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Making the "Bacon Race" Theater - Page 40

post #1171 of 1841
2/17/12 at 11:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlogan6797 View Post

A lot of us have used the services of one the experts, like Brian Pape (bpape) to get an acoustic plan.

Or find a room of similar size to yours that has a professional plan and copy it. Your results will likely vary.
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post #1172 of 1841
2/17/12 at 5:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC View Post

Or just a larger table and fence system for a right tilt saw. Some of the panels on this project were pretty long, so a saw with a large capacity fence or sliding panel cutting jig is required.

were any of them larger than the 2x4 mentioned? Or is 4 feet a long way?
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post #1173 of 1841
2/17/12 at 8:58pm
We had a couple that were 12 inches by 6 1/2 feet. They were between the front columns and the screen wall. They were black so I guess we could have used two with a seam and no one would have noticed.
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post #1174 of 1841
2/18/12 at 7:30am
BIG, is there any difference between wood glues? Titebond original, premium or ultimate and then any of the other brands for that matter?
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post #1175 of 1841
2/18/12 at 7:59am
Am I missing something that a sheet of 1/2 plywood is 40 bucks?
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post #1176 of 1841
2/18/12 at 9:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by smakovits View Post

Am I missing something that a sheet of 1/2 plywood is 40 bucks?

I think the stuff I used was $32. for that you get 30 strips. after doubling them up you get 15 or $2.13 for a 1 x 1.5. You can buy a 2x4 for under $2 and rip it in three 1 x1.5 pieces so that is under $ .60 a piece. Good luck finding straight enough studs, that will also stay straight after you rip them.
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post #1177 of 1841
2/18/12 at 9:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by smakovits View Post

BIG, is there any difference between wood glues? Titebond original, premium or ultimate and then any of the other brands for that matter?

Unless you are worried about water resistance, there is not much difference between the various flavors and brands. Heck, regular old Elmers white glue works almost as well.

I tend to use Titebond III because it is darker and the glueline is less visible on darker woods.
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post #1178 of 1841
2/18/12 at 10:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC View Post


I think the stuff I used was $32. for that you get 30 strips. after doubling them up you get 15 or $2.13 for a 1 x 1.5. You can buy a 2x4 for under $2 and rip it in three 1 x1.5 pieces so that is under $ .60 a piece. Good luck finding straight enough studs, that will also stay straight after you rip them.

So I guess I bought the wrong stuff if what I got was the 15/32" ply at 16 bucks...serves me right waiting till I am at HD
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post #1179 of 1841
2/18/12 at 6:47pm
What brand of flex duct did you guys use? Or where did you get it?

Thanks
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post #1180 of 1841
2/18/12 at 7:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by smakovits View Post


So I guess I bought the wrong stuff if what I got was the 15/32" ply at 16 bucks...serves me right waiting till I am at HD

As long as you didn't buy OSB, I can't think of a reason a cheaper ply would make a difference for building a fabric frame. I also cant imagine that a 1/16th of an inch would make a difference as long as the insulation behind the frame doesn't stick up past the edge of the frame. I've never built one, though. So I'd always defer to BIG on something like this.
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post #1181 of 1841
2/18/12 at 7:13pm
As someone pointed out to me, when you sell billions of sq ft of plywood shorting the customer by 1/16 of an inch adds to the corporate P&L I think I used 15/32. The only thing on cheap plywood is if there are a bunch of voids then your bevel cuts can get messy. It is quite possible that you may need to use some wood putty if the void falls at a critical
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post #1182 of 1841
2/19/12 at 11:08am
Turns out I now know the difference...the one is straight plywood, the rough stuff as described by BIG. The expensive stuff that is 1/2" is sanded and allegedly more like a furniture grade, so it is much nicer... I will see how it goes with the 16$ stuff first and then decide. I only bought one sheet to try and get motivated to finish some items that have been waiting a long time.
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post #1183 of 1841
2/19/12 at 12:36pm
so I started to rip my strips and I will be quick to admit that the last time I used a table saw was like shop class in 8th grade...a long time ago.

So, my table saw is the basic skil saw. The thing is no frills, if there was one thing I knew was cheap even before buying it, it was the rip fence. For the most part, my cuts are pretty straight and even, but some are slightly smaller and others larger than another member. the amount is minimal, but it is enough to notice.

I wanted to ask before getting too deep into this, is that an issue or will I be OK if I put all the overhangs to the inside of the frame?

Maybe it is my technique, maybe it is the cheap saw, but is there any tips that ensure even cuts every time? Can I replace the rip fence with a better one that is nice and sturdy like the ones on the more expensive saws? Heck, the one thought I did have was to cut a 1-1/2" piece of wood and then instead of the rip fence, clamp a piece of wood to the table and use that as the guide. Any thoughts or recommendations are welcome.
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post #1184 of 1841
2/19/12 at 1:31pm
A problem with smaller table saws is that the sheet of plywood sags where it's not supported. That leads to curved cuts.

A nice straight 2x4 might be better than the built in fence. Especially if you screw a piece to the bottom of it where it overhangs the saw table to support the workpiece.

Be careful with that saw. Stay away from the blade. Make sure the saw is stable. Wear your safety glasses. No gloves or loose clothing. Stay away from the blade. Keep your nuts out of the line of fire in case of a kick back.
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post #1185 of 1841
2/19/12 at 8:14pm
One thing I do is have the sheets ripped in 1/2 (or other logical division) the long way at Lowes/HD (Free). They are a whole lot easier to handle on the saw.
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post #1186 of 1841
2/20/12 at 7:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by petew View Post

A problem with smaller table saws is that the sheet of plywood sags where it's not supported. That leads to curved cuts.

A nice straight 2x4 might be better than the built in fence. Especially if you screw a piece to the bottom of it where it overhangs the saw table to support the workpiece.

Be careful with that saw. Stay away from the blade. Make sure the saw is stable. Wear your safety glasses. No gloves or loose clothing. Stay away from the blade. Keep your nuts out of the line of fire in case of a kick back.

Oh yeah, I stood to the side mostly...started sort of in front of the saw but quickly shifted to the side.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC View Post

One thing I do is have the sheets ripped in 1/2 (or other logical division) the long way at Lowes/HD (Free). They are a whole lot easier to handle on the saw.

I had then cut my sheet into 4's so I could get it in the car. I had my son with me so I could only fold half the back seat down. This actually worked out better for me in the end as all sheets are now just 4 feet long.

One thing is for sure with the smaller saw though, it sure can tip easily. There was a few times as I forced the board against the fence that I felt the thing want to tip, so I ask this. Once I am into the cut, do I have to continue to force the board against the fence to ensure I maintain a straight cut?
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post #1187 of 1841
2/20/12 at 8:00am
Since you had the pieces cut down to size already, you might consider making a feather board to help with this. Pretty straightforward, and you can usually make one out of leftovers you have lying around. It would help to maintain a constant pressure on the sheet as it's moving through the blade.

Edit: Here's a pic in case it helps.

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post #1188 of 1841
2/20/12 at 9:01am
with the feather board would I essentially cut everything to just over my wanted size and then go back with the feather board to slide each piece one last time to ensure the perfect cut? I ask because my sheets are 2' wide and I slide it through like 12-14 times, each time it gets smaller, so the feather board does not seem practical unless each cut is on the same size board, hence a rough 1-2/3" cut then send em through for the final...

just thinking aloud, I have no idea, just trying to learn and understand. Thanks!
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post #1189 of 1841
2/20/12 at 9:06am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cdika17 View Post

What brand of flex duct did you guys use? Or where did you get it?

Thanks

Actually my HVAC guy just dropped off a box of it. I don't know what the brand was, it looks like just standard insulated flex duct to me. All that really matters is the diameter, and if it is insulated or not as far as I know. Sorry I don't have more specific information!
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post #1190 of 1841
2/20/12 at 9:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by smakovits View Post

with the feather board would I essentially cut everything to just over my wanted size and then go back with the feather board to slide each piece one last time to ensure the perfect cut? I ask because my sheets are 2' wide and I slide it through like 12-14 times, each time it gets smaller, so the feather board does not seem practical unless each cut is on the same size board, hence a rough 1-2/3" cut then send em through for the final...

just thinking aloud, I have no idea, just trying to learn and understand. Thanks!

I didn't think about the number of times you were cutting that sheet down. I guess it would depend on just how accurate your cuts are as to whether it's worth trying to do a rough cut and then a final. the idea was to keep you from having to worry with applying as much pressure against your fence.

It's a pretty dangerous situation if you're concerned about tipping your saw over. These things are dangerous enough under good circumstances. They don't anything to make it worse.
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post #1191 of 1841
2/20/12 at 3:29pm
Wow nice job, love the pillars and wall panels. I may do something similar with different colors.
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post #1192 of 1841
2/20/12 at 9:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by smakovits View Post

One thing is for sure with the smaller saw though, it sure can tip easily. There was a few times as I forced the board against the fence that I felt the thing want to tip, so I ask this. Once I am into the cut, do I have to continue to force the board against the fence to ensure I maintain a straight cut?

You may want to screw the saw to a more stable base.

Yes you need to exert force to keep the board against the fence.
Stand at the rear corner diagonally opposite the blade and the fence. Right hand of the rear edge, left hand up along the side of the board. If you are new to this lower the blade into the table and practice moving the board across the table keeping contact with fence at all times. Once you have your standing position and hand positions practiced, raise the blade and make your cut, Be sure to have a push stick handy to clear the cut strips.
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post #1193 of 1841
2/21/12 at 5:37am
I came across these videos the other night. The product he is pushing seems pretty nice (a bit pricey). You can disregard the product placement and focus on the safety tips. His slow-mo kickback demonstration might save someone a trip to the emergency room.

http://youtu.be/BSPmuQr0COM
http://youtu.be/t43X-4YPI9k
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post #1194 of 1841
2/21/12 at 6:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC View Post

You may want to screw the saw to a more stable base.

Yes you need to exert force to keep the board against the fence.
Stand at the rear corner diagonally opposite the blade and the fence. Right hand of the rear edge, left hand up along the side of the board. If you are new to this lower the blade into the table and practice moving the board across the table keeping contact with fence at all times. Once you have your standing position and hand positions practiced, raise the blade and make your cut, Be sure to have a push stick handy to clear the cut strips.

minus the stand, I guess I was doing something right, this is exactly where I stood. started diagonal front but ended at the back as the board shrunk. I cleared the pieces by pulling them out the back. They were 4 feet long, So I was nowhere near the blade.

As far as pressure, should it be a lot of pressure or as long as there is some, should the board stay against the rail pretty good?
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post #1195 of 1841
2/21/12 at 6:53am
If you have to exert a lot of pressure, something is wrong. It is more like steering a car. It is not about force just attention to detail.

Assuming you are starting with a straight factory edge, each cut should be pretty easy. You might make sure you have a sharp blade, and I found that thinner blades are more problematic as a general rule because they tend to wander a bit.

If you have a really cheap table saw that may be your problem.
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post #1196 of 1841
2/21/12 at 7:03am
Thread Starter 
Watched the original "Alien" last weekend. It's one of my "Oldie but goodie" movies! The more I watch movies in this theater the more I love it. My wife constantly complains every time a movie is in standard 16:9. She will say, "WTF, no widescreen???" I wish I could wipe my movie memory so I could watch all of my favorites again for the first time!
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post #1197 of 1841
2/21/12 at 7:27am
Quick survey, do you bother putting up the masking panels when you watch 16:9?
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post #1198 of 1841
2/21/12 at 9:10am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC View Post

Quick survey, do you bother putting up the masking panels when you watch 16:9?

Always. Taking 30 seconds to make the whole movie better is worth it every time.
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post #1199 of 1841
2/21/12 at 11:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC View Post

If you have to exert a lot of pressure, something is wrong. It is more like steering a car. It is not about force just attention to detail.

Assuming you are starting with a straight factory edge, each cut should be pretty easy. You might make sure you have a sharp blade, and I found that thinner blades are more problematic as a general rule because they tend to wander a bit.

If you have a really cheap table saw that may be your problem.

It could just be my novice talent and knowledge of a table saw use...the boards slid through quite easy, I think my extra pressure is me just being anal trying to make sure I am staying tight against the rail.
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post #1200 of 1841
2/22/12 at 8:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGmouthinDC View Post

What a day, I broke the rear window in my pickup and Damelon broke his camera, Somehow in the middle we made some progress.

First we had some plans.

Riser



Stage



So we hopped into my 20 year old pickup (80K miles) and went to Lowe's

There on aisle 17 we picked up a stage and riser.

If filled 3 carts, Damelon up in front I'm pushing from the back. At this point I was thinking "Some Assembly may be required". If you look closely you will notice we were able to buy 3/8 inch pre-curved plywood stage fronts, this saves a lot of time trying to curve then yourself.



It fits!


I need to document that our trip to Lowe's took 3 hours, I think we were having wood cut for 2 of the 3 hours. Then there was the KFC drive thru window where we picked up some sandwiches.

We got a good portion of the riser cut and assembled



We got the stage framed









During the cleanup of the room at the end of the day I decided to finally try one of the tricks of pulling cable in a conduit



Tied a 7-11 bag on some nylon cord, one of the helpers held the vacuum hose to the projector conduit and I positioned the bag at the other end and before I could say "here it comes", the vacuum ate the bag and string.



Tomorrow we hope to get the decking on. That all depends on how fast Damelon can haul sand.

Would two layers of 1/4" luan do the job if pre-curved 3/8" plywood is not available? I could not find the pre-curved plywood in the local Home Depot.

What is the tool recommended for cutting the curves in the plywood?
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