building melded array for Omnitop 12

[brodave2]

I have to say I wasn't excited about building the melded array. It looked like a lot of trouble. It was fun. I don't see how you could do it without a table saw, but I can't see building any of these designs being much fun without a table saw. I suspect any $100 table saw from the discount barn would be adequate, although not optimum. I took care and built the fixture to glue the piezo's on. I first ripped one side off, then set aside the four that would be the top and bottom. I then ripped the other side off. I measured the first piezo after cutting, and intentionally cut less than I should have on the first one so I could dial it in. After I got the rip fence set right on the first one, it was smooth sailing. Also, when I cut the second side, same thing. Cut the first one too wide, then adjust the rip fence until it's just right, then cut all the rest. To cut the angle, I have a 4" wide piece of 3/4" plywood attached to the miter guide on my saw. I marked it where I should put the end of the piezo, then across the 45degree blade we go. I put wax paper on my fixture, then on with the glue, making sure to push them together as I went along, since PVC cement will set up before you get to the end. It was a piece of cake. Now I have the benefit of better efficency than a straight array, with MUCH better off-axis response. As far as construction is concerned, I'd suggest the melded array to everyone. I'm looking forward to comparing the two I'm building with the melded array to the two I already have with the crossfiring array. It took me about 45 minutes to build the fixture and the first array.

[gdougherty]

Sounds pretty similar to the technique I'd used and documented. Highly recommended that you don't do the melded array without a tablesaw. I can't imagine how you'd get the sides the right width without a rip fence. It's actually easiest if you glue up two sides then rip the whole assembly in one go after it sets up.

[vlad335]

Getting ready to do this myself.

I made a small 4 piezo melded array using my table saw as well as a miter saw. Table saw for the lengthwise cuts and my miter saw to make the 45degree cuts. I found the miter saw easier for me since I have a right tilt blade.

Clamped a piece of scrap down on the miter saw surface and once it was right, could reproduce the same cut over and over.

I have some extra piezos so might try both cuts with the table saw. Have to put the fence on the other side though.