First time builder, looking for help and advice

Hi All,

I'm a pretty competent woodworker, I own palm routers, router tables, tables, and track saws, also run a laser cutting business that I've used for Router templates in the past...And I have a tonne of 18m birch ply sitting around from an old project. So thought I'd have a go at a speaker build with the scrap

I was thinking for this project Id do something simple - a single driver in a simple cabinet, something in a smaller size (small bookcase) that can be used as the kitchen or a quality computer speaker. Building a speaker is something Ive always wanted to do, but I'm a little lost as regarding drivers and cabinet design.
So with that in mind is there a simple idiots guide to simple speaker builds, any videos of plans out there that I can look at?

I'm UK based, and given I have the wood already am looking to spend around £150-200 on drivers and parts.

Cheers, all!
 
  • Like
Reactions: LeifB60
There are many you can choose from. I too like the Alpairs.

How small?

18mm is kinda overkill for these, but they are a (small) challenge to a skilled woodworker, make an excellent small loudspeaker. Later add some woofer help and they can become a really serious full range hifi.

uMar-Ken52.jpg


These are small. The ame shape is also used for larger enclosures (so far up to 68x the volume of the pictured box, 2.5 litre > 135 litres). Same box (almost) different driver, Bernie has done some gourgeous solid wood versions (i like the look of the softened edges)

blackWalnut-uFonkenSET-comp.jpg


The “same” box comes in simplier to build more rectangular enclosures.

Once you start getting into the larger drivers the options get larger. Scott has done a binch of generic reflexes for a wide range of drivers.

Fully drawn plans (a lot of them) http://wodendesign.com/Free.html

Here you will find some of the above and a bunch of sketches (the ones i haven’t done drawings for) https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...-mark-audio-fostex-tb-dayton-seas-etc.323051/

I also keep finding new boxes from Scott on the MA site.

And there are other boxes scattered thru the forum.

dave
 
Hello, hopefully ok to jump into this thread since I am looking at a very similar project to above. Basically also doing my first speaker build but on a bit more of a budget. A fonken of some sort has been calling my name but the one thing is that I wanted to do it a bit cheaper than splashing on the Fostex driver just because I'm on a pretty tight budget... are any particular drivers available today which could just about be swapped out for a cheaper alternative? Obviously it probably wouldn't sound as good but student living calls for it . Also have MDF available to me but not any BB ply... how would this affect things? Please excuse my ignorance, doing my best to learn as much as can.

Basically looking for a solid set of speakers to play records through in my small living room - might be about 4.5m x 6m (room not the speakers). So if there are any alternatives which would suit better please point me in the right direction. Budget is probably £100-150 absolute tops for everything

Cheeeers!
 
Large:

https://kjfaudio.com/product/chn-110/

Markaudio_CHN_110_main_shot_600x800-2.jpg


Small (looks like Alpair 5 also would fit the budget):

https://kjfaudio.com/product/chn-50/

MS_CHN50.jpg


In-between:

https://kjfaudio.com/product/pluvia-7-2-hd/

group3.jpg


There are miniOnken for all of them (CHN-110 planset might be a bit light, i am currently working on P7HD)

dave
Thanks Dave and silasmellor. Suppose I can always experiment with cabinets down the line too. That bass reflex plan does look nice and simple.

What fonken would be best suited to the CHN-110? Looks like a nice driver for my budget
 
Unfortunately since last posting I didn't have the time to get a build underway due to a busy period, but now have some time and managed to get a good deal on a pair of MA Alpair 10p's. Looking at maybe doing the Classic GR Mar-ken or maybe the simple bass reflex from Woden. Just want to make some fairly compact speakers with a good bit of punch rather than going for a larger pencil cabinet or similar.

Keen to hear thoughts now that I have got drivers to work with...