Crossover box construction. Stainless?.

[Cousin Billy]

I am bulding a speaker.

I will have my CAD designer and his CNC man carve a dragon 'head' into the front, and the 'body' into the side.

My crossover parts are heavy, as well as large. I will have a tail made. This tail will house the crossover.

My first thought was fiberglass. On second thought this may not be strong enough. The tail will be lifted if the speaker needs to be moved or transported.

I then thought of steel. My problem with steel is the possible effect it will have on the signal. The wires will run under this tail, with the parts on top. Possible future magnetization of the steel is also not good. (A fiberglass cover will be made to hide the parts).

I then thought of stainless steel. What are your thoughts.

[MadMutt]

keep the xover AWAY from any and all metal of any description.

[bear]

metal is usually not best.

copper and brass are possible... but expensive.

the issue is the effect upon the coils more than anything else.

_-_-bear

[carlomar]

Stainless steel is more ressonant than coper or aluminium.

[Cousin Billy]

If I assume copper is a material which can be picked up by a magnet, but aluminum cannot, then aluminum would be better?.

Any other suggestions. The Mundorf transformers are very heavy, with the Duelund VSF's slightly less so.

All in total, each crossover will be about 60 pounds per side.

[Mr Evil]

Originally posted by Cousin Billy
If I assume copper is a material which can be picked up by a magnet, but aluminum cannot, then aluminum would be better?..

Neither copper nor aluminium can be picked up by a magnet. Most types of stainless steel are non-magnetic too. However, like MadMutt said, it is best to avoid metal of any type, since they will all have some effect on the inductors.

EDIT: More generally, avoid any electrically conductive material.

[Cousin Billy]

I am not looking forward to the price of Kevlar, but that may be my only true option.

I think I should also investigate fiberglass. Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether 1/2" thick fiberglass can withstand hundreds of pounds. The bottom of the speakers will also sit on it with spiked feet under that?.

[MadMutt]

Originally posted by Cousin Billy
All in total, each crossover will be about 60 pounds per side.

What ? How much, we must have pics !
And you mention transformers, Are these electrostatic ?
Or do you mean inductors ????

[MJL21193]

Originally posted by Cousin Billy


Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether 1/2" thick fiberglass can withstand hundreds of pounds.

A properly built box from 1/2" plywood will withstand hundreds of pounds...

[tinitus]

Originally posted by MadMutt
keep the xover AWAY from any and all metal of any description.

Troels Gravesen has proved very clearly that even aluminium affects inductor value
He also shows how to get around it

I have heard of people having their their 2ways on metal standmounts, complaining about severe problems with sound
And when placing their speakers on a wooden chair they sounded just fine