Swopes MTM

lowpolyjoe · Post by **lowpolyjoe** » Thu Jan 09, 2014 9:51 am

Wow! Is that solid oak? Most experts' posts I've read advise against hardwood for fear of wood movement compromising the enclosure, but it sure makes for a great looking set of speakers! I like the stands too - i built a pair somewhat similar myself.

How long did the finishing process take you? I tried Tung oil once and it literally took a few weeks to dry. I think i screwed up the application process somehow.

I don't think I have much advice. I think the distance from the rear wall will impact the low end reinforcement but I couldn't say how noticeable it would be.

Definitely look forward to some pics with the drivers installed. Good luck

chambers13 · Post by **chambers13** » Thu Jan 09, 2014 11:38 am

Thanks! Yes, solid oak, reinforced with biscuits and a stretcher inside, sides are glue ups of three boards. Fairly confident there will be minimal wood movement. I brushed on a coat of Tung oil 12 hours apart (morning and night) with a foam brush, when it appeared to have stopped absorbing (20 minutes?), I hand rubbed the excess into the wood with a rag and set it aside for the next 12 hours, very light sanding with scotch pad between coats (5 coats total, so about 3 days). I let them sit for a couple days before rubbing the wax in. Hoping for drivers this weekend...!

lowpolyjoe · Post by **lowpolyjoe** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 3:24 pm

Are those stands made completely from hardwood? What made you paint them instead of show the grain?

I see Formby's in one of your pics. I think that is one of the products that's a "tung oil finish"... including other stuff in addition to the Tung Oil. I've used something similar from Minwax. Those dry reasonably quick. My issue was with 100% Tung Oil - which i tried after reading a bunch of hype about it. I had to order it online, most big box stores only have "finish" mixes. It was an interesting experience but far too time consuming. Perhaps you already have experience with both. If not, this is an interesting read:

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/techn ... ry-and-use

Good luck with the speaker mounting. Go easy with the mounting screws - I've put a screwdriver through a speaker surround more than once throughout the years

chambers13 · Post by **chambers13** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:12 pm

Yes, stands made from oak also...first time I ever painted oak, but I thought if I left them all natural everything would kind of blend together, I think I like the contrast with the black stands and the black surrounds on the drivers. And you are 100% correct, it's not pure Tung oil, but I find I get pretty good results with the Formby's, and it's easier to work with. And yes, I was careful mounting them...I'll have pics up shortly...

chambers13 · Post by **chambers13** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:21 pm

The pre-amp and detail shots...

chambers13 · Post by **chambers13** » Fri Jan 10, 2014 9:24 pm

Pretty much completed! Still have to make up permanent cables, still waiting for the face of the amp to come back from the printers...but they are assembled and cookin'! Very happy with the sound just rigged up in the basement!