First build (That I am documenting)!

[Altoman188]

Hello all,
So I am about to start a few builds and I thought I would actually post a build thread. On the to-do list I have a set of Overnight Sensations and Tritrix TL's, as well as a funky ipod dock. So far i have already completed one set of Hitmakers, a Tritrix TL that i purchased the flat pack for, and a couple funny pro audio setups. For this thread I will focus on the Overnight Sensations since they are a first time build for me.

Just Got all the parts for all of my projects this week, should have pictures as soon as i actually have time to dive in.
So far what has went well in builds has been crossovers, and assembly. On the other hand, i have had some bad painting experiences and will be looking for input when i get there.

[Altoman188]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

Ok so I actually got to spend some time on speakers this weekend. Sadly it has taken me half the week to get enough time to post them... sigh

Here are a couple clamp pictures, because i think it is against the law to have a build thread without them

[Altoman188]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

And here is the crossover, first the layout on some foam to hold it and then mounted. I borrowed most of the layout from another build, but i wanted it compact and able to mount on the terminal cup.

[lostboy77]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

Looks good, I like the attached XO boards. I'm really going to have to try this on my next build.

[Altoman188]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

Thanks, the peg board was a too thick but the rail on my table saw just about as close as it will go and carved a slot right down the middle of the peg board and it was a good snug fit.

[Altoman188]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

I will post more pictures of the boxes all closed up a little later today. This is the part where I am less confident. There are numerous paint prep methods and i have tried a couple but i have never finished a box to my satisfaction in paint yet.
The tentative plan is flush route all the edges, bondo(or other filler? I have heard drywall compound can be great?) the crud out of them, and then about 6 primer coats with sanding every other one. then spray about three layers of color in relatively quick succession, about 8 minutes, and wet sand with 1500, then 2 or three more coats with wet sanding in between of 2000. I was not planning on doing a clear, being that i really don't want a High gloss just a kind of reflective glossy finish. I also have a number of buffing wheels so i can use rubbing compound but again, not so worried about high gloss.
Any suggested changes?

[chrisn]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

Have you looked into the trench-seam method? I haven't used it, but every single time I've painted cabinets I have the seams show through, although if you live in a more moderate climate it may not be as bad.

[Mike220]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

I used spackle and drywall compound and although it appeared nice it can easily be chipped. I did the faux wood graining and about 2-3 weeks later i saw a few little white spots were the spackle chipped off from moving the or handling them i assume. I wont use it again thats for sure. Bondo seems like the way to go. Kanemack has some expensive thin bondo that is easy to sand some of the regular bondo and be thick and difficult to sand i would apply it sparingly.

[Altoman188]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

Would the trench seam method work for ply wood speakers?

And i have a bucket of good ole bondo so i will probably just start lathering it on tomorrow

[speedle]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

My body shop recommended Rage instead of Bondo, for whatever reason, and it seems to work well on my Tarkus.

[chrisn]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

I used a combination of bondo and spackel on plywood cabinets. The spots with spackel are smoother and blend in better, the spots with bondo are much harder and still show lots of imperfections. I used a crazy amount of primer (filler and normal) and tons of smoothing and sanding. All the seams telegraphed through quickly. All the clear should probably leave a really nice, level surface though. I've never used rage, but always heard good things about it.

[Altoman188]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

Wow its been a crazy few weeks. I have been working on these in my spare time, but not had time to take proper pictures and such. We took in a 12 year old Foster Daughter so have been a little busy. Anyways, here is a picture i managed to remember during bondo phase and also as they sit now. I like the blue color but a certain lady does not so it might end up being a glossy black... see will see. Drivers are just in for testing how i like the stuffing levels. really enjoying listening to these.

[Altoman188]

Re: First build (That I am documenting)!

Sorry about sideways picture. I rechecked and it was not like that when i uploaded it... o_0