Klipsch RF7 project.

[thoms_here]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Great project and great looking speakers! Curves are a pain sometimes but look so damn good. I used to build and race "DN class iceboats" in my home state of Michigan and paid over $200 each for the 2 (Sitka spruce) main sideboards for the cockpit. Both had to be bent back pretty severely from end to end and if they cracked they were scrap. I always held my breath till I got them glued and clamped.

Great job and hope to see you at the Hot springs meet up.

[kenmcculloch]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Thanks guys. GD I agree on the grill frames but the customer wanted them - and wanted them inset so they are friction mounted.

As for the tweeters the horn and driver (k-67) are used in the RF7 (not the 7ii). The woofers are used in the RF7ii. The RF7ii crosses over at 1200hz versus 2200ha on the RF7.

The bendable ply is great stuff!. It is so flexible that strap clamps aren't needed. I began at the rear and used staple gun and just pushed it down and stapled toward the front. Keep in mind I used a lot of PL premium adhesive on all frame contact points. I then clamped it down at the front and used more 1" staples. 2nd layer - same thing but used titebond glue in between with perforated drawer liner.

The good thing about bendable ply is no kerfing necessary. This stuff is great at bending and saves time. I'm about to build another curved set a lot smaller and will use it again. You should try it out. I was concerned at first about it being solid but with two layers with glue in between it is sturdy and solid. A lot easier than making a 45 degree angle on side which I did previously (and won't do again).

[tomzarbo]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Ken, those are super nice.

How did you like working with bendable ply? I've only used HDF or MDF thin sheets to make curved cabs with.
How did you do your glue-up, strap clamps?

Nice job, and the finish looks fantastic. I use wipe on poly myself all the time, I love the finish, and the process of wiping it in/on makes me feel like some kind of old-world craftsman or something!

TomZ

[tomzarbo]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Ken, those are super nice.

How did you like working with bendable ply? I've only used HDF or MDF thin sheets to make curved cabs with.
How did you do your glue-up, strap clamps?

Nice job, and the finish looks fantastic. I use wipe on poly myself all the time, I love the finish, and the process of wiping it in/on makes me feel like some kind of old-world craftsman or something!

TomZ

[KodiakHT]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Wow those are really awesome. Thanks for the reply. So are those the same tweeters the RF-7 II's use??

[gdmoore28]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Ken,
You are just absolutely amazing with that cabinet work. Good taste. They just look phenominal -- with the grills OFF! No reflection on your grill, but that's just too classy to cover up. Wish I had that kind of talent.
GeeDeeEmm

[kenmcculloch]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

My friend bought the woofers from Klipsch parts and I had the tweeter horns and K-67 drivers and built the xover from Klipsch schematic. These are 10" drivers that are used in the RF7ii speakers. Specs were really close on all the woofers I tested with WT2

[KodiakHT]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Where did you get the parts and drivers to build these? Those are 10" drivers right?

[Chris Roemer]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Not really a horn fan (or Klipsch either), but those look totally awesome (with the grills on ;-) !

[kenmcculloch]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.





Finished pics

[kenmcculloch]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

I'm using the Klipsch schematic xover with a mod on the tweeter. Crossovers aren't my strong suit (not sure what is???).

Got em done tiday and they have great impact and clarity. They are not super low bass speakers but have good low end. The horn tweeter is very clear. I hear things on some music I haven't heard before. I'll post pics later

[greywarden]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Wow that finish is great. No interest in a custom crossover?

[kenmcculloch]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Thanks Russell. I haven't heard the RF7's but my friend wanted a clone set. The woofers tested out very close on specs. I had the horns and tweeter drivers and am building the Klipsch stock crossover with a few mods.

I got the 6th coat of Minwax wipe on poly put on this morning. Build some grills, finish xover and paint the back/bottom and I'm done. I've already got another friend wanting a smaller version (31" tall) and CC to match. I like the curved sides. Hard to get it to stand up on the back but looks great.

[alphaGT]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

My friend has the store bought Klipsch speakers like these, super sounding speakers too! He drives his with a 140 watt/ch Onkyo receiver and they are most impressive! These are "Rest of your life" speakers! You'll never get tired of them, but you may get the itch to build a new project! Congrats, great project, thanks for sharing.

Russell

[kenmcculloch]

Re: Klipsch RF7 project.

Thanks Andy. It's taken a while on this project with bad weather in the area (tornadoes) and other distractions. Finally got one coat of poly on one yesterday. 5 or 6 more coats to go.