• 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

Open Baffle Epiphany!

BmWr75 said:
My woodworking skills are pretty poor. Don't own a table saw. So, went to Lowe's the other day looking for wood smaller than 4'x8' sheets. Found these 24" round 1" thick pine table tops ($20 each) and a 4' length of 2"x6" (~$4 IIRC) and some shelf brackets (~$2 each).

Cut an 11" wide section off the bottom of each table top (across the grain) resulting in ~22.5" tall baffle. Sawed the 2x6 into four pieces and glued two pieces together along the 12" sides to make two plinths that are 11" wide.

Waiting on a plunge router and circle cutting jig to be delivered. Have some 8" drivers to try in them eventually.


View attachment 3348806
Click to expand...
Now that's a smart idea! Just one note of caution if you plan on staining them, in case you've never stained pine before. Some woods don't take stain well. Might want to try some scraps first. Certain woods don't absorb stain evenly and come out blotchy and a bit ugly looking. You can use a pre stain conditioner to prevent uneven absorption if that's the case. I haven't worked with pine in a while so I don't remember if that applies but would hate for someone to put work into a project only to be disappointed in the end result.
 
dfoulk said:
How do they sound to you? You get kudos for such an inventive baffle idea!
Click to expand...
The Goldwood coaxials have surprisingly good bass even up on the stands (they are suppose to sit in the floor for the best bass). The highs are not as good as the Lii Song F-8s though. Which is surprising since the Goldwoods have a tweeter. The Liis sound great when using a subwoofer to fill in the low end. Am very happy with them. Have about $140 total investment in materials/drivers in the Goldwoods and about $200 in the F-8s. Not bad for a woodworking hack like me.
 
Last edited:
BmWr75 said:
Make two pair of table top open baffles. One set using Goldwood 8" coaxial drivers. Another pair using Lii Song F-8 drivers (don't have any finished pics of this pair).

View attachment 3378256


View attachment 3378261
Click to expand...
I have a pair of the silver 8 drivers, The frames on the face are scratched up a bit and the binding posts were JB welded to the frame I suppose to add support. (I bought them used and they came to me this way) I would donate them if you were looking to upgrade or just try the higher end Lii 8" drivers. You cover shipping and they are yours

Personally for me the F-15 Is lii's Swan Song driver. I have tried several of their drivers and I keep going back to the F-15
 
joespride said:
I have a pair of the silver 8 drivers, The frames on the face are scratched up a bit and the binding posts were JB welded to the frame I suppose to add support. (I bought them used and they came to me this way) I would donate them if you were looking to upgrade or just try the higher end Lii 8" drivers. You cover shipping and they are yours

Personally for me the F-15 Is lii's Swan Song driver. I have tried several of their drivers and I keep going back to the F-15
Click to expand...
Sure I'm interested. Very generous. Will send you a PM.
 
so great that this thread is still going strong! i posted many years ago when i built my 1st set of OBs (i had a lot of help).

i am now ordering a set of the caintuck baffles. my plan is to use them both with the zenith 12" http://glowinthedarkaudio.com/zenith-49cz852.html
as well as Audio Nirvana Super 12 cast frame. Here is their data sheet:

i have a couple of questions for y'all:

1. anyone have experience with the caintuck barrel shaped baffles? here are pics: https://www.caintuckaudio.com/Lii_15.html
randy recommends them but i've only had experience with rectangular OBs. they will be sitting on H-frame OB bass bins, so bass won't be an issue.
(note that he also can make rectangular and tombstone shaped baffles for same price; tombstone pic: http://www.randallrash.com/web_images/W-15_Magnum_walnut-sapele.jpg )

2. anyone have the exact cut-out needed for the zeniths? mine are in other cabinets but i can fish them out if no one has this handy.

thanks in advance:)
 
I am looking for opinions on how glue-on wood veneer, over acacia butcher block, might affect the sound.

Im after a better look for my baffles, as the butcher block is just pretty plain looking. I don’t want to start over, using different wood, and was thinking that walnut veneer would look good.

Might this be detrimental to the sound? I’m using a 10” full-ranger in one piece of butcher block, and a 15” bass driver in another piece, underneath.
 
Genov said:
I am looking for opinions on how glue-on wood veneer, over acacia butcher block, might affect the sound.

Im after a better look for my baffles, as the butcher block is just pretty plain looking. I don’t want to start over, using different wood, and was thinking that walnut veneer would look good.

Might this be detrimental to the sound? I’m using a 10” full-ranger in one piece of butcher block, and a 15” bass driver in another piece, underneath.
Click to expand...
can't see how it would make a difference
 
Is the
Genov said:
I am looking for opinions on how glue-on wood veneer, over acacia butcher block, might affect the sound.

Im after a better look for my baffles, as the butcher block is just pretty plain looking. I don’t want to start over, using different wood, and was thinking that walnut veneer would look good.

Might this be detrimental to the sound? I’m using a 10” full-ranger in one piece of butcher block, and a 15” bass driver in another piece, undern
Click to expand...

Genov said:
I am looking for opinions on how glue-on wood veneer, over acacia butcher block, might affect the sound.

Im after a better look for my baffles, as the butcher block is just pretty plain looking. I don’t want to start over, using different wood, and was thinking that walnut veneer would look good.

Might this be detrimental to the sound? I’m using a 10” full-ranger in one piece of butcher block, and a 15” bass driver in another piece, underneath.
Click to expand...
How thick is the butcher block? If it’s unfinished you can always stain it walnut and maybe a coat of polyurethane if you want some shine.
 
Genov said:
I am looking for opinions on how glue-on wood veneer, over acacia butcher block, might affect the sound.

Im after a better look for my baffles, as the butcher block is just pretty plain looking. I don’t want to start over, using different wood, and was thinking that walnut veneer would look good.

Might this be detrimental to the sound? I’m using a 10” full-ranger in one piece of butcher block, and a 15” bass driver in another piece, underneath.
Click to expand...
I tried several variations of coverings for a set of baffles some time back. None of the wood veneers affected the sound enough that I could hear any difference. I tried a leather and that caused problems.

To Glue wood veneer get some contact cement, Spread it evenly on youyr baffles and on your veneer after it tacks up place the veneer on the baffles and press it into place. Trim excess. There are tons of videos online. Trying to get veneer large enough that it will cover the full width of the baffle would be best

Good luck with the project
 
IMG_2509.jpegI found these Lii F15’s on FB marketplace and had to grab them. My first foray into OB’s. I think these are Caintuk baffles. And yes, I know you get better bass response on the floor but I also enjoyed them on these stands with a small sub. I’ve definetly caught the OB bug. I’m considering a larger, thicker baffle to see how that will affect the sound. I’m not a woodworker so I’m exploring my options. So far I’ve tried these with a First Watt F7, a Marantz 2245 and a pair of Welborne Labs 300B monoblocks. The F15’s sounded great with all three! I can’t believe how good Jazz sounds on these. I’m hooked.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom