Next Project: Arc 40 CBT Array

[donradick]

I can't believe your progress - it would have taken me a couple of weeks to carefully apply and trim the veneers on those curves and angles.

Trouble is, now your body has become accustomed to this level of activity.
You won't be able to relax and listen without a nagging sense of "I should get back to the shop and build something else" <g>

[Kevin K.]

I can't believe your progress - it would have taken me a couple of weeks to carefully apply and trim the veneers on those curves and angles.

Trouble is, now your body has become accustomed to this level of activity.
You won't be able to relax and listen without a nagging sense of "I should get back to the shop and build something else" <g>

You're spot on Don. I hope that nagging sense is always there, having fun and enjoying the challenges. The "trouble" is also an anxious son who is ready to get started on his project for next years MWAF. It's been tough to hold him at bay but he's handling it like a trooper. Really looking forward to the next build just because it will be such a great learning experience for him in all aspects.

[mgrabow]

I am a big fan of shellac as a sealer before grain filling and or finish sanding...It really brings out the grain with a nice warm color...It is also tentacle with alcohol based dies,,,I did a black cherry project once. first coat want on pink. then got darker with every coat...

[captainobvious99]

Absolutely beautiful Kevin. Can't wait to see the finished product.

cheers



-Steve

[Millstonemike]

If anyone was thinking of making an offer for Kevin's finished pair ... I imagine it would need to be many multiples for what these cost

[Kevin K.]

Absolutely beautiful Kevin. Can't wait to see the finished product.
cheers
-Steve

Thank you sir. I'm almost to the part that makes my shoulders knot up every time, applying finish. If I can get past that part without making a total mess of these, then the fun begins.

If anyone was thinking of making an offer for Kevin's finished pair ...

Thanks Mike. I will save anyone the trouble if they were thinking about it,

THIS SET IS NOT FOR SALE!

Yea, I left the door open with that statement. I could probably be talked into building another set if someone wanted to commission it. A second pair would go much faster since most of the details have been worked out. Even so, I'm tired and looking forward to a little down time to relax and enjoy these. BTW, the GameChanger's played a LARGE role in my fascination with arrays and I would love an opportunity to see and hear them up close. They are fantastic looking!

[Kevin K.]

I promised Tom I would shoot a video trimming the veneer with the router and cutter mentioned earlier. Figured I might as well post it here for everyone to see. Yea, I screwed up and the phone was vertical instead of horizontal so it's a crappy narrow video. I'm an amateur, what can I say. The phone was clamped to a cart and at the time it seemed the easiest way to clamp it.

[Kevin K.]

Here is a re-shoot trimming another side. A little better cause it's full screen this time.

Of course the air compressor had to come on during the video, can't catch a break. Anyway, it's not real difficult guys and probably a little faster than cutting it with a knife. Word of caution, the little cutter is super sharp, keep your fingers clear at all times or it's gonna leave a nasty mark.

[tomzarbo]

That looks a lot less scary after seeing you do it Kevin.

A few things I noticed that new guys should pay attention to is that you placed the cabinet in a way so that what you're trimming is comfortable to get to.
Also, you protected the existing veneer with tape to prevent any bearing gouges like you mentioned, which is a big issue -- even with hardwood veneers.
I also noticed that you kept the bearing pretty close to the edge so if the angle you're holding the tool at varies a bit as you move, you're less likely to gouge the cabinet with the cutter -- which you would see because of the tape. That's all stuff we would usually have to learn the hard way unfortunately.

Excellent! Thanks for posting this, there's a lot of information there if we look. I learned a few things and I'm going to order that bit this weekend. I love the idea of using a rather small die grinder as opposed to a MUCH larger trim router. Consider your idea stolen! Although I may go El-Cheapo and use a $15 HF Tools grinder for the time being.

TomZ

[Kevin K.]

That looks a lot less scary after seeing you do it Kevin.

A few things I noticed that new guys should pay attention to is that you placed the cabinet in a way so that what you're trimming is comfortable to get to.
Also, you protected the existing veneer with tape to prevent any bearing gouges like you mentioned, which is a big issue -- even with hardwood veneers.
I also noticed that you kept the bearing pretty close to the edge so if the angle you're holding the tool at varies a bit as you move, you're less likely to gouge the cabinet with the cutter -- which you would see because of the tape. That's all stuff we would usually have to learn the hard way unfortunately.

Excellent! Thanks for posting this, there's a lot of information there if we look. I learned a few things and I'm going to order that bit this weekend. I love the idea of using a rather small die grinder as opposed to a MUCH larger trim router. Consider your idea stolen! Although I may go El-Cheapo and use a $15 HF Tools grinder for the time being.

TomZ

Those are all great points Tom. You're much better at explaining things then me. I'm still dealing with the stage fright thing, eventually I'll get more comfortable.

Couple of things I would add to your suggestions. Not just any masking tape, it needs to be the "delicate surface" stuff. It will stick well enough for the routing process and when it comes time to peel it off, it doesn't remove a bunch of the wood fibers from your Veneer. Yea, the tape is a little pricey, but nothing compared to the cost of the veneer going on the speaker. Second suggestion would be use a smaller air hose if you have one available. The lighter air hose would help in keeping the router parallel to the guide surface. I didn't do it in the videos above but could definitely feel the weight of the air hose trying to pull it down.

Let us know how the harbor freight grinder works out. Main thing to watch out for would be "whip" in the router bit due to poor nose pilot bearing on the grinder. If it works, then it's less than $40 for router and bit, not bad.

[donradick]

thanks Kevin - I can see how a lighter and smaller trimmer can allow better control.
For that reason, I usually just trim with a utility knife and fresh blade.

Is that a straight cut router trim bit?

[Kevin K.]

It's a spiral down cut bit Don. Here is a link for one on Ebay with free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flush-Trim-S...3D221921402206

This bit will cut much cleaner than a straight cutter for this application. The straight cut bits tend to splinter and tear the veneer more.

[Navy Guy]

It's a spiral down cut bit Don. Here is a link for one on Ebay with free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flush-Trim-S...3D221921402206

This bit will cut much cleaner than a straight cutter for this application. The straight cut bits tend to splinter and tear the veneer more.

I just ordered one of these a week or two ago and will be trying it out this week/weekend. I've never had issues with a flush cut bit burning the wood unless it didn't have a bearing on the bottom. Is it only a concern because you are doing it freehand and could hit the cabinet with the tip rather than the bearing, or have you actually had the free spinning bearing cause issues?

[Kevin K.]

I just ordered one of these a week or two ago and will be trying it out this week/weekend. I've never had issues with a flush cut bit burning the wood unless it didn't have a bearing on the bottom. Is it only a concern because you are doing it freehand and could hit the cabinet with the tip rather than the bearing, or have you actually had the free spinning bearing cause issues?

The tape is more for protection from the tip like you suggested although I have had marks left from the bearing. They were not deep, more like it buffed the veneer. Kind of depends on how much down pressure you are applying with the bit. Sanded off easily enough.

[Wolf]

Is this more or less like a Rotozip spiral-blade? It seems one of those could do the job as well.

Later,
Wolf