Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Negative progress

That's about what I'm thinking right now. I expect to test some scraps with straight Waterlox to see how it will look, but I also have a couple of warm dyes to tint if needed.

... I think the two options I'd try for for the sides would either be picking up the lighter color of the SAP wood ...
Take it easy
Jay

[fastbike1]

A bit of good news

First, as promised, here are some better pictures of the baffle finish using Waterlox.


A bit of good news. I have been able to strip the paint and get back to bare wood without a ridiculous amount of work. Used Motsenbackers Lift Off (from Lowes). Applied per directions. Takes about three applications to get through the paint and most of the primer, so that one can sand. Not bad considering that there were three coats of primer and 4 coats of paint.

[mzisserson]

Re: A bit of good news

First, as promised, here are some better pictures of the baffle finish using Waterlox.


A bit of good news. I have been able to strip the paint and get back to bare wood without a ridiculous amount of work. Used Motsenbackers Lift Off (from Lowes). Applied per directions. Takes about three applications to get through the paint and most of the primer, so that one can sand. Not bad considering that there were three coats of primer and 4 coats of paint.

That is drool-worthy!

[50 watt head]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Your baffles look great!

[martyh]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Not only am I impressed, I'm inspired!

Wonderful work.

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Thanks for the kind words folks. I know I've raved about Waterlox in the past, but it is dead simple to apply. As close to fool proof as you can get.

The big key is to make sure the surface is clean after sanding. I use Woodman's ("Ask Woodman" TV) technique: 1. vacuum the surface, 2. wipe w/ lint free rag (not a "tack" rag), 3. wipe with your hand, vacuuming your hand between passes.

After that, apply with a foam brush. You don't need a lot and you can brush out as much as you want. Finish self levels. First coat will be beautiful wet, but dull up dried. You can apply the second coat when the first is dry to the touch. Lightly sand w/ 320 or 400 ish open coat every two or three coats. If you're going to sand, let the coat dry for 24 hours. Lightly sand, do the vacuum routine and put on the next coat.

At about 3 coats, starts looking great. I have 6 coats on the walnut baffles.

[fastbike1]

Slow Progress

Well, I was able to get the paint off the cabinets and have veneered the sides. Currently flattening the veneer for the ends and backs.

Veneer is German Beech with a dogeared figure. Here are some quick pics just after applying the second coat of Waterlox. No other color on the veneer.

[Brewski]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

The Beech looks like a good choice. Hopefully they'll sound as good as they look once you get to have a beer or two while listening to them.

Take it easy
Jay

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Sadly my Crohn's doesn't allow more than a rare sip of beer these days.:(

I have the dog-ear lined up along the front so I should get a sort of "bookmatch" with the walnut grain. They should look like the figure flows around the baffle and along the sides a bit.

I'm hoping they look as good as they sound. ;)

I'm at the point where finishing up should proceed at a decent pace. This build has gone on too long. Need to be more diligent w/ the next one(s).

The Beech looks like a good choice. Hopefully they'll sound as good as they look once you get to have a beer or two while listening to them.

Take it easy
Jay

[MarkL]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Any updates? I'm thinking about doing the same build, so I'm naturally curious as to how yours is going.

[sonex]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

fastbike does waterlox come in satin or gloss? I like the results you got looks to be a nice gloss finish. Did you use a sanding sealer before you applied the waterlox? I like your results and was thinking of giving waterlox a try for my classix II build.

[BeeTL]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

That's gorgeous...you've sold me on Waterlox!

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperial Russian Stout Build Thread

Okay.

First: Waterlox comes in Original Finish, Satin, and Gloss. I used Original Finish which is between Satin and Gloss on the gloss scale. I think closer to gloss but I don't know since its all I use. Check the site.

I did not use sanding sealer. I'm not so sure how that works with the Waterlox. On the German Beech veneer, the first coat was thinned about 25% w/ mineral spirits since the Beech is also kind of open grained. I'm not sure that mattered much. I did not use any grain filler on either the walnut baffles or german beech veneer.

As far as progress. It's still happening, but slow. The cabs are veneered and the final finish coats are going on the cabs now. Three coats to go on the bottoms of the cabs and they're done (Say early Saturday). The backs are veneered but not trimmed. Baffles are done. I need to install the ports and trim/finish the veneer, then time to install drivers and XOs, line, and play.

At the rate I've been going it will be the end of this month when I'm listening.

If you're thinking about using Waterlox, I heartily recommend watching the Ask Woodman videlos. Google "Ask Woodman waterlox".

[fastbike1]

Finally

Gentle Readers, the Imperial Russian Stouts are making music.

Didn't seem like it would ever happen. Like several others, painting the cab led to several problems and required stripping then veneering the cabs. I am pleased with the final finish, and I learned a ton about some of the construction choices I made.

To recap, a three way Fountek/DX25 design w/ XO by Brewski.
Baffles are Black Walnut, Veneer is Figured German Beech. Waterlox the only finish.

They sound . . . . loud (and great). Inaugural CD: VanHalen, since they seem like rockers. Jay's XO does a great job of separating the duty to the drivers.
Like Jay, I now believe the Fountek FW168 and FW146's to be underappreciated.

I can't thank Jay (Brewski) enough for his design, patience, and encouragement. Best news: All of these drivers are available.

Without further adieu, The Imperials in my highly sophisticated anechoic test chamber.

[fastbike1]

Re: Imperials, final construction shots

Here are some shots of the XO and lining in the cabs.

Further note, they come with Revelator from the Tedeschi-Trucks Band.