[TRADERXFAN]

Looking to make my own metal screen for my dual ob sub...

 I found some material at menards that I would like to bend and cut to size. Just not sure how to cut it?  About all I can remember from metal shop was that we used metal shears, but I don't think I would get too straight of a cut...

any ideas?

[BobM]

Metal shears are tough to work with and will definitely leave a nasty edge. I would try a proper metal hack-saw, then file the edges to finish, or file and bend over to make and edge that won't grab on anything.

[TomS]

I bought the perf metal for the top of my amps at a local Metal Supermarket store and they just cut it to size on a really big shear and/or brake to bend it.  If you have one available near you that might be a good option.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Depends...
Is the screen like the material in your windows?
Or is it a heavier gauge material with a more "open" mesh (like chicken wire)?

Sandwiching, and clamping the screen between two layers of something like plywood and using metal sheers (tin snips) would provide a nice straight edge and keep the screen from stretching. However, any screen that I can think of would need to have it's edges covered so there's no danger of cutting somebody.

Or...Using the same sandwich technique, you could use a high RPM carbon based cutoff wheel mounted in a cordless drill.

Bob

[ecramer]

post a picture or a link to the material depending on what it is it you could use everything from tin sheers to a table saw skill saw with a carborundum abrasive blades ?

[TRADERXFAN]

It is a bit heavier gauge stuff, but small holes. I will get a picture. -looks a tad thicker than av123 metal grills...



and thanks for the suggestions so far!


-Tony

[TRADERXFAN]

I bought the perf metal for the top of my amps at a local Metal Supermarket store and they just cut it to size on a really big shear and/or brake to bend it.  If you have one available near you that might be a good option.

Looks like there is one about 25 miles away, not too bad. I can't tell much of what they have from the web, but if you found perforated material there, I will go check it out. Thanks.

-Tony

[TRADERXFAN]

Depends...
Is the screen like the material in your windows?
Or is it a heavier gauge material with a more "open" mesh (like chicken wire)?

Sandwiching, and clamping the screen between two layers of something like plywood and using metal sheers (tin snips) would provide a nice straight edge and keep the screen from stretching. However, any screen that I can think of would need to have it's edges covered so there's no danger of cutting somebody.

Or...Using the same sandwich technique, you could use a high RPM carbon based cutoff wheel mounted in a cordless drill.

Bob

Hmm... I do have a dremel with a bunch of cutoff wheels. But this seems a little bit too big of a project.

I also borrowed a friends jigsaw. Maybe I could get a blade for that. I like the idea of guiding it along a sandwiched pair of boards...

 I will figure out something for the edge. I think this would be inset in the box, and wrap around the front.

Trying to find a way to mask the woofers and make the sub not look directional. Then I want to use it as a stand.



(This room is early in the planning stage!  I am thinking up some unique room treatments)

-Tony

[TomS]

I tried cutting this stuff with a bunch of things and it was a mess.  I could probably get the part number from an old invoice if you need it.  At our place I just walk around the shop and pick out what I want.

Tom

[TRADERXFAN]

Great, sounds exactly what I need.  I will go take a look...

Thanks again.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Oh wow, that's much thicker than the "screen" I had envisioned. That's more like galvanized steel with holes punched in it.
If you can't find somebody with the proper tools, you can still sandwich it between the layers of ply, then use an expendable blade, like a circular saw. Don't use a good blade. A fence/guide would ensure a straight cut, just like if you're cutting wood. There'll be sparks, so keep an eye for combustibles in the area, and wear safety glasses...bla..bla..bla...

The Dremel thing would be an exercise in frustration though. You'll burn through dozens of blades and maybe even learn some new cuss words.

Bob

[TomS]

Yeah Bob, that is exactly what it is... Tough as nails for sure and hard on tools 

[Bob in St. Louis]

Yea!!! It sure looks like it Tom! 

By the way Tony, if you do decide to do the circular saw thing:
Get a very fine tooth blade, and don't push hard (travel slow).

Bob

[markC]

http://www.labsafety.com/search/Wiss/24548568/?type=brand#bigimage

The bulldog tinners snips on the bottom will cut up to 18 gauge and not leave a jagged edge, (if your good with hand tools). Problem is, they're fairly pricey and unless your a sheet metal or HVAC worker you probably don't have a pair in your tool box.

[TomS]

I bought PSG/16G18316 perforated galvanized sheet .125 x .188 x 16GA.  Only $10 for a 12x12 sheet cut to order 

[markC]

Wow! That sounds like a really good deal. Let us know how it turns out.

[acwd1950]

Take it to a welding shop and have them cut it with a plasma cutter. If you were near here( southern IL) I would cut for you.

Steve

[TomW16]

I think that it's already been mentioned but a jig saw with a metal cutting blade would do the trick.

Cheers,
Tom

[anodyne]

A Makita angle grinder with a cutting disk would go through it easily.  I love mine.