Guys, Im looking at several enclosure options and am between a hammond (18 gauge) and a cake pan (14 gauge). Wondering if anyone has any experience with the hammond or can tell me if the 18 gauge is strong enough for some serious transformers?
Thanks!
Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Cake Pan 12"x16"x3" Deep | eBay
Hammond Mfg. - Aluminum Chassis & Bottom Plates (1444 & 1434 Series)
Thanks!
Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Cake Pan 12"x16"x3" Deep | eBay
Hammond Mfg. - Aluminum Chassis & Bottom Plates (1444 & 1434 Series)
For about the cost of a flimsy Hammond chassis you can have Dirty Dawg Amps make you a brawny custom aluminum chassis, here: Amp Chassis
I built my GM70 amps on 12GA DD custom chassis, the output transformers weigh >10lbs - no deflection at all.
I am a very happy customer having had a fair number of custom chassis made DD, quick turnaround too. Highly recommended
I built my GM70 amps on 12GA DD custom chassis, the output transformers weigh >10lbs - no deflection at all.
I am a very happy customer having had a fair number of custom chassis made DD, quick turnaround too. Highly recommended
I used an 0.050" thick Hammond chassis made of aluminum!
But, I mounted the transformers on a 1/4" plate aluminum that is bolted to that chassis and then I added a 1/4" vertical brace at the front of that transformer plate inside the chassis where you can't see it. It divides the tube audio section from the power supply section and it provides unparalleled rigidity to the whole thing.
My amp does not flex or sag and as you can see I have lots of iron on mine.
Click on the image for the full sized view.
All the metal is black anodized. Here is the bottom view with the bottom cover off:
Essentially, this is two mono blocks on a single chassis. It probably weighs 50 lbs.
But, I mounted the transformers on a 1/4" plate aluminum that is bolted to that chassis and then I added a 1/4" vertical brace at the front of that transformer plate inside the chassis where you can't see it. It divides the tube audio section from the power supply section and it provides unparalleled rigidity to the whole thing.
My amp does not flex or sag and as you can see I have lots of iron on mine.
Click on the image for the full sized view.
All the metal is black anodized. Here is the bottom view with the bottom cover off:
Essentially, this is two mono blocks on a single chassis. It probably weighs 50 lbs.
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Guys, Im looking at several enclosure options and am between a hammond (18 gauge) and a cake pan (14 gauge). Wondering if anyone has any experience with the hammond or can tell me if the 18 gauge is strong enough for some serious transformers?
Get one of these in 12 ga. That is a "deluxe" chassis. The metal is really thick and he makes them custom size for cheaper than Hammond. He can weld the corners if you ask but You don't need that if you plan to build a wood cabinet for your amp.
Amp Chassis
Here is one of his chassis in a wood cabinet I'm building. It was the first "test fit" and it worked the four bolts up from the bottom fit perfectly in the "clip nuts" in the chassis. I used #10 machine screws. The photo is of the rear. Later there will be some kind of from panel with exotic veneer
https://www.dropbox.com/s/h4nu7pdyaemfou9/cabinet%20and%20chassis.jpg
Here is a photo of a "deluxe" chassis where I hope you can see the metal thickness. It is not the chassis design you want as this one was custom made for me for some portable gear. But see the metal thickness compared to screw head or nut on the switch. It is thick stuff.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nes72pnq0wsbbeg/guts%20angle%20view.jpg
One other thing. See how I have mounted the transformers in the above photo. This why is MUCH stronger then the stand up style. The iron core becomes part of the structure rather than a weight sitting on top. Also the lead wires are better protected. This amp is a low power stereo amp with EL84 power tubes but I would do a KT88 amp the same way
In either case be sure and buy a bottom plate too.
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ga.12 is 1/8 inch thick......i have used ga#13 before...
Here is a thickness chart for you. 12ga is not 1/8 or .125 thick
You can easily beef up a thinner chassis by making what is called a top hat channel and have something that is lightweight and strong. its a simple process of making an offset on each side of a metal piece. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9wdotHTtZQ
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Here is a thickness chart for you. 12ga is not 1/8 or .125 thick
You can easily beef up a thinner chassis by making what is called a top hat channel and have something that is lightweight and strong. its a simple process of making an offset on each side of a metal piece. See Press brake offset dies - YouTube
Yes, I've use "L" extrusions too. You can pop-rivet them to the inside of a Hammond chassis and then drill the transformer mounting holes through the "L". It is very strong. But I don't do this now that I can get a custom built 12 ga aluminum chassis at a lower total price.
Here is a thickness chart for you. 12ga is not 1/8 or .125 thick
You can easily beef up a thinner chassis by making what is called a top hat channel and have something that is lightweight and strong. its a simple process of making an offset on each side of a metal piece. See Press brake offset dies - YouTube
ok, i stand corrected, tanks....
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