I have my kit and I'm in the process of sourcing some Baltic birch. I've been looking at the plans and it looks like there is a inner and outer front baffle. Can I shorten and round off the bottom of the outer front baffle without affecting the sound.
In the same way this build did except without the bottom porting:
In the same way this build did except without the bottom porting:
Sure, if you want. We could talk about minor differences due to outer shape and due to construction but it shouldn't be significant.
Thanks. Is 3/4 in the preferred thickness for the plywood(Baltic birch) or is 1/2 inch thick enough?
I'd typically say the 3/4 but it has a lot to do with your bracing and damping. Putting these two baffle panels together with a thin layer of soft polyurethane adhesive or other damping adhesive would help.
Many pro speakers are built with 1/2" BB as it's light and strong enough. When internally braced (which often doesn't happen in pro speakers) 1/2" is certainly up to the task for anything but huge cabinets. That said, I think 3/4" is easier to work with - particularly if you use pocket screw construction like I do. Plus you'll probably want 3/4" for the front baffle anyways if you'll be flush mounting the drivers. Finally I don't really care that 1/2" is a wee bit cheaper or lighter as I don't move my speakers around all that much (pro speakers OTOH...).
Just a few thoughts. I designed the cabinets using a 3/4" inner front baffle with a 1/2" outer front baffle. I also did a 3/4" roundover on the inside of the 3/4" baffle for each driver cutout to allow a smooth transition of the rear soundwave. BB or MDF makes no difference other than weight. Yes, all the drivers are flush mounted. The cabinet plans show extensive bracing inside for a very strong and silent cabinet.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
HTH
Jim
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
HTH
Jim