AudioCircle

Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: jeffh on 13 Mar 2015, 03:38 pm

Title: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 13 Mar 2015, 03:38 pm: I finally got started on my LGK 1.0 build so I thought I would start a build thread. I plan to use some Bamboo veneer I have from a great deal I found on craigslist last year.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=97961)

Here are a few pictures of the glue up. The flatpack from SUBassemble (http://www.subassemble.com/product/lgk//) is very well made.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=97962)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116708)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: mlundy57 on 13 Mar 2015, 07:46 pm: Don't make the mistake I did. Finish them before installing the drivers and wiring them up.

Mine sound great but, since I have never been willing to do without for the time it would take finish them, look terrible.

Mike
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: cody69 on 13 Mar 2015, 11:12 pm: Nice build Jeff... be sure to post pics when you have the veneering complete.

Quote
Mine sound great but, since I have never been willing to do without for the time it would take finish them, look terrible.
Mike, maybe try the DuraTex finish -- Danny and Ben posted pics in the original thread. It goes on fast so you'll not be without them for long.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 16 Mar 2015, 12:31 pm: Here is a picture of the filter....
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116743)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 16 Mar 2015, 01:01 pm: Quote from: cody69 on 13 Mar 2015, 11:12 pm
Nice build Jeff... be sure to post pics when you have the veneering complete.

Will do. I have made some good progress. More pictures coming.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 18 Mar 2015, 01:16 pm: Cabinets glued up and the No Rez (http://gr-research.com/norez24x27sheet.aspx/) installed.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116709)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: mresseguie on 18 Mar 2015, 04:01 pm: This picture brings back some memories. The LGK was my first-ever DIY build. Given my carpentry skill, it was a challenge for me. I used two coats of a Duratex-like paint to help mask imperfections.

I think you'll enjoy your new LGKs.

Michael
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 19 Mar 2015, 10:13 pm: I wanted to do something to make these speakers unique, so I decided to tilt them back a few degrees. To do this, I took a 1" thick piece of MDF and split it corner to corner on my band saw. I'll glue these wedges to the top and bottom of each speaker.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117125)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 23 Mar 2015, 03:56 pm: I made some progress and was able to glue the wedges to the top and bottom to make the speakers tilt back a few degrees.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116711)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116712)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116713)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 25 Mar 2015, 08:47 pm: I have the Bamboo veneer applied to 5 sides, so I need to install the magnets that will hold the grills before I glue the veneer on the fronts.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116716)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116717)

Here the magnets are installed with epoxy and I painted the driver recess black before I put the veneer on the front.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116721)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: gregfisk on 26 Mar 2015, 12:55 am: Bamboo is going to look really nice, can't wait to see some pics.

Greg
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: bdp24 on 26 Mar 2015, 11:08 am: I love how you put a wedge on the top too, to keep it and the bottom parallel and horizontal!
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 26 Mar 2015, 02:49 pm: I finished the Bamboo Veneer. Here are a few pictures. I think they turned out pretty nice. The Bamboo veneer was a real challenge when trimming. It was easy to fray the little strands of grass that make up the veneer. I just had to take my time.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117648)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117649)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=117650)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: chip on 26 Mar 2015, 03:39 pm: Looks nice - what color you going with?
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 26 Mar 2015, 07:46 pm: Quote from: bdp24 on 26 Mar 2015, 11:08 am
I love how you put a wedge on the top too, to keep it and the bottom parallel and horizontal!
Thanks bdp24
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 26 Mar 2015, 07:48 pm: Quote from: jeffh on 26 Mar 2015, 07:46 pm
Thanks bdp24
I have really been struggling with the finish, so I am not sure exactly what I am going to do. I have started making several samples with some scrap pieces to narrow it down.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: cody69 on 26 Mar 2015, 10:01 pm: Nicely done. A very nice clean build.

Quote
I have really been struggling with the finish, so I am not sure exactly what I am going to do.

No first-hand experience finishing bamboo veneer. I like the bright look, so I'd probably avoid an oil finish that would darken and stay with a water base finish that would stay light.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: cody69 on 26 Mar 2015, 10:09 pm: BTW, at first I wasn't sure how that shape would translate into the final design. Now that you've got the veneer on them, I really like 'em!
With your veneer treatment they have a solid monolithic styling that really works.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Guy 13 on 26 Mar 2015, 11:46 pm: Hi jeffh,
it might be a good idea to keep the color as natural as possible,
however, darkening it a little might also be good. I like the wood texture even if in general I don't like pale looking wood.
Nice looking units and the tilting add something more to the look.
Thanks for sharing.

Guy 13
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: bladesmith on 26 Mar 2015, 11:53 pm: Linseed oil will darken them a bit. Maybe more than you like. But it tends to bring out the grain structure more. Use a scrap piece for testing. So far, "excellent job"...!
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Captainhemo on 27 Mar 2015, 03:50 am: I like the Bamboo Jeff, nicely done :thumb:

I realize you haven't decided on a color, have you decided if you are going to top coat with anything ? Some people really like the wipe on poly finish (super easy), if it's sometyhing you might like, try putting a few coats of the clear satin on a scrap piece and see how it comes out

If you don't like the poly, a clear danish oil might be nice ...
Just a couple ideas
-jay
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: chip on 31 Mar 2015, 01:15 pm: I used Waterlox Original Sealer Finish on my speakers to give it the natural look.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 11 Apr 2015, 03:47 pm: The last two weeks have been crazy, but I finally got a finish on them. I wanted to use what I had on hand, so I tried Clear Satin Lacquer, Clear Satin poly, Golden Oak stain, Red Mahogany stain and Watco Danish Oil dark walnut. I ended up going with the Walnut Danish oil and applying 6-8 coats of the clear satin lacquer. I am really happy with the way they turned out. It some of the pictures, they seem to have an orange tint which is not really there at all. I'll post some completed pictures soon, with and without grills.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118841)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118842)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118843)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118844)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: JerryM on 11 Apr 2015, 03:59 pm: Beautiful!!! :thumb:
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Captainhemo on 11 Apr 2015, 05:03 pm: Man, they look great , nice job :beer:

jay
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: cody69 on 11 Apr 2015, 05:13 pm: They look great -- and will sound just as nice. Well done!
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Guy 13 on 11 Apr 2015, 07:29 pm: Really nice...
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 11 Apr 2015, 07:34 pm: Thank guys!

Here is how I made the grills:

Used some kind of 1/8" plywood I got from the local home improvement store.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116715)

Cut the hole for the speaker driver:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116718)

Added the magnets:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116719)

and then painted them black before glueing the grill cloth on. Not sure if you can see in the picture, but I cut a 45 degree chamfer on the front to minimize any reflections caused by the grills when installed on the speakers.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=116720)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: cody69 on 14 Apr 2015, 11:03 pm: Would like to see a pic with the grills on them. Have not seen LGKs with covers and would like to see the finished product.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: gregfisk on 15 Apr 2015, 12:11 am: JeffH,

Those look really really nice! That was a great idea using bamboo, I may have to try that some time. Sorry if I missed it but where did you find bamboo veneer?
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 15 Apr 2015, 01:55 am: Quote from: gregfisk on 15 Apr 2015, 12:11 am
...Sorry if I missed it but where did you find bamboo veneer?
I actually found the bamboo veneer, 2 - 4'x8' sheets, on craigslist a while back....I get lots of stuff from craigslist :D
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 15 Apr 2015, 02:03 am: Finished!

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118973)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118970)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118972)

And some with the grills on...

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118975)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118977)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=118968)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 15 Apr 2015, 02:10 am: Quote from: cody69 on 14 Apr 2015, 11:03 pm
Would like to see a pic with the grills on them. Have not seen LGKs with covers and would like to see the finished product.
Thanks. There are a few more pictures in my gallery if interested.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: mlundy57 on 15 Apr 2015, 02:18 am: Very nice.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: persisting1 on 15 Apr 2015, 02:33 am: Those are really nice 8)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Guy 13 on 15 Apr 2015, 02:43 am: Again: Really nice.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Captainhemo on 15 Apr 2015, 03:16 am: They look great :thumb:

And Greg, here is some Bamboo Veneer
http://www.oakwoodveneer.com/veneers/b.html

jay
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: oldchemist on 28 Oct 2020, 03:23 pm: bamboo always seems to cry for light satin finishes... excellent!
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Danny Richie on 31 Oct 2020, 01:46 pm: Wow, those look great!
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: jeffh on 16 Sep 2021, 06:01 pm: I am resurecting an old thread here. It is hard to believe I built these 6 years ago. They still sound awesome.

I am a hobbyist woodworkers, so I have always wanted some way to mark things I build. Many times I looked at getting a branding iron, but I never liked the inconsistance results I would see others get when they used them. So, earlier this year I bought a small laser engraver from China. It was less than a branding iron and it works really well. I thought it would be cool to engrave the GR Research logo on these LGK's. What do you think?

Thanks Danny!

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=229788)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=229790)
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: hawkeyejw on 16 Sep 2021, 06:17 pm: That looks great!
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: dknywinnie on 16 Sep 2021, 11:46 pm: Fantastic!
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: AlexH on 17 Sep 2021, 12:09 am: Classy :thumb:
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Chewbacca on 17 Sep 2021, 12:33 am: Just saw this thread for the first time. WOW! Those are beauties! Confirmed I’m going to have to build some of those someday. The logo is perfect too! Well done! :thumb:
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Danny Richie on 18 Sep 2021, 02:00 pm: Wow, really nice.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Skilly on 19 Sep 2021, 10:59 pm: Completed just in time for the New LGK 2.0. Driver supposed to arrive next week, of course in limited numbers.
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 19 Sep 2021, 11:16 pm: Quote from: Skilly on 19 Sep 2021, 10:59 pm
Completed just in time for the New LGK 2.0. Driver supposed to arrive next week, of course in limited numbers.

The LGK 1.0 cabinets are actually a bit too big for the LGK 2.0 drivers. They only need a volume of 0.1 cubic foot, And a rather small port.
And of course they look fantastic, imo. We got a tiny batch of 6 sample drivers in last week.

We're really excited about them! :thumb:
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Matt__P on 14 Oct 2021, 07:04 pm: I have a new kit on order with cabinets . Can the new drivers be made to work with those premade cabs that you have?
Title: Re: Bamboo LGK 1.0 build
Post by: Hobbsmeerkat on 14 Oct 2021, 10:37 pm: Quote from: Matt__P on 14 Oct 2021, 07:04 pm
I have a new kit on order with cabinets . Can the new drivers be made to work with those premade cabs that you have?

Unfortunately, the new LGK drivers have different airspace requirements than the old drivers and the original cabinets will be too big. They will have really weak muddy bass.
we do have a new cabinets design in the works though.