First DIY speaker project

birddog · 1st September 2004, 08:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to share my first DIY speaker project. Picked up a pair of Fostex FE166E drivers for almost half off the retail. Originally was going to build some horns but settled on the voight pipes thinking it would be simpler.

They took about a day to finish, 8 hours, or about 6 beers. I used 3/4 inch maple plywood and walnut for the surround (lucky to have a piece in the garage). Didn't have a jig so I used the table saw to shape the walnut. Silver speaker wire is connected straight to the driver with no binding posts.

The entire project cost and estimated $160. I was pleasantly surprised how good they sound and had so much fun I'm searching for another project to build. Any ideas?

Robh3606 · 2nd September 2004, 12:41 AM

Very nice any stuffin in the box or are they empty??

Rob

birddog · 2nd September 2004, 12:42 AM

birddog · 2nd September 2004, 12:46 AM

There's a little polyfill. Tried none and the sound was nice but not quite right. Then I put a bunch in and it was the opposite to mellow. So now I have a little, in the top, none in the bottom. Tried some cork backing also but didn't like it much. Have a thinner alternative in there now.

454Casull · 2nd September 2004, 01:09 AM

Very nice! I hope you enjoy them for years to come.

GrahamnDodder · 2nd September 2004, 02:13 AM

Nice joints. Did you mitre them? I see no plywood guts....

Here's to you!

Timn8ter · 2nd September 2004, 03:01 AM

Very cool.

wigginjs · 2nd September 2004, 03:12 AM

One day? You must be an experienced woodworker. They look great. Keep up the good work!

birddog · 2nd September 2004, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GrahamnDodder
Nice joints. Did you mitre them? I see no plywood guts....

The front and sides are cut at 45 degrees, glued, laid flat, masking tape is placed to join the sides and then they are folded. This actually becomes the strongest part of the pipe.

Spent about 2 hours one Friday night and then about 6 hours Saturday. I have had some experience with woodworking but mostly as a hobby making stuff for around the house

Thanks for all the kind words guys. Any ideas

what my next project should be? I'm still looking for some cost efficient drivers, within reason. I also like the look of the Sonus Faber Cremona and wouldn't mind recreating that look but not with the same drivers. Maybe a two-way with a simple crossover since I'm still learning.

Timn8ter · 2nd September 2004, 05:19 PM

If you're not ready for crossover design you may want to check:

Parts Express kits

Creative Sound (in Canada)

Selah Audio

Humble Homemade Hi Fi

1st September 2004, 08:29 PM	#1
birddog diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto	First DIY speaker project Hi Everyone, Just wanted to share my first DIY speaker project. Picked up a pair of Fostex FE166E drivers for almost half off the retail. Originally was going to build some horns but settled on the voight pipes thinking it would be simpler. They took about a day to finish, 8 hours, or about 6 beers. I used 3/4 inch maple plywood and walnut for the surround (lucky to have a piece in the garage). Didn't have a jig so I used the table saw to shape the walnut. Silver speaker wire is connected straight to the driver with no binding posts. The entire project cost and estimated $160. I was pleasantly surprised how good they sound and had so much fun I'm searching for another project to build. Any ideas?

2nd September 2004, 12:42 AM	#3
birddog diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto	close up

2nd September 2004, 02:13 AM	#6
GrahamnDodder diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Near Baltimore, MD	Nice joints. Did you mitre them? I see no plywood guts.... Here's to you! __________________ I had the right to remain silent. I just didn't have the ability. (Comedian Ron White)

2nd September 2004, 03:12 AM	#8
wigginjs diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Columbia, SC	One day? You must be an experienced woodworker. They look great. Keep up the good work! __________________ The Four Chairs DIY Home Theater

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

2nd September 2004, 12:41 AM	#2
Robh3606 diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Destiny	Very nice any stuffin in the box or are they empty?? Rob

2nd September 2004, 12:46 AM	#4
birddog diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto	There's a little polyfill. Tried none and the sound was nice but not quite right. Then I put a bunch in and it was the opposite to mellow. So now I have a little, in the top, none in the bottom. Tried some cork backing also but didn't like it much. Have a thinner alternative in there now.

2nd September 2004, 01:09 AM	#5
454Casull diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada	Very nice! I hope you enjoy them for years to come.

2nd September 2004, 03:01 AM	#7
Timn8ter diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	Very cool.

2nd September 2004, 05:19 PM	#10
Timn8ter diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	If you're not ready for crossover design you may want to check: Parts Express kits Creative Sound (in Canada) Selah Audio Humble Homemade Hi Fi

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Help with speaker project	davethomp	Multi-Way	3	5th March 2009 12:18 AM
Speaker Project	mot on/off	Multi-Way	6	19th November 2007 05:11 PM
My first Speaker Project :)	Robertburchell	Subwoofers	9	7th July 2006 03:11 PM
speaker project help	minh_827	Multi-Way	7	26th April 2005 06:33 AM
old speaker question, bullet midrange question & link to speaker project	wallijonn	Multi-Way	10	5th November 2002 06:03 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read