• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Dumb speaker refoam question

Aileen's is good, it will work fine for your purpose. You're overthinking this concept. You don't want "instant bond" nor do you want "sometime in the next couple of days" bonding either. If you need more than 15 minutes to get it right then you ought to let someone else take care of it for you. :)
 
I'd suggest to get the foams and glue, set up your test tone maker, and have at it. The Advent woofers are some of the easiest to resurround and, if you get it wrong, you can always remove the surround and try again. This is not like masonry, it is very forgiving. Ailene's will work well if you don't get a small bottle of glue with the foams.
 
I just used the 30 Hz test tone to center the cone. I could not believe how easy it was, and how well it apparently worked.

Now, before using the tone, I was very easily able to get the VC to rub. But the cone instantly centered itself when I applied the tone. I gently tried to move it off-center, to see if I could get it to rub, and I could not. I'm pretty confident it's centered. Soon I'll be able to reinstall it in the cabinet and test it.
 
Successful repair!

This was easier than I figured it would be, so thanks everyone for your encouragement! There are a few tips I learned. Here they are, if for nothing more than my own reference next time I'm googling for speaker refoaming:

- A scotch-brite pad worked best for preparing the metal frame for glue, after removing most of the foam from the frame using an xacto. The pad really helped get the metal as smooth as possible. It did remove some of the brass-colored finish from these frames, but you can't see it after the foam and gaskets are installed. (Unfortunately, I think this won't work on my Advent/1 because the area to be cleaned isn't hidden by anything. Not sure how I'll do that without removing black paint.)

- The scotch-brite pad also worked really well for removing foam from the cone. I soaked the cone edge in 91% alcohol with a paper towel, then ran the pad around it. Worked great. Some of the old glue was left, which was still very sticky, and I think that helped seal the new surround.

- The gaskets were useful for applying pressure to the new foam where it's glued to the frame.

- Lay the damn speaker on its back before attempting to reinstall the woofer. This woofer is heavy and hard to get aligned when vertical.

By far the most time-consuming part was the cleaning. I think this is why you pay $30-50 for a refoam job; it's not fun work. Luckily the weather here is great, so I could do this outside.

But they work and they sound great!

ZA38sMh.jpg
7g01GB9.jpg
 
Last edited:
Starquest said:
Successful repair!

This was easier than I figured it would be, so thanks everyone for your encouragement! There are a few tips I learned. Here they are, if for nothing more than my own reference next time I'm googling for speaker refoaming:

- A scotch-brite pad worked best for preparing the metal frame for glue, after removing most of the foam from the frame using an xacto. The pad really helped get the metal as smooth as possible. It did remove some of the brass-colored finish from these frames, but you can't see it after the foam and gaskets are installed. (Unfortunately, I think this won't work on my Advent/1 because the area to be cleaned isn't hidden by anything. Not sure how I'll do that without removing black paint.)

- The scotch-brite pad also worked really well for removing foam from the cone. I soaked the cone edge in 91% alcohol with a paper towel, then ran the pad around it. Worked great. Some of the old glue was left, which was still very sticky, and I think that helped seal the new surround.

- Lay the damn speaker on its back before attempting to reinstall the woofer. This woofer is heavy and hard to get aligned when vertical.

By far the most time-consuming part was the cleaning. I think this is why you pay $30-50 for a refoam job; it's not fun work. Luckily the weather here is great, so I could do this outside.

But they work and they sound great!

ZA38sMh.jpg
7g01GB9.jpg
Click to expand...
Well done. :trebon:
 
Came out very nice. I have used the Aleen's glues but still prefer contact cement and a small throwaway arts and crafts paint brush. Cleanup the old surround from the frame and cone with lacquer thinner q-tips a small wood chisel or putty knife.

Do it by feel and sound when centering.


Barney
 
See, nothing to be scared of..:bigok:
Tips for next time--acetone removes every adhesive I've encountered, with woofers. A table top "Lazy Susan" makes refoaming much easier. If you can't find one whole at the thrifts, Rockler Woodworking sells the rotating bit for short money. Clothes pins seem indispensible, for me. They are used to hold the foam against the cone or the frame, when gluing.
Inspect that spider before mounting back into the cabs. You can typically mount the woofer to be in opposition to any spider sag.
 
westend said:
See, nothing to be scared of..:bigok:
Tips for next time--acetone removes every adhesive I've encountered, with woofers. A table top "Lazy Susan" makes refoaming much easier. If you can't find one whole at the thrifts, Rockler Woodworking sells the rotating bit for short money. Clothes pins seem indispensible, for me. They are used to hold the foam against the cone or the frame, when gluing.
Inspect that spider before mounting back into the cabs. You can typically mount the woofer to be in opposition to any spider sag.
Click to expand...

Thanks -- I did use a TV turntable. That helped. Clothespins would have helped too, but I didn't want to buy them for just a one-time use. Although, dammit, I've found myself perusing CL for speakers in need of repair -- so maybe I'll need to get some clothespins!

I also did wonder about the orientation when reinstalling the woofers. Originally the wires were pointing to 9 o'clock, so I mounted them facing down (6 o'clock). I thought it looked better. I didn't notice any issues with the spider, but the speakers are 45 years old, so perhaps there was some sag. Only one of the surrounds was really rotted clean thru.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom