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TC LMS5400 18" build thread

post #1 of 147
Thread Starter 
Here are a few teaser pics of ( finally ) the LMS build. Dual 18's with 4 x PR... you all know the results of Illka's tests.

I was going to attempt to build the cabinet myself, but in the end farmed it out to a very very picky cabinetmaker. ( makes high end furniture and other things by appointment only ) I had approached him in June of 07, and he is finally free of other commitments. ( had landed a large contract )

He had figured around Christmas, but delays pushed him back until now.
LL
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LL
post #2 of 147
Thread Starter 
Had to cut a few pieces of plywood to double check the angles, the cuts fit together with precision, no gaps at all.

Saw is $ 50K precision saw made in Germany, you can throw an entire sheet of MDF on there no sweat.
LL
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post #3 of 147
I look forward to seeing the build. I do have a question though. I heard it was best to have the PR's opposed to offset the inertia created by each PR.
post #4 of 147
Thread Starter 
Having PR opposed is a great thing, keeps the cabinet from rocking with the PR movement. ( mass )

In a 400 plus pound ( loaded ) box this is going to be pretty much a non issue. Walls are going to be 1.5", doubled 3/4 with biscuits in all the joints.
post #5 of 147
This thing is just cool.

Nate
post #6 of 147
Sweet. 400 pound box. I love it. I think mine will be double 3/4 on the baffle only.
post #7 of 147
Thread Starter 
Got a pretty poor picture of the solid maple for the top and accents on the box, as there was a truck parked in the rear bay of the shop, and no room to take a good picture of the wood.
LL
post #8 of 147
Are you doing glossy maple?
post #9 of 147
Thread Starter 
Haven't quite decided on whether or not to go with a satin, semi or full gloss on the maple, however the box will be treated to a BASF RM Diamont base/clear paint job. ( I was certified factory trained refinish painter in '03 at the BASF training facility in Missisauga, On )

Not quite sure on the color yet... I was thinking classic D403 black ( black diamont tint base ) or maybe ford code FL ( light toreador red metallic ) that is VERY close to the same color as the baskets. I even thought of a pearl job, or a straight silver with some starflake... not 100% sure until I get it in primer and am in the shop digging in the cabinet.
post #10 of 147
Nice, I like the proposed unconventional cabinet.
post #11 of 147
Michael,

Finally you come to the right place,where DIY is common place
post #12 of 147
What kind of price on a cabinet build like that?
post #13 of 147
Quote:
Originally Posted by robertcharles View Post

What kind of price on a cabinet build like that?

Good question...Michael how mu do you charge ? (so I can beat the quote )
post #14 of 147
Are you going to paint the maple?
post #15 of 147
Thread Starter 
Painting the maple would be a sin. NO... definately not. Clear finish on it yes.

As far as cost... he is not cheap by any means, I have $ 1000 in materials already. That is with no labour! Just the maple for the top and accents, and the MDF.

Add in $ 2-300 in paint, I am probably looking at $ 2500 + for finished product. Regardless, it is what I want.
post #16 of 147
Nice to see you finally started Mike! Looks like it's going to be a stunner.

Check out FunkyWaves Audio too if you get a chance. He's got some really nice stuff and will do basically custom whatever. I've gotten a few quotes from him(Nathan) and I'm probably going to have him work on a cab or 2 for me in the future. It's pricey work too, but it'd be finished sooo much better than what I would do myself.
post #17 of 147
Thread Starter 
In case y'all forgot what the LMS looks like... I figured I would refresh your memory. These are the clear TI cones.
LL
post #18 of 147
Thread Starter 
Stack of precut panels glued up.... for the sides.
LL
post #19 of 147
yikes thats a fortune in cabinetry! Personally, I know a professional carpenter and he loves to come down and help me out in his workshop when I have project to do. Its nice in so many ways, he has access to much higher grade wood than is available at normal lumber stores and he sells to me at cost which is a great deal. Pretty soon here I will be trying my hand in fiberglass subs, just to see what I can do without the tens of thousands of dollars in tools.
post #20 of 147
Mike,

Good job,this section needs a few BIG sub projects. TheBEAST was going to be a killer commercial(besting all known commercials subs by a solid margin) ,now it has mutated into a killer DIY !

If only TC had the JL funds...

People,a good cabinet will cost ya,I have a cabinet maker I know who wants to cover my upcomming cabinets in exotic woods. Will cost from $900-1600 per cabinet...the finish. But looking like the finest finish found on Avalon's upscale. I may go with one to show the forum members what a class bird eye maple is.

High end DIY is major time,money and more time.
post #21 of 147
Thread Starter 
A VMP passive ready to go "under the knife", screwed into the first cutout. The basket is the same as the active drivers, and to fit in this cabinet, the rear portion ( normally used to mount the driver ) needs to go.
LL
post #22 of 147
Thread Starter 
Such a shame to mess up the powdercoat.... but heck what are you gonna do? First one was a little rough, the last 3 turned out alright, I still need to grind ( 36 grit sandpaper disc ) after protecting the spider.

The blade I used was a new blade, coarse as I could use, so that the chips were nice and cool, and not damage the spider. I stuffed some rags in the frame to cover the surround.
LL
post #23 of 147
Quote:
Originally Posted by michael hurd View Post

A VMP passive ready to go "under the knife", screwed into the first cutout. The basket is the same as the active drivers, and to fit in this cabinet, the rear portion ( normally used to mount the driver ) needs to go.


Nooooooo I will file a complaint to the TC woofer basket activists !

How dare you mutilate this beauty!
post #24 of 147
Thread Starter 
Hmm.... couldn't resist... the crowning achievement.... LMS5400 18", the King of subs!
LL
post #25 of 147
What are the measuments on that bad boy. Do you have the internal volume calculated?
post #26 of 147
Thread Starter 
It is a virtual clone of the unreleased "Beast" from TC sounds. Each face is 26 inches wide, and it stands 52 inches tall. Triangular, truncated corners. Volume was calculated to be 15.8 cu ft. ( as per the TC proto )

This one is going to be slightly different in that all angles are equal, to make cutting a bit easier. ( no CNC here.... )

Prototype was bubinga accents and top, I chose maple. I attached a picture of the "prototype BEAST" .
LL
post #27 of 147
1/2 height * base * height of enclosure in inches?

Divide that by 1728?

= or right around this is how you got the volume - braces?
post #28 of 147
I am asking about the area because my box will be about 20*25.5*61.5 internal- giving me 18.1 cf minus bracing and woofers and passives for a total of about 16.9 cf.
post #29 of 147
Looking closer, the corners really allow for a lot of added volume as opposed to a regular triangular shaped box. Really good design. Going to be a great build.
post #30 of 147
Thread Starter 
The box volume was calculated by TC. I am building it basically identically to theirs, volume might be a tad different, but this is really a non-issue.
LL
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