Doug's Abbey build (with veneer)

[gedlee]

Originally Posted by PB2

Flat head machine screws epoxied in before veneering the back might work as studs - I would worry about stress on the veneer when tightening though. Then threaded spacers on the inside to make it easy to get a grip on them with an open end or socket wrench.

No big deal - just a thought.

Pete B.

Whats the issue with visible screws on the back? The ones on the front are an issue to me, but not the ones on the back.

[DougSmith]

Well, they are visible when you walk by, the way I have mine set up. I knew they were going to be, so I tried to make them as insignificant as possible when I built them, but in a perfect world I suppose they would be either invisible or absent. I think it is good to be able to take off the back easily, though, and I wouldn't want to have to remove the grill cloth, woofer and fill just to do that.

- Doug

[PB2]

Originally Posted by gedlee

Whats the issue with visible screws on the back? The ones on the front are an issue to me, but not the ones on the back.

I think Doug answered this.

It looks a bit dated, since 99/100 modern commercial speakers do not have screws showing on the back. Think about it ... furniture does not have screws showing either. I'd have an access panel on the bottom if at all - I've done this before. Even sometimes put the input panel down there. However, it seems you need rear access to the horn in this design.

Pete B.

[gedlee]

Originally Posted by PB2

I think Doug answered this.

It looks a bit dated, since 99/100 modern commercial speakers do not have screws showing on the back. Think about it ... furniture does not have screws showing either. I'd have an access panel on the bottom if at all - I've done this before. Even sometimes put the input panel down there. However, it seems you need rear access to the horn in this design.

Pete B.

There is no way to mount the compression driver except from the back. And when I change the woofer to mount from the back - so that ITS screws don't show, then the entire back will have to be open to achieve this. MOST speakers are built for appearance first and function second. When you put function first, then there are some compromises that might have to be made for appearance. Everything is negotiable. The screws on the back could be elliminated, its simply a matter of cost.

[doug20]

Originally Posted by gedlee

Nice web site Doug.

For me I like to see the foam and the waveguide exit. I've come to dislike seeing the screws on the woofer and thats why the assembling is going to change to hide them. I think that this will improve the looks a great deal. Then I wouldn't even consider a total grill cloth and no foam cutting would be necessary. This is the better approach IMO.

Any updates on hiding the screws on the woofer?


I have hated that forever with many speakers.

[pooge]

Originally Posted by DougSmith

Well, they are visible when you walk by, the way I have mine set up. I knew they were going to be, so I tried to make them as insignificant as possible when I built them, but in a perfect world I suppose they would be either invisible or absent. I think it is good to be able to take off the back easily, though, and I wouldn't want to have to remove the grill cloth, woofer and fill just to do that.

- Doug

If they can't be invisible or absent, and it is functionally better to have them, FLAUNT them.

You can get some nice decorative brass screws and washers like these:

Decorative Washers - Rockler Woodworking Tools

[PB2]

I like black button or pan head allen or security screws, they look more decorative and are usually hardly noticed in black:
Parts-Express.com:*#8-32 x 1-1/4" Black Machine Screw Button Head Security Hex | security screws security hex security screws screw hardware driver

Pete B.

[gedlee]

Originally Posted by doug20

Any updates on hiding the screws on the woofer?

Yes, when I run through the parts that I have on hand I will change the design to a screw hidden woofer. Thats why I reduced the prices since the new design will have a higher price.

[gedlee]

Originally Posted by PB2

I like black button or pan head allen or security screws

Pete B.

They are black and if the back is painted black, as I do, the screws are not noticable at all. If the back is not painted black, then yes, the screws will be apparent - so don' do that.

[Pallas]

Originally Posted by pooge

If they can't be invisible or absent, and it is functionally better to have them, FLAUNT them.

Agreed. See, e.g. ur-Audi TT, Herman Miller Eames Chaise Lounge.