How to finish speakers

**benclement11** · 07-19-2012, 10:30 PM

I am going to build a pair of speakers. I am ok in the technical department...I'm just not so good at woodworking.
My concerns:

Should I build out of mdf and then use a rosewood veneer?
should i build out of mdf and use a rosewood playwood?
should i build out of solid rosewood?

If I should use veneer or plywood...where should I buy it(the main reason I cam here)? I have searched and searched and I am not familiar with many of the sites I found. I need 11 sq ft. I'm trying make my speaker look like the attached picture, but in a more dark red color.

fritz.jpg

**Woody.** · 07-20-2012, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by benclement11

I am going to build a pair of speakers. I am ok in the technical department...I'm just not so good at woodworking.
My concerns:

Should I build out of mdf and then use a rosewood veneer?
should i build out of mdf and use a rosewood playwood?
should i build out of solid rosewood?

If I should use veneer or plywood...where should I buy it(the main reason I cam here)? I have searched and searched and I am not familiar with many of the sites I found. I need 11 sq ft. I'm trying make my speaker look like the attached picture, but in a more dark red color.

fritz.jpg

I bought a book many years ago about building your own speakers. They said MDF in a speaker will give better "sound" than solid wood. After all is it the souund you are after in a speaker - or it is the pretty?

If you decide on veneer - then you also need to research on how to apply it. Applyiny veneer is a skill set in it's own right.

The pictures look like a veneer to me.

**benclement11** · 07-20-2012, 05:08 PM

Where is a good online place to buy veneer?

**AndyD** · 07-22-2012, 07:20 AM

The problem with using veneer on a speaker cabinet is that anything less than a perfect glue job might eventually cause some rattle and buzz. Maybe you could find an interesting faux finish that also gives you a nice look to the cabinet?

**stephaniejaneupcycle** · 07-22-2012, 09:43 AM

Yep -- buzz from veneer imperfections = crazy-making. And a big challenge to apply unless you have a veneer press! More veneer application options here: http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneeri...-veneering.htm.

Wood is good, but it moves, expands, contracts...and varies depending on the heat and humidity where you live. (More here http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/subwo...nclosures.html).

Still, I favour wood and would (wood!) opt for that every time. Then I'd stain it with a mixture of water-based chestnut stain and Minwax Sangria stain for a redder brown than what you show above. Finish with...either satin or high gloss (oil-modified, water-based) polyurethane, depending on your shininess preference.

www.stephaniejaneupcycle.ca

**AndyD** · 07-22-2012, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by stephaniejaneupcycle

Still, I favour wood and would (wood!) opt for that every time.

I like the look and feel of wood, but I'm not driven to use it with everything I build. I guess I prefer to keep some things purely functional-looking (or even hidden if possible) and then use wood for things like tables and cabinets. I suppose I've never been one to think that woofers and tweeters add anything to the decor of a room. Just my opinion.