Could I use a prefab parts express cabinet of 22 X 13.5 X 9 for a 2 pi by adjusting the port size? If so, can someone who understands the Helmholz formula better than this mathematical illiterate help me out on this one? (I've got a router, but not a table saw, and I am having little luck finding anyone who will custom cut the wood in my area.) Thanks Jeff
Wayne Parham Messages: 18791 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
What's the internal volume of the cabinet? In a very large box, the proportion of volume displaced by wood stock and internal components is small compared to the the total volume. But in a cabinet this small, it becomes more significant. I'm sure you could use it with an Alpha 10 and expect good results, but we really need to know the internal volume, so please write back when you find out.
Hey Jeff. You need 12 pieces of MDF. No Problem! Lowes or Depot will do that on their panel saw. But have more than a cut list. Be able to tell them, "first, cut the 4X8 into 2 pieces x" by y", then cut 4 pieces x" X y", etc., you get the idea. The guy on the saw prolly shags carts or drives a forklift. Make it easy for him, he'll do it. Those panel saws are usually out of square an 1/8" at least over 8 feet so make sure when you assemble you leave edges proud of panels, not the reverse. Easy to trim an edge square, you don't want to have to sand down an entire panel. And remember that MDF is 49x97. And see the archives for all sorts of cabinet making info from Bmar and some guy name of Till E. You can do it.
Thanks for the encouragement, but my Home Depot has a big sign saying "No Precision Cutting!" Precision here being defined by anything requirinng measurements. Meaning they'll hack a 2x4x8 into roughly 2 pieces but that's about as far as it goes. There's a Lowes somewhere near the Meadowlands; I'll give thme a shot if I'm ever out there. Jeff
and they cut mine no problem. There's another sign that says something like "all cuts over 2 per sheet are $0.25 each." The guy that cut mine was so interested in the speakers he didn't even charge extra for the cuts. I think the "no precision cuts" is just there to protect them if someone tries to get weird with them. As Someone says above, you don't need precision cuts. If it's a little off here and there leave it proud or flush cut it later.
Wayne Parham Messages: 18791 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
The Sutherlands and Lowes that are near my house also have a sign posted that says "no precision cuts." Oddly, I first noticed this about a week ago when I bought a 2x4 and wanted two pieces cut to 34 5/8". They cut it with one piece being 34 3/4" and the guy was happy to give it another cut, so that the two were the same length. I suspected as Matts said, that the sign and is there because they don't want to be responsible for a quality cut when they aren't really setup for that. I don't doubt Jeff's experience, but I think its pretty much a personal thing and depends on the guys that happen to be working lumber that day.
OK, New York, that's a different Home Depot, where the 20/20 cameras caught the forklift driver screaming obscenities at the 2 terrified Oriental women as he was attempting to load a bunk of drywall on top of them. "get the f--k out of the way!" Perfect excuse to acquire a new tool. Get the little SkilSaw Tablesaw for about $139. Just clamp it on top of a Workmate.Then have the Depot or Lowes guys cut your 4X8's into manageable sizes, take'm home and run'm thru the saw. Don't get a Ryobi, only the SkilSaw. The weakest point of the little saws is the fence. Always measure from the blade to the fence at the front and rear of the blade when you set up a cut. I have a friend who makes cheap melamine kitchen cabinets for re-habs on that very saw. He built plywood table extensions around it so he could handle larger panels.
You can buy or better yet make your own cutting jig for a skill saw. It will make ruler straight cuts and be as Accurate and Square as you take time to measure and clamp it (elli may) in place. Since the saw runs on top of the guide there is no tear out on the top side under the guide either. You can make very nice cuts with an inexpensive skill saw. A good blade is more important than the saw i'm afraid.