[motosapien]

My NX2 cabinets are braced and lined with no-res, I glued the baffles on last night.  Some light sanding to get the edges flush is underway.  No holes have been routed thus far.  Now I have some choices to make:

I like the look of the N3 pictured with it's rounded baffle sides but I wonder if that would pose significant difficulties during veneering?  I'm planning to use paper backed mahogany veneer with water based contact cement: http://www.veneersupplies.com/products/Paper-Backed-Mahogany-Veneer-Ribbon-Stripe-4-x-8.html

If I go the rounded edge route I would like to do the sides and baffle with one piece (no joints).  Maybe some of you who've been down this road can comment.

[Ron]

  I have built a number of Neo 2X cabinets with a 3/8" radius on the front vertical edges, and then wrapped the sides and front with a single piece of veneer. Best to use a paper backed veneer not over 10 mils thick. I normally start at the back left vertical edge of the cabinet and slowly work toward the front and around the cabinet. Be sure to place thin wooden strips or wax paper between the cabinet and veneer and pull out as you work around the cabinet. Be sure to use a veneer roller to smooth out the veneer as you go to prevent air pockets from forming underneath. Just take your time and don't rush. Hope this is some help to you.

[motosapien]

Thanks Ron.  I figured it could be done that way.  I can now order the veneer supplies with a measure of confidence.  I considered having the cabinets built for me but I'm glad i decided to do it myself.  Should make the speakers sound better huh?

[Ron]

 Sent you a PM. Can offer suggestions on doing the crossovers and grill frames too if you need help.

[Danny Richie]

A 1/2" or bigger radius makes it even easier.

I start on the front and roll it around all 4 sides making only one seam in the back.

[Ron]

I agree that a 1/2" or bigger radius is easier and looks nicer, but I don't think it works out well on the Neo 2X cabinet if you plan to use a grill.  The woofer o.d. is 7-1/4". The width of the cabinet is 8-1/2". If you use a 1/2" radius, that leave only 1/8" on either side of the woofer before the radius starts to bend. If you don't plan to use a grill, then a 1/2" radius would be fine on the Neo 2X cabinet. With the Neo 3 cabinet, a  1/2" or 3/4" radius works very well since the woofers are smaller and there is more distance from the edge of the woofers to the edge of the cabinets. This would allow space for a grill to be installed.