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My FTW21 Build thread

post #1 of 356
8/28/12 at 4:51pm
Thread Starter 
I've been wanting these for a while now and can't believe I pulled the trigger BUT I did finally.
Here's my 2 cabs I'm building for my 2x FTW21's.

Going with this design...
Volcalc.jpg

This is the cut sheet for the FTW21
CutSheetFTW21.jpg

Day 1: Cutting all the pieces to their respected dimensions...
4.jpg
3.jpg
1.jpg
2.jpg

And assembling begins on DAY 1
Cab 1
5.jpg
Cab 2
6.jpg


Assembling continue on DAY 2
1 picture for day 2 completed...
7.jpg

Much more to do...
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post #2 of 356
8/28/12 at 5:27pm
congratulations on pulling the trigger.
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post #3 of 356
8/28/12 at 6:20pm

Looking good....you're gonna love them! Subscribed...

 

When do the drivers come in?

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post #4 of 356
8/28/12 at 6:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by LTD02 View Post

congratulations on pulling the trigger.

Thanks LTD02...I've been saying it for a while now but I finally did it!

Quote:
Originally Posted by dominguez1 View Post

Looking good....you're gonna love them! Subscribed...

When do the drivers come in?

dominquez1, this is ALL YOUR FAULT! After discovering your thread and reading the whole thing, it was the
final straw for me. Your thread completely convinced me of pulling the trigger!
Yes, I completely blame you for this purchase.
I can't wait to get them and hear them "IN MY HOME"!

Mark said I should be getting them in about 2 1/2 weeks.

I can't wait to get some more work done tomorrow.
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post #5 of 356
8/28/12 at 6:38pm
Very cool! cool.gif

Cant wait to see these all finished and setup. Youre gonna be in for a real treat! CONGRATS!!!
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post #6 of 356
8/28/12 at 6:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fatshaft View Post

dominquez1, this is ALL YOUR FAULT! After discovering your thread and reading the whole thing, it was the
final straw for me. Your thread completely convinced me of pulling the trigger!
Yes, I completely blame you for this purchase.
I can't wait to get them and hear them "IN MY HOME"!
Mark said I should be getting them in about 2 1/2 weeks.
I can't wait to get some more work done tomorrow.

LOL!

 

Just wait till you see these drivers in person...I went from an 18 to the 21in and couldn't believe how much bigger they were! You're going from 15's, correct? You'll be grinning for days just from their imposing size....

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post #7 of 356
8/28/12 at 6:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by edoggrc51 View Post

Very cool! cool.gif
Cant wait to see these all finished and setup. Youre gonna be in for a real treat! CONGRATS!!!

Thanks edoggrc51, I sure hope soo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by dominguez1 View Post

LOL!

Just wait till you see these drivers in person...I went from an 18 to the 21in and couldn't believe how much bigger they were! You're going from 15's, correct? You'll be grinning for days just from their imposing size....

Yes, I have 4x MFW15's which will all go in the front and I'll be putting the FTW21's in the back.
That's another thing...I think I'm going to freak out when I actually see them and their size. eek.gif
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post #8 of 356
8/28/12 at 8:02pm
Well I went from 5 MFW's and an Epik Phoenix to (eventually) dual LMS's (which then turned to 4 biggrin.gif) so I'm ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that'll be very happy with your build.
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post #9 of 356
8/28/12 at 9:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fatshaft View Post

I have 4x MFW15's. I'll be putting the FTW21's in the back.
I think I'm going to freak out when I actually see them and their size. eek.gif

Freaking-out time is now Fatshaft biggrin.gif Here is a coke vs 6 vs 15 vs 21!!!

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post #10 of 356
8/28/12 at 9:42pm
Good stuff man. It's been four weeks since placing my order so I'm hoping any day now. Not a big deal as I'm still in the process of building my boxes. Pretty similar to your dimensions and design. The race is on!
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post #11 of 356
8/29/12 at 3:10am
Good stuff, I'll watch with interest.

I've just ordered 2 FTW21 and should get them in a week or two. Still unsure whether to do a modest pair sealed of a pair of large LLT with a 13Hz tune.
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post #12 of 356
8/29/12 at 7:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by A9X-308 View Post

Good stuff, I'll watch with interest.
I've just ordered 2 FTW21 and should get them in a week or two. Still unsure whether to do a modest pair sealed of a pair of large LLT with a 13Hz tune.

With 21's??? Wouldnt that be about 30 cuft?
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post #13 of 356
8/29/12 at 8:21am
I am designing a 30 cu ft FTW21 ported sub tuned to 13hz for a chap in the states. Models 120db right down to 13hz without room gain with 2000 watts input power. Probably mid 120's from a single driver which is pretty impressive.

I though10 cu ft was better for a single sealed sub. Not sure what qtc a 6 would be.
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post #14 of 356
8/29/12 at 5:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by VEXXD View Post

Good stuff man. It's been four weeks since placing my order so I'm hoping any day now. Not a big deal as I'm still in the process of building my boxes. Pretty similar to your dimensions and design. The race is on!

Post you impressions once you get them...race is on!
Quote:
Originally Posted by A9X-308 View Post

Good stuff, I'll watch with interest.
I've just ordered 2 FTW21 and should get them in a week or two. Still unsure whether to do a modest pair sealed of a pair of large LLT with a 13Hz tune.

Please post your impressions once you get them installed...thanks


OK now, more work has been done...this is this morning.
8.jpg

9.jpg

10.jpg

12.jpg
and finally with the top on...
IMG_9087.jpg
I love PL!!!!!! This is a photo of the inside of the box...
Untitled.jpg

Man,

I was starring at the front baffle for a while before I could conitnue...I couldn't believe how big the opening is.
It's so close to the edge and thought it wouldn't be solid enough...but what do I know!

Can't do anything tomorrow cause I'll be out all day. Huge golf tournament.
Could win lots of cash so I can buy more IF I do!

Will only be able to continue on Friday.
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post #15 of 356
8/30/12 at 2:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by beastaudio View Post

With 21's??? Wouldnt that be about 30 cuft?
500L looks OK, but I could go to 850L.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fatshaft View Post

Please post your impressions once you get them installed...thanks
I won't even get to start on them for 6 weeks until I have holidays. I'm hoping to use your impressions, and hopefully measurements to help decide which way to go.
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post #16 of 356
8/30/12 at 4:36pm
I always like this pic to compare a 15" dayton to the FTW 21 lol

ftwvs3.jpg
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post #17 of 356
8/30/12 at 8:14pm
What is the cutout dimension for the 21"
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post #18 of 356
8/30/12 at 10:01pm
It's in the first post on the cutout sheet lol
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post #19 of 356
8/31/12 at 12:25pm
Thread Starter 
BIG day today...but...

Here are some more pictures of today's work.

Filled all holes with wood filler
IMG_9089.jpg

Now the cabs sanded down
IMG_9092.jpg
IMG_9093.jpg
IMG_9098.jpg

Here I applied a flat black paint BEFORE putting the Duratex.
IMG_9103.jpg

OK now I need some help..
I put the first coat of Duratex and am completely discouraged.
I saw the YouTube video on how to apply it and it really seemed easy.
I'm completely discouraged how it looks!
I can see all kinds of brush strokes and it looks terrible.

Did I do something wrong? Is it because I'm doing it outside?
I applied it the same way the guy with the white beard does it. I did his exact steps finishing very lightly.
Yes I used a sponge roller...
This stuff dries REALLY QUICK!!!!!!

I will put a second coat and pray it looks better.
Here's what it looks like now...
IMG_9104.jpg
IMG_9106.jpg
IMG_9108.jpg
IMG_9109.jpg

Please feel free to give me tips!

Thanks
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post #20 of 356
8/31/12 at 1:31pm
That's a little discouraging. I'll likely be applying some Duratex later tonight. You used a sponge roller or did you buy the blue textured roller?

I'm not going to prime with black first...I'll let you know how it turns out.
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post #21 of 356
8/31/12 at 2:38pm
Thread Starter 
OK guys,

I'll put pictures up tomorrow...am in a rush right now...
I put a 2nd and then a 3rd coat and it's making a BIG difference.

Man, this stuff is amazing!
The funny thing is the qty in the container is not going down! It sure doesn't feel like it is!
I'll be doing all my speakers in my HT room with it and am VERY SURE I'll have some left!

More details coming later

Regards,
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post #22 of 356
8/31/12 at 2:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by A9X-308 View Post

Good stuff, I'll watch with interest.
I've just ordered 2 FTW21 and should get them in a week or two. Still unsure whether to do a modest pair sealed of a pair of large LLT with a 13Hz tune.

Hey, cool!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by A9X-308 View Post

500L looks OK, but I could go to 850L.
I won't even get to start on them for 6 weeks until I have holidays. I'm hoping to use your impressions, and hopefully measurements to help decide which way to go.


These days, I'm pretty much into sealed but an honest LLT will do tons of damage. If it works for you, a simple copy of my LLT (in sig) would perfect for the FTW-21 with just a modification of the driver cutout. Models real well. smile.gif
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post #23 of 356
8/31/12 at 7:18pm
The trick I've learned with duratex, is to use the the biggest roller you can get. Pretty much 3 swipes and the entire surface is coated, roll across you first roll and it leaves an extremely nice finish. Though i'm lucky in that I can use all my spreay EQ at work and spray the bed liner we use on truck boxes.
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post #24 of 356
8/31/12 at 9:41pm
Great work FS!!! I just saw your build thread.If all else fails grab a coupla cans of Premium Rubberized Rocker Panel paint.... from Canadian Tire. They dry in 30 minutes.I can't wait to see your drivers installed.
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post #25 of 356
9/1/12 at 5:29am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the tip N8DOGG...
Kanaris, as you know you were an inspiration to me for building my own box...you do beautiful work!

Well after the 1st coat of Duratex, I decided to do some more repairs to my boxes.
I sanded the 1st coat of Duratex and applied some more wood filler to repair some minor flaws.
IMG_9110.jpg
IMG_9111.jpg

I then sanded the boxes again (120grit paper) and applied a 2nd and then a 3rd coat of Duratex.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!
IMG_9115.jpg

I'll be sanding the whole cabs again today and will apply another coat of Duratex.
This is how much Duratex I have left after doing 3 coats everywhere...
IMG_9121.jpg
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post #26 of 356
9/1/12 at 5:58am
Thank you for the great pictures. I am getting ready to finish my first set of speakers (no build thread yet) and I am planning on using the duratex roll on product. When you get a chance I am most interested I. What has worked and what has not. Is it the multiple coats or sand in between coats that have helped the results?

Thanks again for sharing.
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post #27 of 356
9/1/12 at 8:22am
Nice build. And thanks for the pics and tips. This is going to be a big help in my first build (dual Aura NS 18 per cab). Duratex is definetly the way to go.
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post #28 of 356
9/1/12 at 10:06am
Hey FS, I expect an invite when you fire them up....cool.gif
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post #29 of 356
9/1/12 at 3:57pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by btinindy View Post

Thank you for the great pictures. I am getting ready to finish my first set of speakers (no build thread yet) and I am planning on using the duratex roll on product. When you get a chance I am most interested I. What has worked and what has not. Is it the multiple coats or sand in between coats that have helped the results?
Thanks again for sharing.

Unfortunately I don't know if the sanding is helping or not...what I know is that's the way I did it.
I'm more than happy to share my experience...I have learned so much from this place over the years and if I do help someone than that's a great thing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TnTBigman View Post

Nice build. And thanks for the pics and tips. This is going to be a big help in my first build (dual Aura NS 18 per cab). Duratex is definetly the way to go.

I'm happy to do it...good luck with your build
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kanaris View Post

Hey FS, I expect an invite when you fire them up....cool.gif

Kanaris,

you are more than welcome and that at anytime!!!
Whenever you're free give me a Shout.

BTW, I had no time to do any work today...I'll be doing another coat of Duratex tomorrow after I sand the whole cab before.
I'll probably be done tomorrow but have no subs to put in till who knows when redface.gif
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post #30 of 356
9/3/12 at 10:46am
Thread Starter 
A little more progress done...

I installed the speakon on the side of the cabs so I can put the cabs closer to the back wall.
IMG_9122.jpg
IMG_9123.jpg
I measured 3 inches from the back and 3 inches from the bottom and drilled a 1" hole
IMG_9126.jpg

I then cut 4 squares of 5" and put one per corner in the cab cause that's where the screws will be going through for the legs I'll be putting tomorrow.
IMG_9127.jpg
Now all glued and placed inside the cabs
IMG_9129.jpg

BTW I will be putting some Canadian legs!


And finally...this is what the 4th coat of Duratex looks like...
IMG_9130.jpg
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