• 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

Lipstick on a Pig

Soul Tramp

Soul Tramp

New Member
Finally got around to veneering my DIY Altec cabs. These are just big ugly plywood boxes that need help looking pretty. The design is a bass reflex folded horn (mash between an Altec A7 and Altec Model 19). The veneer is rosewood which has a beautiful grain. Next step is to prep for finish, dye the veneer amber, and then coat with semi-gloss lacquer.

54ac339c-97c5-4f69-89e6-a2f0076a9325.jpg
 
Register to hide this ad
They came out great.

I recently built a pair of speakers and it was my first attempt at using veneer. I went with a paper-backed Mahogany veneer and although not perfect, I'm happy with how they came out.
 
RVT1K said:
They came out great.

I recently built a pair of speakers and it was my first attempt at using veneer. I went with a paper-backed Mahogany veneer and although not perfect, I'm happy with how they came out.
Click to expand...


It really isn't that difficult, but it sounds complicated and scary. This project was an order of magnitude worse than others I've done due to all the inside corners. I've never worked with raw wood veneer and probably never will. There are difficulties associated with it that are above my skill level.
 
swechsler said:
If that's a pig, I'd love to see what you consider a swan.

Welcome to AK, by the way.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the welcome!

Like the A7 which was built for massive sound at large venues, what I've built is just a big plywood box with some funky angles. Most floor standing hifi speakers are designed as much for ascetics as they are for sound. But being in the same room as these things is like the front row of a Grateful Dead concert!
 
Soul Tramp said:
It really isn't that difficult, but it sounds complicated and scary. This project was an order of magnitude worse than others I've done due to all the inside corners. I've never worked with raw wood veneer and probably never will. There are difficulties associated with it that are above my skill level.
Click to expand...

That was what I came away with after doing my first pair of speakers. I had reservations because I thought it was going to be really hard. In the end I was pleasantly surprised. All that being said I only did the tops and sides of mine and that was a far easier task than yours especially with the inside corners.

Yours came out great and I'm looking forward to seeing after the final finish.
 
I've decided on amber dye with semi-gloss lacquer. Finished the day and tomorrow I'll spray the lacquer. On its own, the dye has a goldish color. It turns brown when the clear coat is applied.

And no comments on the cluttered garage! Had to move Lilly's car out so I could work.

Time to start on the second cab.

091ec103-6c14-4580-8bd0-e611cfeebe5b.jpg

f66c06ec-59ce-48a7-b160-e6d64cff95e4.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom