Recessed Strap Handle for T39S

[SoundInMotionDJ]

Tim A had the awesome idea to add a strap handle to the back of a T39S. Since the box weighs less than 50 pounds, it is an easy one handed carry. As illustrated here:


This is a great idea, and I stole it outright. BUT...I did not like that the handle sticking out from the back of the speaker.

So...I decided to recess the handle. This will help to keep the handle hardware from scratching the speakers as they are packed away and moved around. The best part is that I can cut the same hole in my existing speakers, and PL the recessed board in the hole with the H-huts already installed.

These speakers are being build as I type...but here is the handle recess:





--Stan Graves

[Scott Brochu]

good idea!
But a half inch? Does it do the job?

[SoundInMotionDJ]

good idea!
But a half inch? Does it do the job?

Yup. The metal hardware on the ends of the strap handle are just under 1/2"...once they are screwed down and seated. I did measure more than once to be sure.

--Stan Graves

[bgavin]

I use the same technique for the spring handles that require routing. It is both easier and stronger to cut the hole with a saber saw and use the backing board.

[Tim A]

Stan, looks good, but a question: Did you try this on a scrap piece? I'm wondering if the opening for the handle is wide enough to grab and carry comfortably. It'd be easy enough to widen it an inch or so to avoid a knuckle buster. I'm sure you've thought this through, but no harm in checking!

[Sydney]

In that same spot, would any of the various recessed handles work?
such as:

[Mikey]

In that same spot, would any of the various recessed handles work?
such as:

They'd block the horn path much more. I'd imagine that the 1/2" backing board for the recessed strap handle has little-to-no affect on air flow.

[SoundInMotionDJ]

Stan, looks good, but a question: Did you try this on a scrap piece? I'm wondering if the opening for the handle is wide enough to grab and carry comfortably. It'd be easy enough to widen it an inch or so to avoid a knuckle buster. I'm sure you've thought this through, but no harm in checking!

Yup, I did a mock up first.

In this case, the recess is 12" long and 3" wide, the strap is about 1"wide. The backing board overlaps the hole 1" all around. I almost never carry anything during a load in/out barehanded. Even with gloves, there is no problem getting a hand in there.

You are correct, if you have big hands, making the recess 4" or 5" wide would not be a problem at all.

--Stan Graves

[SoundInMotionDJ]

They'd block the horn path much more. I'd imagine that the 1/2" backing board for the recessed strap handle has little-to-no affect on air flow.

There is no "flow" of air...there are pressure waves. Fans have a "flow" of air. Subs have air that stays roughly in place, while going back and forth a little.

I figured that the backing board was OK...because using 1/2" braces is OK. I use 1/4" braces, and even with the backing board, I have roughly the same amount of "stuff" taking up room in the horn path.

--Stan Graves

[Chris_Allen]

I would have said the other handle would be uncomfortable to carry by one person due to it's orientation.

[Mikey]

They'd block the horn path much more. I'd imagine that the 1/2" backing board for the recessed strap handle has little-to-no affect on air flow.

There is no "flow" of air...there are pressure waves. Fans have a "flow" of air. Subs have air that stays roughly in place, while going back and forth a little.

Ummm ... yeah ... if'n ya wantsta get technical about it LOL.

[Scott Brochu]

I would have said the other handle would be uncomfortable to carry by one person due to it's orientation.

I wouldn't say that...if you carried it with the grip part going the same way as the length of the cab. worth a try. IMO

[Sydney]

uncomfortable to carry by one person due to it's orientation.

Um... re-orient 90 degree or get a different style recess ( I'm sure I've seen them )...
My concern was expressed my Mikey - How much did it subtract from the horn and was it significant enough to preclude use.

[AntonZ]

uncomfortable to carry by one person due to it's orientation.

Um... re-orient 90 degree...

Wouldn't that make the cab somewhat difficult to balance?

[novasak]

Hi,
I'd like to include this recessed handle on my latest T39s. Where is the typical balance point on the back of the the box? 3/4 up from the bottom? 2/3?

and does this interfere with the bracing at all?