XF212 driver mounting choices
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- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:35 pm
- Location: Worcester, MA
XF212 driver mounting choices
Hey all
I'm building a XF212 and I'm getting to the point where I need to mount the drivers. Some use t nuts, others wood screws. I really dont want to mess with t nuts if I dont have to. Are wood screws enough to hold the drivers? I'm thinking #10? larger?
Honestly, the 1/2" birch baffles seem a little weak to me. Has anyone had a problem with these falling apart? I was thinking of doubling up on my baffle thickness but is this just overkill?
I'm building a XF212 and I'm getting to the point where I need to mount the drivers. Some use t nuts, others wood screws. I really dont want to mess with t nuts if I dont have to. Are wood screws enough to hold the drivers? I'm thinking #10? larger?
Honestly, the 1/2" birch baffles seem a little weak to me. Has anyone had a problem with these falling apart? I was thinking of doubling up on my baffle thickness but is this just overkill?
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Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
1/2" Baltic Birch is really strong. Did you ever tried to break a piece? I heard they make skateboard with that stuff...
For guitar speakers, screws are strong enough.
For guitar speakers, screws are strong enough.
Frédéric Gélinas, HF Audio
Authorized Builder
HFAudio.ca
Free tone Generator
Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
Authorized Builder
HFAudio.ca
Free tone Generator
Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
1/2 inch Birch ply is more than enough, otherwise it would call for something else in the plans. If you do not want to use t-nuts, I would suggest using insert nuts. Screw are fine too. IITP.
BTW, I have used 1/2 Arauco (pine) on all my builds.
Good luck.
BTW, I have used 1/2 Arauco (pine) on all my builds.
Good luck.

Once you go Jack, you never go back!
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(2) Jack 12, 3012ho, Straight Array with On/Off Switch
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- jswingchun
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Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
I glued a 1x1" block of 3/4" ply on the back side of the baffle where the driver mounting screws go thru the baffle. That gives the screws 1 1/4" of wood to bite into. It's overkill, but they aren't coming out.
Omni 10
Omni 10.5
OmniTop 12 x 4
Wedgehorn 8 x 3
XF212
T39 @ 18" x 2
T39 @ 20" x 2
T39 @ 28" x 2
Jack 110 x 5
Jack Lite 12
XF210
XF210 (Slant only, no crossfire)
Omni 10.5
OmniTop 12 x 4
Wedgehorn 8 x 3
XF212
T39 @ 18" x 2
T39 @ 20" x 2
T39 @ 28" x 2
Jack 110 x 5
Jack Lite 12
XF210
XF210 (Slant only, no crossfire)
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- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:35 pm
- Location: Worcester, MA
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
Kinda what I was thinking, but everyone else here seems to think its overkill. After inserting the screws, I assume it would be wise to dab the screws with the urethane adhesive to block any potential air holes?jswingchun wrote:I glued a 1x1" block of 3/4" ply on the back side of the baffle where the driver mounting screws go thru the baffle. That gives the screws 1 1/4" of wood to bite into. It's overkill, but they aren't coming out.
- jswingchun
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Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
I wouldn't bother with it, the screws would be plenty air tight.wormtownbass wrote:Kinda what I was thinking, but everyone else here seems to think its overkill. After inserting the screws, I assume it would be wise to dab the screws with the urethane adhesive to block any potential air holes?jswingchun wrote:I glued a 1x1" block of 3/4" ply on the back side of the baffle where the driver mounting screws go thru the baffle. That gives the screws 1 1/4" of wood to bite into. It's overkill, but they aren't coming out.
I could be wrong, and if so, I'm sure I will hear about it, but I don't think that absolutely air tight is quite as big a deal with the XF as it is with horn loaded cabs. I think the XFs I have built so far would qualify as somewhat air tight.

Omni 10
Omni 10.5
OmniTop 12 x 4
Wedgehorn 8 x 3
XF212
T39 @ 18" x 2
T39 @ 20" x 2
T39 @ 28" x 2
Jack 110 x 5
Jack Lite 12
XF210
XF210 (Slant only, no crossfire)
Omni 10.5
OmniTop 12 x 4
Wedgehorn 8 x 3
XF212
T39 @ 18" x 2
T39 @ 20" x 2
T39 @ 28" x 2
Jack 110 x 5
Jack Lite 12
XF210
XF210 (Slant only, no crossfire)
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
IME, "closed" guitar cabs aren't airtight. The back is usually screwed on without any attempt to make it an absolutely airtight seal. There's no foam, weatherstripping, etc. However, I'd imagine that "airtight" would better protect drivers from blowing.
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius, and a lot of courage, to move in the opposite direction."
Albert Einstein
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- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:35 pm
- Location: Worcester, MA
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
What about gasket tape? I'm using Eminence Governors. Is there any need for gasket tape, or just mount directly to the ply?
- jswingchun
- Posts: 1073
- Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:43 am
- Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Contact:
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
It won't hurt anything to use it, but I didn't on the three XFs I have built.wormtownbass wrote:What about gasket tape? I'm using Eminence Governors. Is there any need for gasket tape, or just mount directly to the ply?
Omni 10
Omni 10.5
OmniTop 12 x 4
Wedgehorn 8 x 3
XF212
T39 @ 18" x 2
T39 @ 20" x 2
T39 @ 28" x 2
Jack 110 x 5
Jack Lite 12
XF210
XF210 (Slant only, no crossfire)
Omni 10.5
OmniTop 12 x 4
Wedgehorn 8 x 3
XF212
T39 @ 18" x 2
T39 @ 20" x 2
T39 @ 28" x 2
Jack 110 x 5
Jack Lite 12
XF210
XF210 (Slant only, no crossfire)
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- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:35 pm
- Location: Worcester, MA
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
[/quote]
It won't hurt anything to use it, but I didn't on the three XFs I have built.[/quote]
Which drivers have you used for the 3 XF builds? Any suggestions??
It won't hurt anything to use it, but I didn't on the three XFs I have built.[/quote]
Which drivers have you used for the 3 XF builds? Any suggestions??
- jswingchun
- Posts: 1073
- Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:43 am
- Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Contact:
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
The XF212 for my kid used Eminence Cannabis Rex. He hated them until he broke them in, now he loves them. He plays with a Stevie Ray Vaughn sorta tone.wormtownbass wrote:Which drivers have you used for the 3 XF builds?
The other two cabs were built for my guitar player to use. They a regular XF210 and a slant only/non crossfiring XF210 to put under it. They are loaded with vintage Celestion G10L-35s from the 1980s. They are a low SPL driver, so he can crank the amp louder to get more crunch with less stage volume. It's powered by an old Laney 35 watt tube head.
I'm not a guitar player, so I don't really know a lot about guitar speakers. I can post another picture of my Four Jack Bass Stack if you want....

Omni 10
Omni 10.5
OmniTop 12 x 4
Wedgehorn 8 x 3
XF212
T39 @ 18" x 2
T39 @ 20" x 2
T39 @ 28" x 2
Jack 110 x 5
Jack Lite 12
XF210
XF210 (Slant only, no crossfire)
Omni 10.5
OmniTop 12 x 4
Wedgehorn 8 x 3
XF212
T39 @ 18" x 2
T39 @ 20" x 2
T39 @ 28" x 2
Jack 110 x 5
Jack Lite 12
XF210
XF210 (Slant only, no crossfire)
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
PICS PLEASE!!!wormtownbass wrote:I'm building a XF212 and I'm getting to the point where I need to mount the drivers.
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius, and a lot of courage, to move in the opposite direction."
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
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- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:35 pm
- Location: Worcester, MA
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
So, I finished my first BFM design! XF212. Black Duratex finish, Eminence The Governor 12" drivers, black and silver sparkle grill (vintage Fender style), convertible back cab.
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- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:35 pm
- Location: Worcester, MA
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
more pics...
Re: XF212 driver mounting choices
Nice job!
Once you go Jack, you never go back!
Done:
(2) Jack 12, 3012ho, Straight Array with On/Off Switch
In Process
(4) Dr200 Beta 8, Melded Array
Done:
(2) Jack 12, 3012ho, Straight Array with On/Off Switch
In Process
(4) Dr200 Beta 8, Melded Array