Seems I never stop thinking about speakers (must be some kind of sickness). I constantly have ideas rolling around in my head for designs. So rather than just think, I decided to let some of the nuttiness out...I can't help it!
I wanted to get off the beaten path some, (when didn't I, you're thinking), so this thread will detail those ideas and how they play out. My design platform is Danny's X-LS. I made four pairs to start and will see how that plays out before I build more.
First, I needed to figure out an efficient way to build a batch. One forever consideration is how to hide the seams. Butt joints are plenty strong, but unless veneering, the joints are hard to hide so I landed on rabbets. Figured I could either cover 'em up or land them in a rounded corner, where they're easier to conceal.
Off we go. Half the parts for eight
Clamping in one shot
Didn't want glue oozing all over, you'll see why. I let it get firm and remove with a special chisel when I unclamp
Jig for drivers
Can't have too many routers, right?
These things have a cross brace that's hard as hell to put in after assembly, so I fixed it
First up I'll call The Natural. While I'm not a fan of machining MDF, I wondered about a way to celebrate it...
More rabbets
Glued in Walnut strips
Once dry, cut some more
And some more strips
Trimmed 'em up
Cut some bevels
After sealer
Before shooting conversion varnish topcoat, I wanted to tone them a little. I've wondered what it would be like to put bronzing powder in wood finish, so I dumped some in the toner. Kinda like pearl in automotive paint
The effect is subtle, but it adds a little shimmer
End result after top coats, which were dull sheen...the current fashion in much cabinetry and furniture.
That's all for now, but my head's buzzing with ideas. I'll post them as I get more done.