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Speaker Enclosures

I have recently come into some granite counter top material(A neighbor is in the remodeling business and offered it to me). Has anyone had any success trying to make speaker enclosures out of this stuff? I have enough to make two medium enclosures but have no clue if it is even feasible to attempt. If any of you DIY'ers out there have any info I would appreciate it before I bite off more than I can chew.
gmkowal5c1a
gmkowal5c1a OP
91 posts
 
Thanks all for your input. I think I will scrap the idea of using granite for the enclosures. The properties that make granite the ideal choice for speaker enclosures also make it the most difficult to mill and fabricate inexpensively. I have some theil drivers and will try to duplicate a set of cs 3.6's out of MDF.
trelja
3,226 posts
 
Suburuguru, sounds like you are an actual speaker hobbyist. To me, it's like being in R&D. Even the best around have a 95%(at least) failure rate. Yes, it is a wonderful hobby. But, no matter what you do, you gain experience and knowledge from it(the most important tools in this hobby). There is no perfect speaker, and it will not be coming in the near future. But, IT SURE IS FUN(and frustrating) chasing the Holy Grail. Gmkowal, I think your using MDF for your first speaker is a wise move. Look at your first project as more of a learning experience, rather than building a masterpiece. You may want to invest in cheaper parts for this go around, or build from a kit. If you feel comfortable in this area(or come to the conclusion that you should employ the work of a cabinet maker), on your next project look into multilayered enclosures(tons of directions to go in this area - the granite is interesting). Good luck! Please keep us posted, and don't hesitate to ask for advice.
kitch29
316 posts
 
Subaruguru is right on about the difficulties of working granite, only those with diamomd tipped tools need apply.MDF is just the opposite, cuts and routs absolutely clean with crisp edges and no tearout. Dimensionally stable so takes veneer extremely well. Knowing how it is made will tip you off to its qualities and popularity vis a vis particle board. Both are produced as "loaves" like bread but while particle board is pressed under 5000 lbs. pressure, 30,000 lbs. is used to compress MDF! You might try to find your local Wilson Art dealer as many fabricators are dropping the SSV (solid surface veneer) because of problems with fracture in use. SSV is an 1/8" thick sheet similar in look to Corian which is glued to a substrate (MDF). It could be cheap and works OK with ordinary carbide tools. Don't worry about the fracture problem as it only occurs in horizontal applications like countertops.
gmkowal5c1a OP
91 posts
 
Gents, once again, great responses! My first love is wookworking, then audio. Now that the kids are gone, both woodworking and audio keep me busy in my spare time. I initially thought of copying the Theil 3.6's because I have some Theil drivers that I am not using from an old pair of 3.5's, but on second thought I will take your advice and purchase a crossover and driver kit and build the enclosure. You guys have given me sound advice and I am afraid I will have to tap your collective minds one more time. I have heard that you can purchase drivers and crossovers as a kit with plans for the enclosure. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thank you all in advance.
kitch29
316 posts
 
gmkowal-check the threads under diy and look for northstar audio
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