Steve's bandit build

[ssyfert]

Hello all,

I plan on closely documenting my version of Roman's bandits, the single chamber ported version, found on his site rjbaudio.com. I am building these for my computer, and will be using a matching sub I have designed.

I aquired the 4 of the tang band W4-1320SJ at the tent sale last summer. At the time I was going to use a stock crossover and make them into an MTM, but now I know better. In the interest of saving money and using what I have, the bandits seemed like the way to go.
I built a "shelf system" for my sister for Christmas using two of these running full range, but no filter. I was stunned at the sound quality, vocals were amazing. I expect the bandits to sound even better using roman's filter. The t-amp works great for these, and I will be using the new DTA-100 for mine (once it arrives).

Below is a quick rendering done in inventor of what I envision the end product to be. If anyone remembers my thread for my sisters project, you will notice the similar grill style. I like her's so much, I'll try it again.

Edit: I forgot this speaker project gallery was for completed projects, not build threads. Once I am done I will add a few posts with final pictures and listening impressions.

[ssyfert]

Re: Steve's bandit build

I was so excited to start this build. The big reason being I now had a chance to try out a few new tools. I ordered a biscuit joiner from amazon two weeks ago (as seen in pic one). the top, bottom, and sides all have biscuits. I decided to cut the front oversized and flush trim it (In the past I've cut out all the pieces exact and then have a lot of sanding to do after assembly). Much easier this way.
Next I layed out all my marks for the driver, ports, grill guides, and pivit for the curved top and bottom of the grill. Another new tool I used in this step was my t-square. It has holes every 1/16 inch that you put your pencil in and slide it along the edge and it draws a perfect line parallel to the edge. I did this to each of the 1/2 in mdf grills first, then center puched and drilled 1/8 in holes on the drill press. I then transfered the marks to the box by using an 1/8 in punch and hammer. Now in theory each grill is perfectly aligned with it's box.

[ssyfert]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Next step was cutting driver and port openings. The small jasper jig worked great. I then mounted the router in my homemade router table, and using a rabbiting bit I made the rabbit on the back to recieve the removeable back panel. It will be 1/2 in. mdf with a vertical brace.
With inspiration from Dave Pellegrene's mini surrounds (quite frankly most of this build's method of construction were inspired by other's projects posted here on TT), it seemed like I needed to flare the driver cutout to allow more airflow since it's a 3/4 in. baffle. A sanding drum mounted in the drill press, and a lot of patience yeilded what you see in pics 2 and 3.
I guess I haven't said, I used 3/4 in. mdf on top, bottom, sides, and front and will not use braces. My dimensions are 11.5 tall, 7 wide, and 6.5 deep. This makes the volume around 4 liters with driver and ports acounted for. tuning is 90 with a modeled f3 of 91 using 2 - 1 inch ports cut 3 inches long. This differs slightly from roman's plan, but works fine for me since I will have a small sub in a cubby on the table top of my computer desk.
Anyways, good progress for one weekend, more later.

[pypes]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Looks great, Steve. I'm looking forward to seeing you get it finished and hearing how big of an improvement it is over the unfiltered driver!

Leon

[Pete00t]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Very nice build so far. You have to love Diy. Not only does it give the satisfaction of realizing it yourself. It also helps you acquire all these neat tools and gadgets.

[ssyfert]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Here's a pic of the shelf system I built for my sister that I talked about above.

[Wolf]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Looks good, Buddy!

That's the DCR version, right?
I bet it sounds great!
Wolf

[gowa]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Cool!

[ssyfert]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Sorry wolf, not the DCR version. Too tall, has to fit under the hutch of my computer desk, and the single chamber ported version fits. Too late now as I am halfway through construction.

[ssyfert]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Well I've been listening to my completed bandits for about 3 weeks now. One word: wow!
It was definatly a great learning experience all around with new woodworking techniques and finishing methods. I hate rattle cans! If I choose to paint my next project, I will be skimming the boxes with finishing putty and using oil based porch paint. But, with the bandits in their home next to my computer screen, I can barely see the little flaws. Very pleased.
Listening impressions - it excels the best with well recorded vocals. All my favorite artists sounded more realistic when played through these. After attending MWAF for a bit, I heard a good comparison between a foreward speaker and a balanced one. My mains in my room I've been listening to are definatly foreward, and these are balanced. I guess the best indication to their sound quality is the fact that they are the ones I want to listen to over my mains with a sub!
Thanks to roman for a wonderfully detailed website and his contribution to DIY speaker building.
Oh, I forgot, my impression of the bandits over the same driver without the filter: use the filter!!!

[DjDisturbed]

Re: Steve's bandit build

I really like the color contrast and the little base you matched for your monitor and amp. I love my computer speakers I built. I spend alot of time in front of it doing my Ebay stuff . It's nice to have some good tunes while I'm spending hours doing my work.
Inspired me to make me some new ones that have a bigger drivers.

[Thezeek]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Ya, looks great.

[PWR RYD]

Re: Steve's bandit build

The shelf system for your sister is just flat out awesome! How ingenious. Does she like them?

[intjonmiller]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Hey Steve, what's that cool-looking site on your screen next to your bandits?


I love the strong contrast in your builds (at least the two shown in this thread). Gave me a great idea for one project I haven't been able to finish designing because I wasn't sure how to treat the face.

Thanks!


- Jon

[ssyfert]

Re: Steve's bandit build

Thanks for the compliments!

Yes my sister loved the shelf system I gave her, but not as much as I did. Hence the bandits. I knew she wouldn't like seeing the exposed driver with no grill, so I came up with the oval shape. I had planned and bought white grill cover fabric to use, but thought it looked cool without it, seeing the phase cone and all. I chose to build the bandits the same way, but wanted my school colors.

I like them a lot, but am ready to build a more traditional looking speaker for my father. Overnight sensations, skinned in mahogany and a retro burgandy/gold grill. I figured I needed to hear what the craze was all about.