Making my own custom low tech 12" fullrange from an old Akai woofer:)

[impuls60]

I started this project a while ago after checking out Atelier Rullit site
I've made a couple of vids so far and I thought it could be of some interest for the enthusiasts on this forum
I suspect my take on the project is a bit low tech for most at this forum but I'm giving it a shot anyway I'm trying to switch out the cone in an old Akai 12" woofer.. I doubt it will win any awards but it has been a fun little project so far
Check out my vids here if your interested:
Part 1: My take on fullrange cone build.3gp - YouTube
Part 2: My take on fullrange cone build.3gp - YouTube

I need some pointers on ways of optimising the Crepe paper cone because weigth is becoming a serious problem.. The cone mod shall consist of crepe paper in layers doped in polyurethane paint. Im gonna try thinning the paint with mineral spirit to create a super light cone. More info is shown in the vids Any ideas and pointers will be greatly appreciated!

[onform]

So far all I can see is a Basket and magnet with the cone ripped out and then with the spider ripped out too in the second vid? IMHO this project is a little beyond your capabilities ATM. If you really want to have any chance at making that driver work again I would look at maybe a recone kit. Then play around with doping and whizzers and phase plugs. If you are truly determined to make a cone from scratch then I suggest you stop trying to reinvent the wheel and do a lot of research and learn how to make paper from scratch.

[impuls60]

Actually I bought these drivers in mint condition for this project.. What u see in the vid is the remains from another experimental sandwich which I wasn't happy with. That cone was was actually lighter than the originally one. My plan is to glue light paper clips from the center and to the suspension in an overlapping fasion. I chose to create the cone in the basket for easy centering in the basket. This kind of overlapping is also used by Mr Rullit, but with balsa. I am a product designer by trade and I do think I can achive better results with a combination of different materials in the cone. I'm gonna try the suggested mods if the cone works out

[moray james]

you can find out a lot about working with papre at Inlow sound. Though he uses the mache to build horns not cones but structurally similar. An old woofer is not exactky your best choice for a full range driver as the gap will be big and the inductance will in all likelyhood be high which will not help you with high end. I would be tempted to look for a quality mid/bass driver instead as this will give you more mid frequency output. You really want a motor with multiple shorted turns on the top plate back plate and on the pole piece to get any real high frequency extension. You might also consider an Altec style split cone to get more top end and better dispersion. Have you considered an old Lowther motor? Or for less money an FE206e Fostex. Take a look at Hartley for info on thin light diaphragms. There are also build projects on Lineaum style wide band drivers which are interesting. Good luck. Post pictures there will be lots of interest. Best regards Moray James.