great!

So glad to hear that all arrived safely and that you're please with the work.

It would be great to see some pics when they're all together.

Best,

Ruben

HAL · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 02:13 am »

Ruben,

Will be installing the baffles this weekend.

Pictures will come soon after the install.

PMAT · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 06:47 am »

Wayner, it seems that you have been a little jousty lately. Me too.

nickd · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 03:50 pm »

Suede makes a great baffle finish and can be done at home if you know how. It's not too expensive at the local automotive upolstery shop (under 100 bucks I bet). You might need the back of the baffle machined though if there will be excess suede wrinkles If you can get it perfectly smooth on the back side (difficult at the corners) it makes a great gasket.

sounds like a nice build.

Outofthewoods · « **Reply #15 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 04:28 pm »

Quote from: nickd on 22 Jun 2011, 03:50 pm

Suede makes a great baffle finish

I agree!

I've worked with Suede in the past and I really like the look.

Ruben

(This was a quick test enclosure and not a finished product. The top and bottom are finished with flat latex and a roller.)

praedet · « **Reply #16 on:** 22 Jun 2011, 07:28 pm »

Looks great Ruben!

Tried to call...

jeffh · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 Jun 2011, 02:51 am »

Quote from: Outofthewoods on 22 Jun 2011, 04:28 pm

(This was a quick test enclosure and not a finished product. The top and bottom are finished with flat latex and a roller.)

Man, your test enclosures look better than my finished speakers

Outofthewoods · « **Reply #18 on:** 23 Jun 2011, 07:16 pm »

Quote from: praedet on 22 Jun 2011, 07:28 pm

Looks great Ruben!

Tried to call...

Hey Ted,

Got your voice mail. I'll give you a buzz this evening.

Thanks,

Ruben

HAL · « **Reply #19 on:** 25 Jun 2011, 04:29 pm »

Here is Ruben's gloss black baffle for the N2X on the PE Cherry finished cabinet.

Not much of a picture taker, so here is my best shot:

They look much better in real life!