I did a search and found a few plans for columns, but not with the speakers inside. Anyone out there care to show how this is built?

Build mdf columns and cut holes for the speakers. Then cover with GOM.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/queendvd/DSC_0373.jpg

Hard to tell there Queen, but are you just in-wall, and then have a hole cut in a column in front of the speaker? I have seen others embed speakers in the column itself, but I certainly think your way is easier...if all things are equal.

CD

It's best if the end result is such that the speaker face is flush with the front of the column. So you need to plan your column depth and speaker mounting technique in order to achieve that orientation. If you look carefully at Queens pictures she achieves that objective.

My speakers are half in the wall, half sticking out the depth of the column.

It would help if we knew your speaker of choice because certain speakers require special considerations.

certain speakers require special considerations

Bipole/Dipole surrounds, for example, must be able to fire out the sides of the column, as well as out the front. It's not that hard to build a column that is open at the front and sides, but covering the three-sided opening with GOM seems like it might be a little tricky.

Bipole/Dipole surrounds... It's not that hard to build a column that is open at the front and sides, but covering the three-sided opening with GOM seems like it might be a little tricky.

That's what I'm struggling with right now.

Bipole/Dipole surrounds, for example, must be able to fire out the sides of the column, as well as out the front. It's not that hard to build a column that is open at the front and sides, but covering the three-sided opening with GOM seems like it might be a little tricky.


You run the smallest possible piece of wood at the front corners so that the column is open on the sides and front. Wrap the fabric around all three sides. I've also seen some guys build three sided fabric speaker grill covers that slip on and off over a column that is totally open at the speaker location.

Excellent example here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=14119433&postcount=84

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2593127539_aa47e4b23b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2574486008_7b0153009b_b.jpg

Hard to tell there Queen, but are you just in-wall, and then have a hole cut in a column in front of the speaker? I have seen others embed speakers in the column itself, but I certainly think your way is easier...if all things are equal.

CD

As BIG mentioned above, they are actually on-wall (though they are in-wall speakers) and then the column face lies flush with the speaker face.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk177/queendvd/DSC_0350.jpg

I have Def. Tech BPX surrounds (bi-polar).

Big, those columns are exactly what I've been looking for. I wouldn't build them as wide but I'd appreciate it it you have a link to any plans. I was also thinking of using speaker grill cloth instead of GOM.

I built my columns into speaker box's and then used a inwall speaker. I think they sound great

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/W00lly/HTRoom407.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/W00lly/HTRoom409.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/W00lly/HTRoom155-1.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/W00lly/HTRoom161.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/W00lly/HTRoom192.jpg

Big, those columns are exactly what I've been looking for. I wouldn't build them as wide but I'd appreciate it it you have a link to any plans.


Sorry I had absolutely nothing to do with those columns other than admire them. I seem to remember that the guy with that theater had them made and not DIY. But you could PM him to see if he as any more details.

However I think if you pick up a book on cabinet making and study all those pictures in the thread carefully you could reverse engineer a reasonable version. It looks like a fairly simple frame and panel construction. The frame looks like it was assembled and a router used to cut the inner edge profile after it was assembled. A panel was mounted to the back of the frame.

Excellent example here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=14119433&postcount=84

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2593127539_aa47e4b23b_b.jpg



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2593128103_6d3db8069c_b.jpg

The frame of the cover is what had me baffled. Now I see how it was done. Thanks!

This is how I built mine.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2vSwHN5_qOI/Rj_8jZNVgdI/AAAAAAAAAYE/gVtr88hVUJk/s800/DSCN0242.JPG

Almost done !

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2vSwHN5_qOI/SZOfK8AscrI/AAAAAAAADmo/S4Vaw6qE3OU/s800/pano.jpg

There are several approaches shown here. A couple of points:
1. Not all dipole or bipole speakers have drivers aimed out the side (Triad is one, for example).
2. Typically an inwall speaker is used and is then mounted to the column after the column is in place...this can be easier than wall mounting and then getting the column opening and speaker aligned.
3. You can build your columns upwards of 2" short of the total distance from the top of the carpet to the bottom of the soffit/ceiling. This will make it a bunch easier to install and remove the columns later (yes, typically columns are installed after the carpet). The gap is hidden behind the baseboard and/or the crown.
4. Install fiberglass batt inside the columns to prevent column resonances.
5. There are any number of places where you can have your columns manufactured and shipped to you (from fabric covered to furniture finish natural wood) if you feel a bit intimidated by the prospect of building/finishing on your own.

Have fun!

ifeliciano, how did you attach the column to the strips on the wall?

Great ideas, keep them coming.

ifeliciano, how did you attach the column to the strips on the wall?

Great ideas, keep them coming.


The 2x2's where attached to the wall with toggle bolts and liquid nails. Then the column was screwed into the 2x2'a with wood screws (counter sunk).

Anyone else care to share their column plans?

Anyone else care to share their column plans?

I built my columns out of 2x4s:
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq308/koach0425/_MG_8130.jpg

covered in drywall, cut a hole for the speakers, and lined the insides with linacoustic:
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq308/koach0425/newht/day7/_MG_8134.jpg
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq308/koach0425/newht/day7/_MG_8136.jpg

Applied trim and paint:
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq308/koach0425/carpet/_MG_8276.jpg

Made speaker grills and attached to columns:
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq308/koach0425/completed/_MG_8321.jpg
http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq308/koach0425/completed/_MG_8324.jpg

Hi Ken,

Here's a photo of my rear columns.

http://mysite.verizon.net/res8ycu4/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/DSCN0291.jpg

The base of the column is constructed out of MDF. The top of the column is constructed of 2"x2" framing. The sides of the top portion had Guilford of Maine (GoM) frabric stretched across the framing. The front had a removable frame with GoM stretched across it. The removable framing was attached to the permanent framing by large speaker guide fasteners.


Here's a photo with the removable frame installed.

http://mysite.verizon.net/res8ycu4/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/DSCN0287.jpg

The rear column houses the speakers. It you look closely you can see the outline of the framing, which is only visible when illuminated by flash photography.

Larry

I've been trying to figure out my own column dilema

Larry's plans look like they can help me out!

Might have to steal some of these ideas.

I'm going to make my columns and then place in place after the wall treatments to hide the staples...this is where most of my ideas have failed.

Thanks for posting these.

I've been trying to figure out my own column dilema

Larry's plans look like they can help me out!

Might have to steal some of these ideas.

I'm going to make my columns and then place in place after the wall treatments to hide the staples...this is where most of my ideas have failed.

Thanks for posting these.

Hi,

No problem.

Attached is a conceptual drawing.

In the center there's and isometric drawing of the frame that sits on top of the MDF base.

The way I hid the staples was to staple into the sides of the vertical furring strips (biege color). Then there was another vertical furring strip parallel to the stapled strip (interior to the column) which was spaced the width of the MDF (orange color). The fit was snug so when inserting the base and frame between the two vertical furring strips, not only were the staples hidden, but the column was firmly held in place.

I also filled the base of the column with fluffy insulation to minimize resonances. I rounded over the front corners of the frame and base to give it a more finished look. The same black Guilford of Maine fabric (GoM) was glued to the MDF bass as was stretched across the sides of the permanent frame. Another removable frame with stretched GoM, not shown in the drawing, was fastened to the permanent frame with large speaker guides. The front to back depth of the permanent frame was shorter than the base dimension by the width of the removeable frame, so that the assembled dimension of the frame and base were the same.

Larry

Here's how I did mine.... would do it differently next time but it's another way. My goal was to keep the columns as small as possible, but be big enough to fit my Ascend surrounds..... I wanted the sides open in case I ever go with dipoles too. I like the one that Big posted.....

http://lorishookphotography.com/Private/IMG_0701_1.JPG

http://lorishookphotography.com/Private/IMG_0695_1.JPG

http://lorishookphotography.com/Private/DSC_0420.jpg

http://lorishookphotography.com/Private/DSC_0421.jpg

Hi,

No problem.

Attached is a conceptual drawing.

In the center there's and isometric drawing of the frame that sits on top of the MDF base.

The way I hid the staples was to staple into the sides of the vertical furring strips (biege color). Then there was another vertical furring strip parallel to the stapled strip (interior to the column) which was spaced the width of the MDF (orange color). The fit was snug so when inserting the base and frame between the two vertical furring strips, not only were the staples hidden, but the column was firmly held in place.

I also filled the base of the column with fluffy insulation to minimize resonances. I rounded over the front corners of the frame and base to give it a more finished look. The same black Guilford of Maine fabric (GoM) was glued to the MDF bass as was stretched across the sides of the permanent frame. Another removable frame with stretched GoM, not shown in the drawing, was fastened to the permanent frame with large speaker guides. The front to back depth of the permanent frame was shorter than the base dimension by the width of the removeable frame, so that the assembled dimension of the frame and base were the same.

Larry

Thanks for the drawing.

That's almost what I was thinking as far as hiding the staples and trying to wedge the column in between. Glad I know it worked for someone and I can continue without doubting myself.

I know I can use the fabric track but can't justify the expense. Wedging the column seems like it will work just fine.

I also was debating using a router to round the edges or install a corner round somehow. Think the router will work and make life easier on the fabric pulling.

Was wondering about the gluing...did you use a 3M type spray adhesive?

Thanks again for the drawing and info.....I think mine might just work! :)

Trey

Here's how I did mine.... would do it differently next time but it's another way. My goal was to keep the columns as small as possible, but be big enough to fit my Ascend surrounds..... I wanted the sides open in case I ever go with dipoles too. I like the one that Big posted....



Did you put anything behind the aluminum angle like foam tape or anything? I've actually thought about using the angle instead of 2x2's so that the dipoles won't have as much an area blocking anything.

I've thought about some sort of shelving brace so I can keep the front completely clear...dunno.

I really wanted the ascends but I don't have enough room to make a column that deep....currently looking at the QS4 or Emotiva ERD-1

Not sure about the one's in Big's picture but they look impressive.

Trey

Thanks for the drawing.

That's almost what I was thinking as far as hiding the staples and trying to wedge the column in between. Glad I know it worked for someone and I can continue without doubting myself.

I know I can use the fabric track but can't justify the expense. Wedging the column seems like it will work just fine.

I also was debating using a router to round the edges or install a corner round somehow. Think the router will work and make life easier on the fabric pulling.

Was wondering about the gluing...did you use a 3M type spray adhesive?

Thanks again for the drawing and info.....I think mine might just work! :)

Trey

Hi Trey.

As I understand it the advantage of the tracks is that if needed the fabric can be removed at a later date. Stapling into furring strips is pretty permanent.

I used a 3/4" round over bit and ran the MDF across a router table. I'm not a very experienced carpenter so it was a little dangerous for me using such a large bit. As you are feeding the material into the router, it wants to drag the material and your figures into the blade, especially if you try to take off too much material in one pass.

Yes, I used a 3M spray adhesive. I made sure my spraying was not in the home theater where my projector and equipment was located.

Larry

Did you put anything behind the aluminum angle like foam tape or anything? I've actually thought about using the angle instead of 2x2's so that the dipoles won't have as much an area blocking anything.

I've thought about some sort of shelving brace so I can keep the front completely clear...dunno.

I really wanted the ascends but I don't have enough room to make a column that deep....currently looking at the QS4 or Emotiva ERD-1

Not sure about the one's in Big's picture but they look impressive.

Trey


Actually, I used 3M spray adhesive and the fabric stuck to the metal with it. Wasn't sure if it would work, but it did.

I was thinking about the QS4's and the QS8's, but the down firing driver wouldn't work with my arrangement. I thought of doing something different with the column to allow space below the speaker, but when I decided on the Ascend's I didn't need to bother with it,