Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

New BassChat 8"Cab design


Phil Starr

Recommended Posts

This looks fab. Thanks for the design. I want to make this.

 

One aspect of building these that I struggle with is cutting for the port. I spend ages on cutting a round hole, only to find it's not a great fit etc. How would I go about swapping out the drain pipe for something a little (IMO) nice looking and easier to work with such as this Tuff Cab Port Tube? I presume it's a trip to WinISD, but if someone has the dimensions to hand to see if it's a goer, I would be eternally grateful 🙂.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, chyc said:

This looks fab. Thanks for the design. I want to make this.

 

One aspect of building these that I struggle with is cutting for the port. I spend ages on cutting a round hole, only to find it's not a great fit etc. How would I go about swapping out the drain pipe for something a little (IMO) nice looking and easier to work with such as this Tuff Cab Port Tube? I presume it's a trip to WinISD, but if someone has the dimensions to hand to see if it's a goer, I would be eternally grateful 🙂.

As a serial builder you'll know the joy of self building is that you can adapt the design. I stick with drainpipe because it is going to remain available for a very long time and because as @tauzero says you can buy a cheap holesaw to cut the port. Cutting small holes is much trickier than cutting the larger radius holes if you are using a router or a jigsaw so the holesaw with just a drill is the 'easy build' solution.

 

A bigger port would be nice with this cab but a 10cm port just won't fit, I did consider a slot port but it increases the complexity of the woodwork. As it happens a 75mm port is in the Goldilocks region for this cab and I'd already calculated for it 12.5cm is the length that port is just too short but changing the tuning by using it as it is wouldn't change the response by much. I wouln't be concerned if you used the port as it is and you could add the extra length by finding something to slide over the end of the tube if you care to improvise. I've a small stock of cardboard packing tubes I keep for this but I've seen people use tin cans and all sorts. I've also moulded whole ports out of papier-mache.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for that, both @tauzero and @Phil Starr. I probably should say some things for the defence of the lazy while I'm here:

 

  1. I do have a hole saw. It cuts very nice and precise holes. Unfortunately it's horrible to work with  with a hand drill and, more importantly, drainpipes are not made to a precision that makes for a nice fit anyway. I was sanding down my hole to make it fit (pipe down Kenneth Williams).
  2. Unless you're building more than a couple of boxes, or unless you have spare drainpipe, buying a dedicated port tube will be cheaper.
Edited by chyc
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, tauzero said:

You can get hole saws the right diameter, eg https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355897211872. Easy to use, just make sure that you've got the wood suspended otherwise you'll put a hole in your workbench. Gives a snug fit, just put some epoxy glue round it to secure it.

Just a small tip, it the hole is a tad tight when fitting the port, put the port in the freezer overnight. The temperature coefficient of the PVC mean the port will shrink but gradually expand into the hole as it warms.

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, chyc said:

more importantly, drainpipes are not made to a precision that makes for a nice fit anyway.

Try not to drill the hole too large and if it is hard to get the port in, freeze the port overnight.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Chienmortbb said:

Try not to drill the hole too large and if it is hard to get the port in, freeze the port overnight.

^ This, plus cut small and open the hole out with small incremental adjustments (rasp,  half round file).  If you do go way too big, epoxy plus sawdust makes a useful filler.  My weapon of choice is a router plus adjustable bar. Perfect holes every time (my fingers were crossed as I wrote that). 🫰

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Possibly because I build more prototypes than finished cabs I deliberately cut my holes slightly loose and use a gasket to seal them (gaffer tape usually) Once I have a finished size I seal it with whatever sealant is in my mastic gun. So far nothing has ever moved but a tight fit would be better. I'm saying this because I want people to know that there is always a solution and it makes it easier to start a build knowing any minor errors are soon sorted :)

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, bremen said:

I got one of these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364786830824?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=k2lumud2szy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=hNc7PDPYRJi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

and made a bar to rotate the tool round a bolt in the centre. It's easier to manipulate than a grown-up router.

 

I bought one of those as a backup because the price was just ridiculous. It works fine, except that you can't use it for rebates because the depth setting doesn't lock properly. It's fine for trimming and cutting holes. And, as you say, it's much easier to use that a full-size router.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Cool to see the plans ready, thanks to Phil, Bert and Sam for making it happen. 
 

I plan to build one as soon as I’ve got a couple of other projects off the books (so don’t hold your breath). 
 

I vaguely remember a video in which Phil demonstrated how to assemble a speaker cabinet without having to use a million sash clamps. I assume this cab can be built the same way? Can anyone take pity on my search incompetence and remind me where to find it?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, nekomatic said:

Cool to see the plans ready, thanks to Phil, Bert and Sam for making it happen. 
 

I plan to build one as soon as I’ve got a couple of other projects off the books (so don’t hold your breath). 
 

I vaguely remember a video in which Phil demonstrated how to assemble a speaker cabinet without having to use a million sash clamps. I assume this cab can be built the same way? Can anyone take pity on my search incompetence and remind me where to find it?

It is designed that way. If you look at the drawings, there are battens listed. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, tauzero said:

Possibly this:


That’s the bunny - thank you!

 

10 hours ago, Chienmortbb said:

It is designed that way. If you look at the drawings, there are battens listed. 

 

I should clarify that my search incompetence is rivalled by my woodworking incompetence*, so knowing that there are battens doesn’t equal fully understanding how to most easily assemble the thing. 
 

* exaggeration for comic effect, but only a bit

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, nekomatic said:

I should clarify that my search incompetence is rivalled by my woodworking incompetence*, so knowing that there are battens doesn’t equal fully understanding how to most easily assemble the thing. 
 

* exaggeration for comic effect, but only a bit

 

Phil's video does give thorough guidance on the assembly.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
12 hours ago, Phil Starr said:

Thanks John, though I don't think anyone wants to live through that again :)

 

But those of us who missed it can now experience some of the warm thrill of confusion, that space cadet glow.

 

Thanks both.

  • Haha 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 15/10/2024 at 07:15, Phil Starr said:

Thanks John, though I don't think anyone wants to live through that again :)

 

I think we need a bass filter though, the bass is definitely too far forward in the mix 🤣🎵😂

Yes we know that the room is very boomy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...