NeilT's OB7 build

NeilT · « **on:** 24 Jun 2010, 10:02 pm »

I have really enjoyed seeing other DIY projects on AC.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to document and post your projects, they are priceless to old and new DIYers.
It has helped me to jump in myself. After several emails, PM's and phone calls, I decided to build a set of OB7's. Thanks to all who provided feedback and encouragement?
Hearing the demo N2X's sealed the deal and made me aware of what I was missing with my overpriced commercial box speakers.

Gluing up the solid Cherry baffles

After sanding and pre-finish, figured it would be easier to apply some poly before holes were made.

Cutting holes, alot of holes, in bracing.

Rounding over brace holes.

Lotsa braces, Keith and Brian see pics in background, (a little inspiration there and thanks)

Putting together woofer section.

Opps, blew out a section of the baffle whilst tapping in grill magnet from backside. I was able to glue it back in, never know it happened, even though my heart stopped when I first saw it.

Rounding over backside of baffle. Notice the "Router Buddy" circle jig. Only way to fly from what I have read about other circle jigs. The 1/8" pin stays on the base and the size is infinitely adjustable with your calipers, 2 to 18 inches. Also the slide is removable and the base can stay on the router.

Attaching baffle to box.

Attaching backside to upper baffle. "Clamps", God's gift to the woodworker.

Ready for the 3/4 cherry box top.

Edge saver to prevent tear out, learned from past mistakes.

Baffle beveled.

1/4 inch MDF core Cherry Ply to sides and back.

Corner Edge molding attached.

As it sits today, waiting for poly and it's brother to be built.

Anyway, thanks again to all who took the time to help me out with their opinions and advise, and to Danny for the Demo's and the design.

Neil

Nick77 · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Jun 2010, 10:07 pm »

Neil those look amazing! Nice work and welcome to the club.

newportcycle · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Jun 2010, 10:25 pm »

Very nice, thanks for the photos.

Sparky14 · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Jun 2010, 10:30 pm »

Wow, nice work.

After seeing all of that, I can now officially confirm that I will never DIY speakers.

ichillpill · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Jun 2010, 10:56 pm »

Can't wait to see them finished in the living room next to your matching Rythmik sub!

Even if you pay someone to build you the cabinets plus the cost of the kits, the finished product will still rival speakers many times the price imo.

Quote from: Sparky14 on 24 Jun 2010, 10:30 pm

Wow, nice work.

After seeing all of that, I can now officially confirm that I will never DIY speakers.

ebag4 · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Jun 2010, 11:03 pm »

Nice job on the OB7s!

I am now experiencing a severe case of shop envy

.

Best,
Ed

persisting1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 12:56 am »

Wow, congratulations Neil

I am jealous

django11 · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 02:01 am »

Good job. And what a clean shop! Where did all the mdf dust go? My shop only ever looked like that the day I finished painting it...

django11 · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 02:04 am »

Quote from: Sparky14 on 24 Jun 2010, 10:30 pm

Wow, nice work.

After seeing all of that, I can now officially confirm that I will never DIY speakers.

This on is a pretty complex project. Get a few good tools and do a painted subwoofer.

jdbrian · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 03:03 pm »

Hi Neil

Those look great. I know it's a lot of work but it is worth it. Keep us updated.

Brian

nascar03 · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 04:30 pm »

Neil.....Nice work pal. Shop-envy indeed..and skill-envy I might add!
I like those speakers.. thanx for posting all the pictures.
I'm inspired....I must go buy way more clamps before I consider building the big boxes!
... graham

NeilT · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 08:58 pm »

Thanks all for the compliments on speakers and shop, (don't call it a garage).
Got the kit yesterday and was a little surprised by the size of the drivers, they look bigger in the pictures.

I just had to rig it up and see what the low end could do, I was a doubter.

WOW and OMG, I like what I am hearing; pictures are a rattlin off the walls. This thing can put out the bass, clean and tight.

Now I am dying to get the rest of the Xover parts so can I hear the top end.

I know it's goofy, but I just had to hear something.

I guess I outa get working on the other speaker, and even finish the first one.
Neil

drphoto · « **Reply #12 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 12:31 am »

I can relate to the last post. I think I had the drivers installed in my OB H-frames before the glue was dry. And now weeks later, they're still playing and half finished. However, I don't have a shop. (man, I'm jealous too.....that looks like a nice setup) I have to work in my driveway, and it's been either raining or seriously hot.

I would love to get into woodworking if I had the time/money/space. I've done it a bit of late, just to save some money, but it looks like a fun thing, in and of itself.

NeilT · « **Reply #13 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 02:07 am »

Quote from: drphoto on 26 Jun 2010, 12:31 am

I would love to get into woodworking if I had the time/money/space. I've done it a bit of late, just to save some money, but it looks like a fun thing, in and of itself.

At first saving money was probably driving the passion, but now it is like icing on the cake.
For most of my projects, I can do it cheaper and then justify spending the extra money on tools.
I have only lived here for 5 years; I spent a lot of time working in driveways and crowded one car garages, living rooms, etc. I did what I had to do with what I had, and was happy doing it. I am very grateful to have what I have now, and I really enjoy making sawdust.
Thanks for the reply,
Neil

Rclark · « **Reply #14 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 07:49 am »

They really are just a fantastic design just to look at in images.

timztunz · « **Reply #15 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 10:40 am »

Quote from: Sparky14 on 24 Jun 2010, 10:30 pm

Wow, nice work.

After seeing all of that, I can now officially confirm that I will never DIY speakers.

I'm with Sparky, I can't do that and am in awe of all of you who can. Congratulations on an incredible job.

jdbrian · « **Reply #16 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 06:27 pm »

Hi Neil

The bass is very nice on the 7's. They don't go deep due to the sealed design but have excellent dynamic range and speed. I have the XBL woofers in mine but even at loud levels the excursion is not that great.
The best part for me is the wonderful low level resolution that these have and the natural and detailed midrange. You are in for a real fun time when you get them finished. I have had mine for a few months now and as I upgrade my system they just keep getting better. Truly a great value!

Brian

Meataxe · « **Reply #17 on:** 27 Jun 2010, 08:41 am »

I was just looking at the box plans, are yours a little deeper?

Very, very nice work!

NeilT · « **Reply #18 on:** 27 Jun 2010, 04:42 pm »

Quote from: jdbrian on 26 Jun 2010, 06:27 pm

The best part for me is the wonderful low level resolution that these have and the natural and detailed midrange. You are in for a real fun time when you get them finished. I have had mine for a few months now and as I upgrade my system they just keep getting better. Truly a great value!

Brian

Hi Brian
Glad to hear that you are still enjoying them. I can't wait to to get mine going. I was just A/B-ing them with my Paradigms, and can not believe the diff in bass response. I am used to a sub covering the rest anyway.. I have that 15 inch servo from rythmik which does an incredible job. Now I should be able to Xover at around 50hz.
Neil

NeilT · « **Reply #19 on:** 27 Jun 2010, 04:50 pm »

Quote from: Meataxe on 27 Jun 2010, 08:41 am

I was just looking at the box plans, are yours a little deeper?

Very, very nice work!

Thank you and yes I did go deeper. I used 1/4 inch ply instead of veneer, not ready to learn that yet and also needed room to apply the trim pieces and give it a panel look.. To compensate and maintain the internal volume, I needed to make it deeper. According to Danny, it is ok due to the length of the lower freq. sound waves.
Neil