Where to find....

[oface1]

Hey all,

I am looking to start building my cabs for the 604's.

I tried looking for 1"-1.5" void-free ply. I called my local cab builder, who called his supplier. They said there was none to be found.

Is such material available to someone like me? Do I keep calling around?

I am in mid-South Carolina. Any familiar with any product? Or should I get the regular 3/4" stuff and have my cab shop make 1.5" lamination, would this be cost effective?


I am gonna continue to search around, but I like asking questions here , which will help me figure out other questions to ask later....


Thanks,,,


-chris

[Old Guy]

Void free is usually marine...you may need a supplier who caters to boat builders.

[bowtie427ss]

From most suppliers anything over 3/4 is going to constitute a "special order" in which case the prices tend to go astronomical. Some suppliers won't break up units on special orders either. At least that's how it works in this corner of the country.

FWIW, if you have access or know someone who does to completed ebay auctions going back 60 or 90 days(requires a subscription), there was a fella in southern PA trying to sell 70+sheets of 3/4 void free cherry, and 30+ sheets of void free Alder.

A buddy and i had considered the lot, but storage and handling for ply of that quality and quantity presents some challenges all it's own. You don't throw that stuff around like CDX.

[Tranquil]

I have seen 1 inch Baltic Birch ply here in Florida. BB is void free stiff and not as heavy as MDF. 3/4 inch with adequate bracing does a great job, I used it for my model 19 cabs and It turned out great. Do a search here on Baltic Birch you will find some good info written by some knowledge people.

[GM]

Greets!

FYI, marine grade used to be guaranteed void free, but several years ago I learned from Georgia-Pacific that this isn't the norm anymore, so now I only recommend (11-13 lam) 19 mm or thicker Baltic Birch or Apple ply and of course any other plywood that meets/exceeds their specs that I'm not aware of.

WRT to hardwoods, few have enough moisture stability to make speaker cabs from, so Caveat Emptor.

WRT desired thickness, bracing the above with same is more cost effective than a single thick panel for a given as built stiffness. Weighs less too, a big plus for those of us with weak/damaged backs. That said, if front mounting woofer(s), then adding a veneer of the same material to create a flush mount is far superior to rebating the baffle.

GM

[Old Guy]

The "void free" part depends on the supplier, some will guarantee if you find a void while cutting they take the sheet back and give you another.

Others, not so much.

BTW asked a friend boat builder he sends this from his list

* Bowman - VP Kiser Lumber Co, Rt 2, Box 12, 29018 803/829 2571 - L
* Charleston - Marine Lumber Supply LLC, 2060 North Hopson Ave, 29405, 843/554-2425 - L, PW
* Donalds - East Teak of SC, PO Box 287, 29638. 800/379 2111 - L (Teak, oak)
* Ladson - Wood Boys - PW
* Moncks Corner - Umphlett Lumber Co, PO Box 547, 29461 803/761 8314 - L
* Ridgeville - Ashley River Lumber, 449 Campbell Thicket Rd, 843/873 2071 - L (cypress)

L stands for "lumber" PW is, you guessed it...