Grill Foam...

Helpful hints on how to build 'em, and where to get the stuff you need.
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N.Webber
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Grill Foam...

#1 Post by N.Webber »

Hi all,

I've wanted to do this since I built my 290s about three years ago, but only now I bought the foam
and found the time to dive into this project (also doing my subs and stage monitors at the same time).

I found a neat way to attach the foam to the grills so I thought I'd share it here. All my cabs have
perforated metal front grills already and I only needed to attach the foam behind it.

I am using a black rubber based spray paint from Wurth http://www.superiorcarcare.net/w890971.html.
I found it to be very easy to work with and by the method explained in the attached pictures it serves an excellent adhesive to attach the foam to the metal grill.

Shown in the pictures, is the last grill to be 'foamed' in which I combined scrap pieces of the foam.
As can be seen, the seam is completely invisible.

This is how the original plain perforated grill looked:
Image

Here preparing the foam, holding the two pieces together with few cuts of masking tape:
Image

Laying the back jig/template of the grill on top of the foam as a guide for cutting:
Image

Foam cut:
Image

Flipping the complete template and foam. Now ready for attaching the grill:
Image

Spraying the grill. Building a nice and tacky layer:
Image

Immediately laying the sprayed grill on top of the foam. This causes the adhesive to 'drip' down a little into the foam and grip it positively. Straight away weights are added to insure good and even contact throughout the whole area of the grill:
Image

After initial curing of about 20 minutes weights are taken off, the grill can be lifted from the template (and in this case, the masking tape carefully removed):
Image

Here is a view of the finished work from the back side:
Image

Here a better picture of the front side:
Image

And a close-up:
Image

:)
Authorized Builder
- 6 DR290
- Omni10.5
- AT, TAT
- Tuba 48
- 2 WH10
- Truck Tuba
http://www.boniton.co.il
http://www.bt-12.com Balanced Tilting Sounds Better...

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Chris_Allen
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Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2007 2:43 pm
Location: Huddersfield, UK

Re: Grill Foam...

#2 Post by Chris_Allen »

I always liked your cabs!

I take it they are still going strong? the Pi/DR290 combo.
Built:
6xDR200, 2xT39, 2xT48, 2xJack110, 1xOmni10.5, 1xAutotuba, 1xT18, 1xSLA Pro, 1xW8, 1xW10

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N.Webber
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Re: Grill Foam...

#3 Post by N.Webber »

Thanks Chris,

It’s LABhorns & 290s, and I absolutely love how they play together!

:)
Authorized Builder
- 6 DR290
- Omni10.5
- AT, TAT
- Tuba 48
- 2 WH10
- Truck Tuba
http://www.boniton.co.il
http://www.bt-12.com Balanced Tilting Sounds Better...

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Dave Non-Zero
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Re: Grill Foam...

#4 Post by Dave Non-Zero »

Im getting closer to your setup, with dr280s and dual lab12 t60. I wish my workmanship was even close to yours tho. :oops:
-1 for thought terminating cliches.

Built and/or own:
8 x T48 24" 3015LF
6 x DR280
2 x DR250 old style beta10
2 x T36s 20" delta15L
1 x TAT
1 x dual Lab12 30" T60

In Progress:
2 x DR280

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Harley
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Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 2:45 pm
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand - Authorised BFM Cab Builder

Re: Grill Foam...

#5 Post by Harley »

What paint finish is that on your cabs Nimrod?
N.Webber wrote: Image

Immediately laying the sprayed grill on top of the foam. This causes the adhesive to 'drip' down a little into the foam and grip it positively. Straight away weights are added to insure good and even contact throughout the whole area of the grill:
Actually, I'd prefer to see a greater variety of weights used ( and lots more of them ) next time Nimrod.....ok ! :mrgreen:
ImageSemi-retired: Former Australia and New Zealand Authorised BFM cab builder.

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N.Webber
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Re: Grill Foam...

#6 Post by N.Webber »

What paint finish is that on your cabs Nimrod?
This is a semi matt bi-component polyurethane paint from a local (big/main) manufacturer.
If it helps:
Image

Application is by air spray gun, second layer applied at very low pressure that produces the spatter/textured finish.

P.S. Sorry about the weights, this is a metal workshop after all... :wink:

:)
Authorized Builder
- 6 DR290
- Omni10.5
- AT, TAT
- Tuba 48
- 2 WH10
- Truck Tuba
http://www.boniton.co.il
http://www.bt-12.com Balanced Tilting Sounds Better...

Nick Pignetti
Posts: 38
Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2010 1:13 pm
Location: Baltimore, MD

Re: Grill Foam...

#7 Post by Nick Pignetti »

Looks great!

What kind/where did you find the grille foam from? Been meaning to add this to my cabs and I can't seem to find a suitable foam to use.

Thanks!!
Nick Pignetti
http://www.eventprolive.net
http://www.djsyndicate.net
-Online community for DJs & Production Industry professionals.

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DJPhatman
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Re: Grill Foam...

#8 Post by DJPhatman »

1/8" air conditioner foam filter from any big box store works perfectly.

I have a local foam manufacturer http://www.thefoamfactory.com/

I'll be going there to get mattress foam for the camper and some for my J112s.
I know money often seals the deal, but seriously, quality is an investment, not an expense... Grant Bunter
Accept the fact that airtight and well-braced are more important than pretty on the inside. Bill Fitzmaurice

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Zack Brock
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Re: Grill Foam...

#9 Post by Zack Brock »

Looks like the trimmable window AC unit filters available at most hardware stores.
Zack Brock
Authorized Builder, Northeast Florida (Greater Jacksonville Area)
WavePulse Acoustics | zackbrock@macpulse.com | http://www.bestbasscabs.com/

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Israel
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Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2009 9:43 am
Location: Moca Puerto Rico

Re: Grill Foam...

#10 Post by Israel »

where do you found that grill??
There is a very thin line between fail and success. It is very thin so, why are you scared???


MADE
4- OT12'S BETAII
4 T39'S 20" 3012LF LOADED
ON THE BENCH: 2 OT212

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N.Webber
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Re: Grill Foam...

#11 Post by N.Webber »

Israel wrote:where do you found that grill??
These grills were custom made (punched and bent) at a local shop according to my design.
Here seen at assembly trial before painting:

Image

:)
Authorized Builder
- 6 DR290
- Omni10.5
- AT, TAT
- Tuba 48
- 2 WH10
- Truck Tuba
http://www.boniton.co.il
http://www.bt-12.com Balanced Tilting Sounds Better...

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Israel
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Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2009 9:43 am
Location: Moca Puerto Rico

Re: Grill Foam...

#12 Post by Israel »

good to know thanks for the info :D
There is a very thin line between fail and success. It is very thin so, why are you scared???


MADE
4- OT12'S BETAII
4 T39'S 20" 3012LF LOADED
ON THE BENCH: 2 OT212

Greg Plouvier
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Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:47 pm
Location: High Desert of Colorado - Licensed builder
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Re: Grill Foam...

#13 Post by Greg Plouvier »

Nick Pignetti wrote:What kind/where did you find the grille foam from? Been meaning to add this to my cabs and I can't seem to find a suitable foam to use.
I can sell you grill foam or you can get it from TCH hardware or Penn-Elcom
Greg Plouvier
http://www.magnumcaseworks.com
Protective casing, speaker cabinets, Colorado BF builder, A/V installation, sales, live sound

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Dave Non-Zero
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Re: Grill Foam...

#14 Post by Dave Non-Zero »

Yeah the foam is much easier to find than affordable grills! :(
-1 for thought terminating cliches.

Built and/or own:
8 x T48 24" 3015LF
6 x DR280
2 x DR250 old style beta10
2 x T36s 20" delta15L
1 x TAT
1 x dual Lab12 30" T60

In Progress:
2 x DR280

Greg Plouvier
Posts: 721
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2007 12:47 pm
Location: High Desert of Colorado - Licensed builder
Contact:

Re: Grill Foam...

#15 Post by Greg Plouvier »

TCH will make any size you want. Reasonably priced. I just use the parts express flat grill for most of the top boxes.
Greg Plouvier
http://www.magnumcaseworks.com
Protective casing, speaker cabinets, Colorado BF builder, A/V installation, sales, live sound

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