BillFitzmaurice.info

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?

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.

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.

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 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.

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?

wormtownbass wrote:

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.

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?

I wouldn't bother with it, the screws would be plenty air tight.

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.

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.

What about gasket tape? I'm using Eminence Governors. Is there any need for gasket tape, or just mount directly to the ply?

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?

It won't hurt anything to use it, but I didn't on the three XFs I have built.

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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??

wormtownbass wrote:Which drivers have you used for the 3 XF builds?

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.

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....

wormtownbass wrote:I'm building a XF212 and I'm getting to the point where I need to mount the drivers.

PICS PLEASE!!!

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.

more pics...

Nice job!