My perfect project begins

[lsiberian]

I ordered the drives found them on fleabay. Hopefully they will work well.

Question on cutting the plywood. Would a handsaw do the job. Or is a table saw required?

I'm planning on doing this in my apartment trying to keep the noise and mess down as much as possible.

 

[jamie2112]

You are going to do this in your apt? That is very brave of you my friend. I would suggest finding a friend that has access to a good table saw or better and NOT try to cut wood in your apt. It would be a mess and also would be very loud as you know. Also with the spray glue for the insulation you need to have it in a area that has major ventlation as it really stinks. You could use a hand saw but you would have a very tired arm cutting the plywood. I have built 2 of these and thank heavens my buddy has a wood shop or I would of had a heck of a time with the build. This is the Kappa perfect 12vq build by Andrew I am spewing about right???? It sounds amazing though you will be very happy with it when you get it complete....

 

[tattoo_Dan]

yes,I would agree,with NOT doing in your apt,

and a table saw will give the straightest cuts,

or a Skilsaw type http://www.skiltools.com/en/AllTools/Category/Product/default.html?pid=5480-01 and a steady hand and good eye works good too.

but a hand saw ?

 

[avaserfi]

Have home depot or lowes use their ripsaw to cut the wood at worst it will be $1 a cut. If you supervise them you will be able to achieve cuts of sufficient accuracy. This will save you large amounts of time/trouble since you won't have to worry about inaccuracy caused by hand cutting. Aside from the major rips everything can be done in an apartment. I know because I do most of my work in my apartment... Sure it smells and can be a mess, but insure you have open good ventilation and the your significant other (if you have one) isn't around to yell at you .

 

[Alex2507]

I'm planning on doing this in my apartment.

If your apartment resembles the link in the first post then it's no problem:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30545

Otherwise forget it. I've been around table saws for 30 years and I love table saws. There is no way in the world I would fire up a table saw in a residence and it's not because of the noise. Not for nothin' but you're in over your head. I think you need to have somebody show you how to operate a table saw safely just so that you don't end up maimed. Accidents happen all the time but I always worry more about novices.

Best wishes,
Alex

 

[WmAx]

A table saw definitely has the best results. But I would use one of those cheap table saws. They are not very accurate and generally not even very safe, being without kickback protection usually. I consider purchasing tools to be an investment, and I don't see a sense in buying 2nd rate tools that I'll just end up replacing down the road anyways. If you wanted to invest in a table saw, there is one particular portable model by Bosche that is superior to everything else out there; it is a superb contractor grade portable saw. It has a great, superbly accurate fence(unlike everything else in this category), superb build quality, fairly powerful motor and it folds up and has wheels for moving/storage. It does cost $500-$750, depending on where you get it and what options you choose(there is a digital read out fence indicator option and extension rails options). If you get a high quality miter extension, it can be used as a great miter saw too, but never count on the miter extensions included with these saws as being useful - they are usually always junk. A high grade 3rd party miter extension tool is around $100-$130 from amazon.com.

You can also use a hand held circular saw to make accurate cuts, provided you get a high grade one with a stiff/strong cast base with stiff/strong pivot joint. You would make a special jig using a guide and extra wood on saw horses, which I can describe in detail if interested. It won't be as easy to use as a table saw, and it takes even more space to store, but it's a cheaper way to do it if needed as compared to a good table saw. A high grade circular saw suitable for this application is about $150-$250, depending on the specific one chosen.

-Chris

 

[lsiberian]

Have home depot or lowes use their ripsaw to cut the wood at worst it will be $1 a cut. If you supervise them you will be able to achieve cuts of sufficient accuracy. This will save you large amounts of time/trouble since you won't have to worry about inaccuracy caused by hand cutting. Aside from the major rips everything can be done in an apartment. I know because I do most of my work in my apartment... Sure it smells and can be a mess, but insure you have open good ventilation and the your significant other (if you have one) isn't around to yell at you .

I didn't know they would do cut's for you. Then that leaves just the circle in the middle.

As far as glue goes. Which do you suggest. I do have a good-sized balcony area and it even has a small shed.

I think I will go with the Home depot cutting the pieces. That would just leave me with getting some clamps, glue for the box. Do you recommend adding wood screws or nails. I am thinking screws give more control. I know there is also a technique used to join wood together, with a hammer chisel and a mallet. Maybe going with a cabinet maker is still the best option. I'm just thinking if the tools + cost = the labor + cost then it gives me something.

 

[avaserfi]

I didn't know they would do cut's for you. Then that leaves just the circle in the middle.

Either buy a router or make a friend who has one. There really isn't a better way to make a good hole.

As far as glue goes. Which do you suggest. I do have a good-sized balcony area and it even has a small shed.

Titebond original for wood to wood joints. It doesn't smell and is safe to use inside. The glue that can make a mess inside is the spray adhesive for the mineral wool. When I work indoors with it I wear a respirator, have good ventilation and work in a large cardboard box to prevent collateral damage.

I think I will go with the Home depot cutting the pieces. That would just leave me with getting some clamps, glue for the box. Do you recommend adding wood screws or nails. I am thinking screws give more control. I know there is also a technique used to join wood together, with a hammer chisel and a mallet. Maybe going with a cabinet maker is still the best option. I'm just thinking if the tools + cost = the labor + cost then it gives me something.

All that is required is glue and clamps, no nails or screws. I recommend use of a Kreg Jig if you are going to use screws to speed up the construction process as I find it much easier and results in a more aesthetically pleasing piece especially if paint is the finish option.

Make sure to watch/help the person at Home Depot cut so you get accurate cuts. At most they will be off by about 1/8" (blade thickness) if you help. Also, make sure the rip saw is built well some (rare, but it happens) cut at a slight angle which will make your life a pain when you get home.

 

[lsiberian]

Either buy a router or make a friend who has one. There really isn't a better way to make a good hole.



Titebond original for wood to wood joints. It doesn't smell and is safe to use inside. The glue that can make a mess inside is the spray adhesive for the mineral wool. When I work indoors with it I wear a respirator, have good ventilation and work in a large cardboard box to prevent collateral damage.



All that is required is glue and clamps, no nails or screws. I recommend use of a Kreg Jig if you are going to use screws to speed up the construction process as I find it much easier and results in a more aesthetically pleasing piece especially if paint is the finish option.

Make sure to watch/help the person at Home Depot cut so you get accurate cuts. At most they will be off by about 1/8" (blade thickness) if you help. Also, make sure the rip saw is built well some (rare, but it happens) cut at a slight angle which will make your life a pain when you get home.

Thanks for the help. I'm starting to get very excited about this. I love building things.

Any ideas of things to do to avoid annoying the neighbors with my new subs. I was thinking I could get more of that rockwall stuff and put it underneath to prevent their windows from shaking. I'm on the top floor.

 

[lsiberian]

You are going to do this in your apt? That is very brave of you my friend. I would suggest finding a friend that has access to a good table saw or better and NOT try to cut wood in your apt. It would be a mess and also would be very loud as you know. Also with the spray glue for the insulation you need to have it in a area that has major ventlation as it really stinks. You could use a hand saw but you would have a very tired arm cutting the plywood. I have built 2 of these and thank heavens my buddy has a wood shop or I would of had a heck of a time with the build. This is the Kappa perfect 12vq build by Andrew I am spewing about right???? It sounds amazing though you will be very happy with it when you get it complete....

Well now that I found out that home depot will cut sheets. It may be much easier.

And yes the perfect build is the only one I would work this hard for

 

[armstrr]

Well now that I found out that home depot will cut sheets. It may be much easier.

And yes the perfect build is the only one I would work this hard for

i have a Delta Unisaw (so a search for Norm Abram...its what he uses: THANKS WIFEY; best Christmas present ever!!) and i STILL get lowes/hd to rip sheets down for me as handling full sheets is not fun.

you can work very accurately with a circular saw with the right guides. what works well is cutting it on top of a 2" thick piece of ridged strofoam insulation board (CHEAP!!) i use a porter cable saw that has a dust collection port that catches 85-90% of the dust.

also Festool is the premiere maker of circular saw systems and have very high quality fence accessories and superior dust collection. its worth looking this up for ideas. Dewalt just came out with a competing system. if you have a standard circular saw, check lee valley, rockler, woodcraft for add on guides.

i love my table saw, but nothing beats a circular saw/guide system for an ANGLED cut over a few feet long. (and by angle, i don't mean bevel)

 

[lsiberian]

Either buy a router or make a friend who has one. There really isn't a better way to make a good hole.



Titebond original for wood to wood joints. It doesn't smell and is safe to use inside. The glue that can make a mess inside is the spray adhesive for the mineral wool. When I work indoors with it I wear a respirator, have good ventilation and work in a large cardboard box to prevent collateral damage.



All that is required is glue and clamps, no nails or screws. I recommend use of a Kreg Jig if you are going to use screws to speed up the construction process as I find it much easier and results in a more aesthetically pleasing piece especially if paint is the finish option.

I do plan on either laminating or painting these.

Would screws be easier/better than glue?

The jig thing looks extremely cool.

 

[avaserfi]

I do plan on either laminating or painting these.

Would screws be easier/better than glue?

The jig thing looks extremely cool.

Screws will allow you to speed up the building process. With screws you clamp then screw together and move on. Without screws you clamp and wait for the glue to dry before working on the next piece. Otherwise there is no difference just personal preference.

 

[lsiberian]

I picked up a single voice coil 12" Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1 but not a VQ(didn't realize it wasn't a VQ) The difference I don't think will be terrible, but

I just realized I picked up the wrong sub, but they appear to be very similar so I think the box will still make it sound amazing. I wonder if there is any major difference?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190282357191&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

I don't see a lot of differences and even that in the box designed will probably smoke my current sub. Just a bit painful to realize I got the slightly wrong version. Thankfully the sub is perfect to begin with!

 

[lsiberian]

Screws will allow you to speed up the building process. With screws you clamp then screw together and move on. Without screws you clamp and wait for the glue to dry before working on the next piece. Otherwise there is no difference just personal preference.

I would prefer to use screws over glue any day of the week. I guess I just trust screws more.


So you suggest I use a jig to pre the holes?

 

[avaserfi]

If you use screws you need to use glue as well. The screws are just there to hold the wood in place until the glue dries.

I believe the 12.1 Perfect will work well in the cabinet design. Not perfectly ideal, but very well.

 

[lsiberian]

Is using a router a bad idea in an apartment?

Would just getting a car audio shop to make the hole cuts for me be a better idea?

What size hole is suggested for this? 12" or do I need a bit more diameter?

If using a router isn't a problem then what brands would you suggest looking for. I'll probably go used since I can usually get better stuff that way.

For my terminals I was thinking of these

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=260-302

Look pretty simple and easy to put on.

 

[avaserfi]

Is using a router a bad idea in an apartment?

They aren't too loud, but are very messy. You will be cleaning up wood chips for a while. That being said, I have routed a few holes in my apartment. I have found the best working area is in the bath tub/shower with the curtain closed. I sealed off the area with the curtain and trash bags. It made clean up fairly easy.

Would just getting a car audio shop to make the hole cuts for me be a better idea?

It wouldn't be a bad one unless you don't mind clean up.

What size hole is suggested for this? 12" or do I need a bit more diameter?

You will need to measure the driver once you get it. I cannot remember the exact cut out. Remember you will need to make a lip if you plan on flush mounting the driver.

If using a router isn't a problem then what brands would you suggest looking for. I'll probably go used since I can usually get better stuff that way.

I own a Bosch 1617EVSPK and am very happy with it. It is one of the best routers on the market. Regardless of brand you need a router with a plunge base.

For my terminals I was thinking of these

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=260-302

Those will work fine.

 

[Alex2507]

I have found the best working area is in the bath tub/shower with the curtain closed. I sealed off the area with the curtain and trash bags. It made clean up fairly easy.

Where you naked when you did that?

Before I get that bad I'm going to pitch my audio gear off my balcony and say goodbye to this hobby for good. I'm not 100% sure that you're not talking about dealing with a hogtied hitchhiker.

You know I'm kidding.
I've always admired your depth of knowledge and dedication.

 

[avaserfi]

Where you naked when you did that?

Only once...I learned my lesson quickly. Wood shrapnel hurts .

I've always admired your depth of knowledge and dedication.

Knowledge? I just make it up as I go.