vcl 2

Edges are rounded by a 3mm radius routing bit. This is done for both front and rear side of the panels. Finally the panels are sanded to smooth surface.

Now it's time to start constructing the grill, these are made of 18mm MDF ,supported by 18x16mm solid Oak side bars. This to give more strength to the grill when pulling the grill clothe over it. Cut-out's are done by a swing saw.

To attache the grills on the speaker baffle I use " HEDLOCK Grill Fasteners " from Madisound (USA). A 14mm hole is drilled for the Socket into the baffle, and a 10.5 mm hole for the ball part into the grill panel. Panel dimensions are 308x698mm to spare some 1mm gap on each side. Allowing grill cloth to fit into the baffle.

To ensure a perfect fit, the grills are pre-fitted first, before grill clothes will be glue'd. A very narrow gap of 1mm along each side will give room for the 0.6mm thick grill cloth. A resonance free connection to the cabinets is very important to prevent unwanted influences on sound quality.

As this is for me the first time making a grill, I had to use common sense how to stretch up the cloth. I had to be aware of the patron of these cloth ,in a way that it should be equal on both grills. There is a print in it, just as on wall-paper is.

To make it possible to remove these grills, I had to mount some kind of handle on the grills to pull them off. I choosed these tiny massive brass knobs. They just look great on the vintage cloth, and combine good to the collor of the grill clothes. They make a vintage impression...

Rear view showes the V-form of these speakers which just distinct them from conventional designs. The Bass Reflex pipe will measure 70mm in diameter. Length will be determined later on.

It would be a shame to put on a hat, on a head like this:)

At least it prevents you're wife putting a vase on top....

You can't argue taste, but if you have an old (Englisch) interior, with antique (look) furniture, these speakers just do the thing! A new speaker with a vintage look is born....

My 2 1/2 year old daughter gives these speakers some dimension impression. They are approximately 112.5 cm tall, or some 44 inch, not that small.

A picture of the finished speakers, made in my backyard on the 16th september 2008. I put a lot of "blood, sweat and tears" into this project, as it is not that easy to construct. But I think the result will heal the pain...

This will be continued, by a short electrical stage on the X-over design and sound performance later on.

Stay tuned!