LS9 Build

hesster · « **on:** 10 May 2009, 12:24 am »

Finished off the 2nd cabinet today. Time to add all of the No Rez. Can't wait for Danny to get the components in. IMG]http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/hesster_2006/DSCN0035.jpg[/IMG]

rahimlee54 · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 May 2009, 12:47 am »

very nice

arthurs · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 May 2009, 01:22 am »

Great start! Have you picked a finish yet?

hesster · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 May 2009, 11:31 am »

Need to pick out a Veneer worthy of all of this effort so far. Any recommendations out there, and Web Site on how to veneer (never done it yet).

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penderaudio · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 May 2009, 01:36 pm »

The Oak wood veneer company is great they have just about any type of wood you could want, or your pocket book will allow.

http://www.oakwoodveneer.com/

I have used 3M "Super 77" spray adhesive will good results

-Jamie-

arthurs · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 May 2009, 01:41 pm »

I had mine done in piano black on the front and back baffles, then you can pick whatever wood veneer you like for the sides....very pleased with how they look....

GaryW · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 May 2009, 01:44 pm »

I went cherry veneer on my Alphas: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=298&pos=4. Still very pleased, now 4 years later.

EARGASM · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 May 2009, 02:40 pm »

Removed by member.

dvenardos · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 May 2009, 05:41 am »

Quote from: hesster on 10 May 2009, 11:31 am

... and Web Site on how to veneer (never done it yet).

I used this method with good results:
http://www.oakwoodveneer.com/tips/ironon.html

persisting1 · « **Reply #9 on:** 20 Jun 2009, 09:15 am »

Any update pics for this build?

Danny Richie · « **Reply #10 on:** 20 Jun 2009, 12:09 pm »

I have been waiting on more drivers for a while, but the wait is almost over. Woofers arrived at AV123 already al will be here on Friday. Now I am just waiting for the boat to get here with those custom BG tweeters.

hesster · « **Reply #11 on:** 20 Jun 2009, 12:20 pm »

Cabinets are done, finishing up installing the no-rez. No hurry, as I have been waiting on the components from Danny. Picked out some beautiful Veneer to finish them off. Pics to follow. Been busy every wekend with car shows - my other passion. I need to install a kick arse car stereo system in this beast.

Danny - just saw your post as I was typing this in -YEAHHH! Bring them on! Let me know when and I will call with my card #.

Daygloworange · « **Reply #12 on:** 20 Jun 2009, 08:19 pm »

hesster, if you haven't yet applied the veneer, I'd like to make a suggestion....

Because of the decision to use screws to assemble your enclosures, you will most likely have problems with them telegraphing through the veneer. There are a couple of reasons for this. MDF will expand and contract in thickness due to humidity, no matter what you do. Whatever filler you use to cover over the holes will not contract at the same rate, so you'll have a "dimple" or slight "crater" where the screw is.

I built a set of test enclosures years ago to evaluate fillers. We filled screw holes with 3 different wood fillers, dry wall compound, plaster of paris, dental plaster, bondo, PVA/sawdust paste. They all telegraphed the holes over time. It is permanent.

I would suggest (if you can) to pre veneer over your enclosures with as thick a veneer as possible before applying a thin paperback veneer, in order to mitigate the telegraphing that will inevitably occur.

I'd hate to see you disappointed after going through all the work you have done to build out a pair of arrays, only to have a blemished final outcome.

Cheers

hesster · « **Reply #13 on:** 20 Jun 2009, 08:38 pm »

Thanks SO much for the tip! It's hard to believe they would show through, but it sounds like you have been there. An underlay Veneer is in order. Glad I have not started it yet!

Daygloworange · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 06:40 pm »

Yeah, I've tried just about everything imaginable. There's no escape. If you pierced the compression layer of MDF, you're pooched...fillers will telegraph. It's just a matter of time...

srb · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 06:46 pm »

Daygloworange,

Do you always use screws to assemble, or do you also build certain cabinets with just interlocking parts, clamps and glue?

Steve

Daygloworange · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 06:55 pm »

I never use mechanical fasteners, no. There's absolutely no need for fasteners. Have you ever tried to break an MDF box that's been glued together, apart?

You can't get around the problems with finishing, I've mentioned.

Many people assume that the density of MDF is consistent throughout it's thickness, it's not. The two surfaces are a much higher density than the core.

srb · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 06:59 pm »

May I ask what your preferred glue is, and is there a preferred brand/type for MDF versus for plywood or hardwoods?

Thanks,

Steve

Daygloworange · « **Reply #18 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 07:28 pm »

We use Helmitin PVA. It's just a regular yellow carpenters glue. We buy all our glues in 5 gallon pails from the same supplier. I have used the Titebond II and III for cold pressing veneers. The Titebond III is simply astounding glue.

Regular PVA dries by polymerization, while the Titebond III ( IIRC the II as well ) dries by chemical reaction (cross linking). You cannot "re-activate" them, once they're dry. It's similar to "lacquers".

We only use finishes that are cross linking (post-catalyzed). They are impervious to solvents and most acids.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #19 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 03:58 am »

The 3M adhesive backed veneer available from Oakwood may be a good route to go as it is a bit thicker and may help hold back the screw sinks from showing to quickly.

I build a pair of speakers about 8-9 years ago where I used screws and then wood filler. (I never use mechanical fastners anymore) and veneered with the 3M backed cherry from Oakwood Veneers. To this day, you will not be able to see where the screws are.

This veeneer does limit your choices and is only available in 2' x 8' sheets but it is a great choice for beginners and should help hide those screws.