18" T30 Build

[abrockey]

Hey guys! I'm well underway in my first successful BFM build. Started with an autotuba, did it all by my self, rushed it, ruined it (braces were an after thought), and made a call for help. My buddy Jim has built 4 T36s, 8 O-Top 12s for his own sound, and also a dozen or so t30s for another friend. Of course his resume doesn't stop there, but it was the right call. He forced me to do it right and kept my a$$ in check when I wanted to rush. Painfully, I listened and the results (so far) were worth it. I had so much to learn and still more to learn as well. I'm building 2 t30's for my PA, and later plan to build some Jack 10's for the tops.

Bill, THANK YOU FOR THESE PLANS!!!

On to the build:

Step one... research, Research, RESEARCH and cutlist, Cutlist, CUTLIST! I decided to make mine 18" wide so I could transport them in my small SUV to gigs. And I settled on the Eminence Kappalite 3012LF. We also built my cabs mirrored so the access panels are always up or out.



We took all the measurements from the build directions from Bill and over sized them for a rough cut and started ripping away!



And then allowed the rough panels to sit and placed some weight on top.



Meanwhile, we hooked up a signal generator and started the break-in process, and let it go for 48 hours.



So after a LONG break, a few moves later, I was FINALLY able to get back on this. I didn't take any pics while we went though every piece and final cut all the panels and braces, again leaving some over sized, the build process had commenced!





Here is Jim using the router table to make some cirlces..



PERFECT!



Using the mill to make a template for the jack plates. Jim makes it look SOO damn easy! It was early in the night, we do NOT use machinery while intoxicated!!



Of course we plan to build more, so make sure to mark your "wood", I mean.. template!



Lets make some snails!:













Simple... right? lol



Spooge!!

[abrockey]

So while routing the edges and we finished one cab, we decided the bass wasn't loud enough. Resolved! lol



And of course later that turned in to this:



Yes, we really took time away from the build to make a 12" to 2" woofer adapter...

Video Here

We realized that the jake plate hole was open, so we covered it. I did not take anymore video. Either way not bad. We did a test run with the kappalite after. What better to do while waiting for the flanges to dry.

Jack plates on a custom made stand to seal the speak-on jacks.



Wired and sealed, flanges installed! Waiting for glue to dry to scrape out the excess.



Sucess!



That's where I am for now. Next step is t-nuts for the access hole, sand and finish. I'm pretty set on staining these cabs with a dark stain. Every time I see Jim separating his speakers that were finished with duratex, I'm convinced I don't want the same head ache. 4 years later it's still soft and his cabs stick together after being stacked for a short period. I'll post some final pics when I complete the rest!

[ripNdeb]

That's great for new users! Drink beer while using machinery. And, write notes like 'not oops hole'. sorry for the thread crap but I'm just in a bad mood after oral surgery.

[abrockey]

Yes, oral surgery sucks. Feel Better!

As long as this build had been anticipated, we made those notes as a joke.

I corrected the comments on the mill pic. I would post one with out the consumption of alcohol, but I didn't take any other pics.

[67baja]

Looking good! Hopefully you will be adequately impressed with the completed T30s - I know I am happy with mine. Regarding the Dtex, if you install corner protectors, the wood/Dtex of the 2 cabs will not touch each other when stacked so should prevent whatever is going on with the other speakers you mentioned. I have corner protectors on all my cabs and never any problem

And I have nothing but respect for anyone with a table saw in the kitchen!

[abrockey]

lol, it was actually an in-law suite (we think). I am impressed, we did a light test last night making sure not to allow the driver unload since the access holes have not been closed yet. I am going to be quite happy with these speakers. My neighbors, not so much.

oh, and I'm really not a fan of the cab corners. I hate to cover over hard work, installing the side panel hiding all the work we did on the snail was also difficult. I wanted to order some lexan for the side panels!!

[escapemcp]

That's great for new users! Drink beer while using machinery. And, write notes like 'not oops hole'. sorry for the thread crap but I'm just in a bad mood after oral surgery.

Don't... my 'half-a-tooth' filling fell out on Christmas morning... got to have the tooth out now... it's right at the back. Serves me right for eating the toffees I was going to give to my Dad

[bitSmasher]

Great thread - entertaining, and shows some good workmanship

[Tom Smit]

The vid with the 2" driver is hilarious.

[Chris_Allen]

You might need a reducer for the 2" driver to improve performance.

[Rich4349]

That's some pretty remarkable output from that 2" driver. It must be getting, what, 5 volts? It would be fun to see a series of videos like this, with gradually increasing driver sizes.

[abrockey]

Actually in that video the hole for the Jack plate was open. Output increased when we plugged it with a block of wood. We also did not measure the voltage. It was simply to entertain ourselves while waiting for glue to dry. It really does show the efficiency of these speaker plans!

[Tom Smit]

Nice Scotch.

[anderj101]

That little 2" neo driver was singing its heart out that night - gotta figure out something useful to do with them. If ya come over tomorrow and finish your flanges, we will then be qualified to add the co-build to our sigs.

Also, that's not beer! That's lubricant for the crazy long-haired machinist.

[Arben]

Great job, nicely documented too