Screwing drivers into baffle help

Frosteh · 3rd August 2011, 06:46 AM

I know this is a pretty simple question, but since it's my first pair of speakers, I'd like to know if there are any tricks or things to beware of before screwing in drivers to baffles. I have a mid and a tweeter that I've routed holes for (flush mounted, of course). Is it as straightforward as screwing the drivers in to the MDF? Or are there other steps to take. I'll be drilling pilot holes but is there anything else to do?

jerome69 · 3rd August 2011, 07:02 AM

The most simple is to drill a pilot hole.
The most difficult is to tighten, enough to avoid resonance of the basket and and not too much to avoid to put out of shape the basket.
Some people use screws and insert nuts in the wood but i have never used those.

You can also add a gasket but i think it is not necessary. Never use a glue mastic !

metako · 3rd August 2011, 07:44 AM

If the speaker units do not come with a gasket then I would personally make one out of thin felt so they seal properly. And use cross headed screw so you don't slip and pierce or scratch the driver.

sofaspud · 3rd August 2011, 08:15 AM

Personally I would use T-nuts with MDF. It just doesn't "hold" a thread well. IMO, if you don't install 'em now, you'll be installing 'em later.

planet10 · 3rd August 2011, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerome69

and not too much to avoid to put out of shape the basket.

Screws (or bolts) should be tightened just enuff that a real or imaginary washer can't spin. If you are deforming the basket that is way too much torque.

dave

planet10 · 3rd August 2011, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metako

If the speaker units do not come with a gasket then I would personally make one out of thin felt so they seal properly. And use cross headed screw so you don't slip and pierce or scratch the driver.

For gaskets, if not supplied, i use neoprene weather stripping. And althou better than a slot, i avoid philips screws, using Robertson or hex headed screws.

dave

planet10 · 3rd August 2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofaspud

Personally I would use T-nuts with MDF. It just doesn't "hold" a thread well. IMO, if you don't install 'em now, you'll be installing 'em later.

Very true. Another reason to avoid using MDF at all.

dave

Frosteh · 3rd August 2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by planet10

Very true. Another reason to avoid using MDF at all.

dave

Too late! And MDF isn't that bad. It is quite messy, but is really easy to work with, is cheap, and is pretty good acoustically.

The drivers have built in foam gaskets. I like the t nuts idea. I'll fish around in my bolts bin...

3rd August 2011, 06:46 AM	#1
Frosteh diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kirkland, WA	Screwing drivers into baffle help I know this is a pretty simple question, but since it's my first pair of speakers, I'd like to know if there are any tricks or things to beware of before screwing in drivers to baffles. I have a mid and a tweeter that I've routed holes for (flush mounted, of course). Is it as straightforward as screwing the drivers in to the MDF? Or are there other steps to take. I'll be drilling pilot holes but is there anything else to do?

3rd August 2011, 08:15 AM	#4
sofaspud diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Antonio TX	Personally I would use T-nuts with MDF. It just doesn't "hold" a thread well. IMO, if you don't install 'em now, you'll be installing 'em later. __________________ It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from enquiry. - Thomas Paine

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3rd August 2011, 07:02 AM	#2
jerome69 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lyon	The most simple is to drill a pilot hole. The most difficult is to tighten, enough to avoid resonance of the basket and and not too much to avoid to put out of shape the basket. Some people use screws and insert nuts in the wood but i have never used those. You can also add a gasket but i think it is not necessary. Never use a glue mastic !

3rd August 2011, 07:44 AM	#3
metako diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne	If the speaker units do not come with a gasket then I would personally make one out of thin felt so they seal properly. And use cross headed screw so you don't slip and pierce or scratch the driver.

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