Tang Band W4 build

[Derekj]

So I have been working on these speakers for a while now, but have just got around to playing around with the filters and taking some measurements. When I started this build the whole idea was that I wanted to try gluing veneer on a round over and using 2 different types of veneer. Then I picked the W4-1052SDF driver because it seemed that it wasn't used very much(searched the forums) in builds. Then about half way through building the cabinets I stumbled upon Rory's old website (correct me if it isn't his) and found the Whetstones. Oh well, so much for being original:D I decided that because his project was about 4 years old that I would take my own measurements and design my own networks so I can learn some more along the way. The speakers were very bright and a bit weak in the bass department running without any filters. The baffle step and notch filter seem to take care of that. It was neat to swap out filter parts with different values and see the small changes it made in the response curves.

Projected response in PCD



And measured in room response. Mic placed 20" away from speakers.



A few build pictures,



Applying the first strip of veneer.



Filling in the gaps with a small strip of veneer and some super glue.



Drivers going in.



I put on about 5 coats of Tung oil and then 3 coats of poly. Boy does that Tung oil stink!!



I might spend a bit more time messing around with the filters before soldering them together and putting them in the cabinets, or just leave it the way it is as I am happy with the sound. I would also like to build a matching sub to go with these for a nice little 2.1 setup for the bedroom or office.

[zitar]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

Gotta love the look!!!

[eyekode]

Tang Band W4 build

If you like the look of tung oil I suggest 1/3 boiled linseed oil, 1/3 poly, 1/3 mineral spirits. It will have a similar look and jt is easy to apply (wipe on, let sit for 10 mins, wipe off. Repeat in 24 hrs. Do 3 or so coats. Too many and you will get glossy patches from the poly.)
I have a desk that I used tung oil on and I can still smell it in the drawers years later!

I like the look of these speakers too. Thanks for sharing!
Salem

[Gordy]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

Great looking cabinets! What radius did you use on the round overs?

[HappyGene]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

Nice! Reminds me of an Alembic guitar (good memories!)

What are the filter particulars?

Gene

[Derekj]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

Great looking cabinets! What radius did you use on the round overs?

Thanks guys! I used a 3/4" bit for the round overs. All the veneer is unbacked.

Nice! Reminds me of an Alembic guitar (good memories!)

What are the filter particulars?

Gene

Baffle step was a 0.5mh and 12 ohms, and a 0.05mh 5.6uf 12ohm for the notch.

[HappyGene]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

Baffle step was a 0.5mh and 12 ohms, and a 0.05mh 5.6uf 12ohm for the notch.


Thanks a bunch,
Gene

[blackie]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

That is one very very handsome speaker that you've built there. Therefore, I want. ;o)

[joeybutts]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

gorgeous bud.

I've always liked the look of that driver. *** appeal all over the place in this thread.

[bobbarkto]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

Here's a tip for finishing the insides of drawers, use shellac only.
Anything with oil and the smell lingers for a looong time. Real Tung oil especially so.
Even regular varnish is often problematic.

If you like the look of tung oil I suggest 1/3 boiled linseed oil, 1/3 poly, 1/3 mineral spirits. It will have a similar look and jt is easy to apply (wipe on, let sit for 10 mins, wipe off. Repeat in 24 hrs. Do 3 or so coats. Too many and you will get glossy patches from the poly.)
I have a desk that I used tung oil on and I can still smell it in the drawers years later!

I like the look of these speakers too. Thanks for sharing!
Salem

[lowpolyjoe]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

I put on about 5 coats of Tung oil and then 3 coats of poly. Boy does that Tung oil stink!!

Great looking build! I love the look of light/dark contrast woods.

Was that tung oil finish or pure tung oil (which is somewhat hard to find)? I ordered some of the pure stuff online a few years back and actually thought it smelled pretty good . I would imagine the 'finishes' probably smell much worse given they add in all sorts of stuff.

[Derekj]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

Great looking build! I love the look of light/dark contrast woods.

Was that tung oil finish or pure tung oil (which is somewhat hard to find)? I ordered some of the pure stuff online a few years back and actually thought it smelled pretty good . I would imagine the 'finishes' probably smell much worse given they add in all sorts of stuff.

I would say it is tung oil finish as the can says "Contains pure tung oil" The brand is Circa 1850

[gabel87]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

Any oil "finish" is basically a wiping varnish using that particular oil as the drying oil in the varnish.

[lowpolyjoe]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

I would say it is tung oil finish as the can says "Contains pure tung oil" The brand is Circa 1850

A while ago I found a web page with a list of all the 'finishes' but now I can't seem to dig it up. If you ever have about a month to dedicate to the finish application, maybe try the pure stuff to save your nose . Takes a while to cure. Pretty sure this was the stuff I used:

http://www.amazon.com/WoodRiver-Pure-Tung-Oil-Pint/dp/B007HZKXX0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416658995&sr=8-3&keywords=pure+tung

Any oil "finish" is basically a wiping varnish using that particular oil as the drying oil in the varnish.

I tried to use a varnish once... just once. The small was so nasty that I sealed it up and never tried again.

I'm a shellac guy, but I gave pure Tung oil a try as well. Both are very nose-friendly in my opinion

[Derekj]

Re: Tang Band W4 build

A while ago I found a web page with a list of all the 'finishes' but now I can't seem to dig it up. If you ever have about a month to dedicate to the finish application, maybe try the pure stuff to save your nose . Takes a while to cure. Pretty sure this was the stuff I used:

http://www.amazon.com/WoodRiver-Pure-Tung-Oil-Pint/dp/B007HZKXX0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416658995&sr=8-3&keywords=pure+tung

I tried to use a varnish once... just once. The small was so nasty that I sealed it up and never tried again.

I'm a shellac guy, but I gave pure Tung oil a try as well. Both are very nose-friendly in my opinion

Good to know.